Middlesex County officials encouraged to monitor Airbnbs

by Larry Chowning –

During the public comment period at the Sept. 13 Middlesex County Board of Supervisors meeting, Kilmers Point resident Hal Muller complained about the county’s lack of regulatory concern over the rise in Airbnb rental units in Middlesex County.

“I was here four months ago asking you to look over your ordinance section on running Airbnbs in the county,” he said. “You need to establish guardrails to protect the people who are renting and for the neighbors who live close.”

“Do you know where they all are (in the county)? If you don’t, lodging taxes are slipping through your hands?” he said. “I find it sad that I have to light a fire under you to look into this.”

Muller said that there should be limits to the number of people allowed in short-term rentals particularly during holidays. He complained about Bethpage Campground where he says there are “no regulations” to prevent weekend noise that can be heard for miles.

Later in the meeting, county planner David Kretz informed the board that he had taken the Airbnbs county ordinance to the Middlesex County Ordinance Committee but they felt the ordinance was sufficient.

Members of the staff indicated that they routinely search the internet for new Airbnbs in Middlesex and whenever they see one they check to make sure…