Renting short-term gets green light in Lackawaxen

By KATIE COLLINS 
Posted 4/28/21

LACKAWAXEN, PA — There was applause after the passage of Ordinance 114 on short-term rentals. Lackawaxen Township Supervisor Chairman Jeff Shook said the board was happy the ordinance had been …

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Renting short-term gets green light in Lackawaxen

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LACKAWAXEN, PA — There was applause after the passage of Ordinance 114 on short-term rentals. Lackawaxen Township Supervisor Chairman Jeff Shook said the board was happy the ordinance had been created, too. 

With the new ordinance, solicitor Tom Farley said that all short-term rentals that were in existence prior to the ordinance met the rules by paying the hotel and state tax. Once registered, the fee will be $100 with a yearly $50 renewal fee. The short-term rentals, less than 30-days, that did not meet the ordinance requirements prior, will pay a $300 fee to obtain a license with the same yearly $50 renewal fee. Farley asked that homeowners register with the township now and show their payment of the hotel and sales tax so they will only have a $100 fee for the application and license and $50 every year thereafter. 

Supervisor Mike Mancino countered online allegations of “favoritism” about the short-term rental ordinance by saying that the ordinance was designed by the township’s zoning and code officer, solicitor and planning commissioner who worked for nearly two years. Farley said it took a long time because there were many changes made and issues encountered. Because the public was able to comment on the ordinance for at least six months at the planning commission meetings or the hearing prior to the April workshop, Mancino said, “For those who feel something unethical was done, those opportunities were available to come and share how you felt about the ordinance.” 

In the meantime, several members of the public commended the board and planning commission for their work to create the ordinance. Mancino praised the zoning officer and the planning commissioner who did a “fantastic job” because they “accommodated all of the major players in the residence, perfectly.” 

In other business, the board made a $500 donation to the Dickson House Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Milford for supplies and snacks, canceled the contract with Certified Arborist LLC for tree trimming along Lance Corporal Jacob Beisel Road, is advertising a five-year contract for mowing and weed whacking, announced a public hearing for Forest Volunteer Fire Department May 6 at 9 a.m. for financing for a ladder truck and the sale of apparatus to pay of the firehouse mortgage, and took no action on Wayne County’s feasibility study about a possible trail from Honesdale to Lackawaxen.

Sue Van Orden has sought a minor land development permit to open a greenhouse on her property and must meet various requirements about signage, hours of operation and more before she opens.

The board approved the 2020 stipend of $5,500 for the 22 members of the Central Volunteer Fire Department. 

Bills totaling $94,993.41 were approved to be paid from the general fund. The board also awarded five contracts for tar and chipping to Wayco, Inc., the successful bidder.

The township cleanup will be Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

lackawaxen, township, short term rental, dickson house, children's advocacy center

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