🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Cheektowaga, NY
Public Safety Concerns Drive Cheektowaga’s STR Debate
Cheektowaga Eyes New Rules for Short-Term Rentals Amid Safety Concerns
Cheektowaga is taking a closer look at short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo, as town leaders weigh new rules to address both safety and neighborhood impacts. At the August 26 Town Board Meeting, residents made it clear that public safety is at the top of their minds—and short-term rentals are part of that bigger conversation.
The meeting opened with a fiery public comment from a resident frustrated by rising crime, taxes, and what they described as a lack of accountability from local officials. While the main concerns centered on public safety, the timing felt fitting, as the board later turned its attention to a proposed law regulating short-term rentals.
Town Attorney Fowler outlined the framework: hosts would need to secure licenses, rentals would undergo regular safety inspections, and any property that fails to comply could be shut down. The goal? To make sure STRs aren’t just profitable for owners, but also safe and sustainable for neighbors.
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For Cheektowaga, this is more than paperwork. With street racing, nuisance complaints, and crime already weighing on residents, the town wants to prevent STRs from becoming another unchecked problem. Licensing and inspections are designed to put accountability on owners while protecting the character of neighborhoods.
Interestingly, no residents spoke during the public hearing itself. But written feedback was submitted, showing that while some may not have taken the mic, people are paying attention. The board noted that community engagement is still a cornerstone of the process, especially for an issue that touches housing, safety, and quality of life.
What happens next? If the law passes, Cheektowaga would have sharper tools to regulate STRs—giving officials the ability to act quickly if a property causes trouble. That’s a big step in making sure the rise of Airbnbs doesn’t come at the cost of peace of mind for long-term residents.
The August 26 meeting made one thing clear: Cheektowaga residents want both safer streets and smarter rules. The proposed short-term rental law is a direct response to that call for action, showing the town’s willingness to adapt as new challenges emerge.
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