Help Save Brigantine Tourism, Support Short Term Rentals

We are asking for your support to sign this petition to the Mayor and City Council to reject the proposed Short Term Rental requirements presented to the community on August 16th, 2023.

Brigantine City

1417 W. Brigantine Blvd.

Brigantine, New Jersey 08203

Subject: Petition Against the Short-Term Rental Regulations

Dear Mayor Sera and City Council,

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and concerned citizens of Brigantine, support the Short Term Rental Association and are asking that the Council reject the proposed Short Term Rental requirements proposed by the City’s Short Term Rental Committee on August 16, 2023.  While we understand the need to appropriately regulate these rentals to preserve the unique character of our town, we believe that the proposed overly restrictive requirements put forth by the City’s STR subcommittee may inadvertently stifle the economic vitality, tourism, and vibrancy that have been an integral part of our community for decades.  Furthermore, since there is only one hotel on the island, the short-term rentals help the City meet its Public Trust Doctrine requirements by allowing people of all walks of life to enjoy our beaches without further City funded infrastructure.  Finally, the current proposal seems to have been rushed and prepared based upon inaccurate facts, such as, an erroneous number of short-term rental properties in Brigantine, the lack of data regarding adverse short-term rental incidents and need/cost analysis for additional enforcement staff. 

Vacation rentals have allowed homeowners to supplement their incomes, support local businesses on a year-round basis (including restaurants, churches and shops) and contribute to our area's tax base.  These homeowners are not large corporate conglomerates but rather individuals committed to preserving the charm and residential quality of life that make our community special while providing access to vacationers who cannot afford the luxury of owning a beach property.  If adopted, the current proposal would force many of these homeowners to sell their properties and result in a decline in tourism.  A more balanced approach can be achieved through further fact-finding; a more collaborative effort between fulltime residents, property owners, and stakeholders to find productive solutions; and enforcement of the existing regulations.  We hope that further dialogue will unite us as a community to preserve the essence of our island while ensuring its economic viability into the future.

We respectfully urge you to reject the proposed overly restrictive regulations and instead take the time needed for a well-balanced proposal which will benefit all members of our wonderful community.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our perspective.

Brigantine Short Term Rental Association    Contact the author of the petition