🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Somers Point, NJ

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Somers Point’s STR Showdown: Council Picks Seven-Night Rule in Close Call

SOMERS POINT — In a tight 4–3 vote on June 12, the Somers Point City Council approved a controversial ordinance extending the minimum stay for short-term rentals from three nights to seven—a move that’s got the whole town talking.

Councilman Sean McGuigan, the amendment’s sponsor, made no secret of his intent: preserve neighborhoods and slow the constant turnover of guests. For McGuigan and others in favor, this change is about community first. He pointed to concerns from long-time residents—like elderly neighbors feeling uneasy with a new group every few days or young parents reluctant to let their kids play outside due to the revolving door of unfamiliar faces.

Supporters of the stricter rules also cited infrastructure strain and dropping school enrollment as consequences of STR growth. They argued that the city’s residential fabric is fraying under the weight of frequent guest turnover—up to 360 new faces per month in some neighborhoods.

But not everyone’s on board. Hosts and homeowners pushed back hard, saying the new seven-night rule is not just regulation—it’s elimination. The Somers Point Hosts and Residents Coalition warned that this would kill 97% of current bookings, undercut local spending, and gut revenue from occupancy taxes and business licenses. STR operators like Mike Halpern, who generated over $63,000 in bookings in just over a year, argued that the city risks losing over $600,000 in annual tax revenue.

Multiple hosts noted they’ve poured time, money, and energy into their properties with the understanding that the existing three-night minimum would remain in place. Some even suggested compromise: grandfathering existing STRs, capping numbers, or exploring a licensing system similar to liquor licenses.

The city’s own Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC) voted against the amendment, citing a potential economic hit to businesses town-wide. And even Councilwoman Janice Johnston, who had previously led a comprehensive review of STR regulations, said the current system was working and had already reduced complaints.

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With implementation delayed until December 31, a window remains for further collaboration. Councilman Howard Dill and Council candidate Levi Fox both expressed willingness to revisit the topic with hosts and residents in the months ahead.

Bottom line? The new seven-night rule may be passed, but the debate over short-term rentals in Somers Point is far from over.

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