Short-Term Rental Concerns & Legislation Discussion in Roxbury - Residents Question Constable’s Duties, Comp. Plan Task Force Plans

ROXBURY - The Roxbury Town Board has been hashing out a short-term rental law for the past few months. At the April 13th board meeting, the council tabled the discussion to review notes from Town Attorney Kristin Pratt. Some questions included further examination of inspection requirements and whether the board will exempt properties not rented year-round.

During public comment, residents raised concerns and questioned the regulations.

One resident asked how the town can enforce regulations, as it already struggles to enforce current codes.

Another resident who works as a contractor said many rental owners are aware of local legislation and are operating under the radar. They no longer use sites like Airbnb and are relying solely on word of mouth or renting to family and friends.

Pratt acknowledged the concerns as valid, and both items are being reviewed as the local law is developed. “There is not a perfect solution,” she said, but there are other laws that can be reviewed to create a decent enforcement structure. Adjustments to the law can be adopted if issues arise, she added.

Assessor Clerk Stephanie Seminara reported that of the roughly 60 real estate sales for the 2026 tax period, 31% are used as short-term rentals. “That is a high number for a municipality of our size,” she said, noting that it is her opinion.

One resident asked whether those were full-time rentals or rented for part of the year to help homeowners afford the property. Seminara said that without further research, she could not give a definitive answer, but she suspects it is a mix of both situations.

Supervisor Allen Hinkley noted that short-term rentals are, in some ways, helpful to the community, which has nine wedding venues and few motel or hotel options. “My biggest concern is health and safety…” he noted, adding that neighborly conduct is similarly a concern. “It's a big issue and we are trying to address it as best we can as a board,” Hinkley concluded.

Once the draft is completed, the board will be required to present the proposed law to the public and schedule a public hearing for comments.

Constable Concerns

During public comment, several residents raised concerns about Constable Steven Williamson's satisfaction with recent job duty adjustments.

One individual simply commented on their pleasure with Williamson’s service. “I just wanted to say thank you to Steve Williamson for all you have done keeping the peace all these years.”

One resident, who identified as Williamson’s sister-in-law, said the written regulations for constable differ from the duties Williamson has always performed in his 40+ years of service. She explained that he is now only permitted to work 8-hour days and is not allowed to direct traffic. She asked for clarity on the job description. In addition, she explained a recent incident where a resident in need of help called Williamson and was scolded by a County Deputy Sheriff for doing so.

The individual in the story spoke up, noting that Williamson had come as a friend and that she was grateful. She further said that, in a small community such as Roxbury, it is challenging to see where the role of constable ends and the role of a friend begins.

Hinkley agreed, explaining that the only changes the town has requested are that Williamson remain around 40 hours a week and record such hours. Otherwise, Williamson can still make his own schedule as calls come in, explained Hinkley. Williamson is still permitted to direct traffic. After a discussion earlier in the day with Williamson, Hinkley reported that the Constable is pleased with how things are going.

There seems to be a communication disconnect, said Councilmember Deanna Osborn. She asked why Williamson would not come to the board directly with concerns.

Hinkley wrapped up the public comment on the issues, noting that individuals can bring other concerns to him or have Williamson come meet.

Later in the meeting, the board adopted changes to the Constable Code of Conduct. Hinkley reported the adjustments were all minor, mainly updating the language of the 40-year-old document. The key change was to appoint the supervisor to whom the constable reports. Hinkley said the original document listed another officer as superior, a position that never existed. The document is available for public viewing upon request to the town clerk.

Comprehensive Plan

Diane Monrow proposed forming a Comprehensive Plan Task Force.

The council adopted an updated comprehensive plan in late 2025 after two years of planning.

A task force, Monrow explained, would keep the document moving forward rather than sitting on a shelf. She is seeking five members, including two councilmembers. Monrow will develop a list of potential volunteers for review at the May board meeting.

Once established, Monrow said the task force would need to assess what goals outlined in the plan are already being met through endeavors such as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant.

Other Business

Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council is offering cooking classes. For more information, visit westerncatskills.org.

The water treatment plant will have the five-year tank cleaning and sediment removal at a cost of $4,895.

The town will enter an easement contract with NYSEG to cross a property on County Highway 8.

The Community Action Group asked the board to reach out to them for collaboration on entryway signage for the two hamlets. Signage is included in the DRI grant.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m.