Rothesay Town Council approved a 10-year municipal plan during Monday night's meeting. (Video capture from YouTube)
The town of Rothesay has approved a new municipal plan to guide the community for the next decade.
The plan passed unanimously at Monday’s council meeting with some changes.
At a public hearing in February, residents raised concerns about initial plans to prohibit short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs.
There was also a proposal to regulate modular, mobile and manufactured homes as “incompatible with the architectural and characteristic housing styles” in the town.
Mayor Nancy Grant said changes were made after the town heard feedback at the public hearing and received written comments.
“The amendments are removal of all references to manufactured housing and a change from banning short-term rentals to regulating short-term rentals,” Grant said.
Grant said she believes it will balance development with maintaining Rothesay’s “small-town character.”
“I would just like to thank staff for the massive amount of work that went into this. I think there are some wonderful things for the town,” she said.
Brian White, director of planning and development services for the town, said there are some projects coming in the queue which can hopefully take advantage of some of the new policies regarding affordable and accessible housing in the town.
Work began on creating a new 10-year plan for Rothesay in June 2018.
Concerns were also raised at February’s public hearing about low engagement in the process. The blame was placed partially on the pandemic since public meetings could not be held.
