THE REVERE ADVOCATE – Friday, December 6, 2019 Page 9 Councillors vote to crack down on short-term home rentals to make room for permanent housing By Tara Vocino C ity Councillors unanimously passed a motion by a voice vote to revise Boston’s shortterm rental business ordinance to be applicable to the city of Revere during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall. Councillors are hoping to crack down on the number of homes and condominiums being purchased for short-term rental businesses, which are reducing permanent housing options. Originally reported as a motion out of committee with the recommendation to be placed on file until January 2020, some councillors thought it was time to move forward. Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso, who is one of the makers of the motion, along with Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe and Ward 1 City Councillor Joanne McKenna, said they’ve been talking about it since the summer, and it’s time to mirror Boston’s proposal. Keefe said there has been a steady increase in the number of short-term businesses coming up, amounting to more than 200 citywide. “The greatest outcome to creating some legitimacy to a short-term rental ordinance is it will help increase the tight housing stock, which is making cities, like Revere, less affordable for the working class,” Keefe said. Guinasso said the short-term rental businesses are creating unnecessary problems. “It creates havoc in the community,” Guinasso said. “We should put ‘ReMayor announces holiday initiatives, including Santa Walk and Tree and Menorah lightings T he City of Revere will spread the festive spirit of the holiday season with a bundle of holiday festivities and initiatives announced by Mayor Brian Arrigo. “The holidays are always an exciting time of year in the City of Revere,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “I encourage residents to shop locally to support our main street businesses and join together with neighbors for the many festive events across our great community.” This season kicks off with the 8th annual Santa Walk at Revere High School on December 7 at 3:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join at the starting line in front of Revere High School and parade down Broadway to the finish line at City Hall; the registration deadline was December 5. All proceeds from the Santa Walk will benefit beautification projects around the city. The Santa Walk leads directly into the City of Revere Tree Lighting at 4:45 p.m. After the walk, residents are welcome to enjoy a night filled with fun and holiday cheer, including free photos with Santa Claus, trackless train & pony rides, cookie decorating and a whole lot more. The following day, Sunday, December 8, at 5:00 p.m. the holidays will shine in the Beachmont neighborhood for a Tree Lighting ceremony at Douglas Cummings Park on Crescent Avenue. As we head into this season of giving, stop by the newly opened restaurant Dryft (500 Ocean Ave.) on December 11 at 6:00 p.m. for the annual Coats for Kids drive. On December 12, Shirley Avenue will glow following the annual Tree Lighting at Costa Park at 4:45 p.m. The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra will play the annual Robert A. Marra Memorial “Sounds of Christmas” conHOLIDAY | SEE PAGE 21 Dr. Priti Amlani Dr. Bruce Goldman Dr. Bhavisha Patel vere’ where it says ‘Boston’,” said the council president, referring to a map. Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky echoed a similar sentiment as Guinasso – that he doesn’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be voted on Monday. Ward 5 City Councillor John Powers said he recently noticed a car that had California plates taking away a parking spot from a resident, while at the same time, not producing taxes. “It’s long overdue,” Powers said. There was little to no discussion during the Legislative Affairs Sub-Committee meeting on the motion. Regulating short-term businesses, regulating short-term homes Also reported out of committee: Councillors voted unanimously by a voice vote to draft a zoning amendment for a oneyear moratorium on converting single family homes to two-family homes. “People are buying homes, moving their furniture in, and immediately renting it out into a two- family,” Guinasso said. “I think they should own it for at least a few years before converting it.” Guinasso said it’s ruining the fabric of the community, and it’s not good for the neighborhood. Novoselsky said it’s not doing any good sitting there and encouraged a vote on the motion. Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Eastern bank Bldg. Rt-1 605 Broadway, #301 Saugus, MA 01906 781-233-6844 www.bostonnorthdental.com Full mouth Rehabilitation Before After
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