THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, March 22, 2019 Page 3 What to do about Airbnb’s Special Town Meeting called for April 8 for some zoning and “timing issues” By Mark E. Vogler L ocal concerns about Airbnb and a few “timing issues” have prompted Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to call for a Special Town Meeting for next month. After listening to the manager’s briefing on matters he said the town needed to consider nearly a month before the May 6 Annual Town Meeting, selectmen voted to close the warrant and approve a date. The Special Town Meeting is set for Monday, April 8 at 7:30 PM in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Crabtree didn’t present any written articles or proposals, but rather highlighted several articles he would like to see considered by Town Meeting members prior to the Annual Town Meeting. Crabtree said the town has received numerous complaints about an increase in Airbnblike activity and advertising where homes are being rented out for travelers looking for a place to stay. “There are a few places in Saugus advertising as Airbnbs,” Crabtree told the board. With the Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett coming, the town manager said he thought the residents “would be appreciative of this,” he said of proposed zoning by-law amendments that would have to be considered by the Planning Board. Residents in Saugus -- like other communities throughCENSUS DAY | from page 2 the workload, employees may be requested to go to other nearby communities,” Messeder said. “Once we get into the fall of 2019, we will renew recruiting activities to recruit at least 4,700 for our peak operations, which will run into the June 2020 time frame,” he said. “Census Day” at the Saugus Public Library This is the announcement the U.S. Census Bureau issued this week for Saugus residents: out the state -- are concerned about the impact on neighborhoods from increased traffic and other adverse effects from residents who would frequently rent out space in their homes. Residents in some other communities have blamed the Airbnb-like rentals on causing parking problems and other neighborhood issues. Earlier this year, Gov. Charlie Baker suggested that landlords be required to collect hotel taxes if they rent out rooms for at least five months each year on Airbnb and related services. Baker estimated his plan would earn $12 million in fiscal 2018. Several communities are considering zoning to regulate these businesses with an eye The United States Census Bureau is in the process of recruiting applicants to work on the upcoming Decennial Census. The Saugus Public Library will hold a Census Day on April 1 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A representative from the Census Bureau will be on site to give information about the jobs they are recruiting for and toward protecting tax revenue. Crabtree mentioned that Newton has had some concerns about potential problems. As far as “timing issues,” Crabtree said one article would be related to the purchase of a compressor unit and other parts in the air conditioning system at Veterans Memorial Elementary School. The air conditioning system “went down” last spring “and needs to be fixed before the warm weather sets in,” the town manager said. There’s also a need to replace a water main to provide more pressure. This would also involve reclamation of the area as well as the construction of a new sidewalk. assist anyone interested in the online application process. The jobs are well paying with flexible hours. Employees will receive paid training and be paid on a weekly basis. Work related mileage is reimbursed as well. If you are not able to attend the Census Day on April 1, you can apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs. It’s another “timing issue” because the bid for the project needs to go out in June with the work completed over the summer, according to the town manager. Crabtree said he is also seeking more funds for parks and playground improvements. Some of those improvements may also involve security, he said. No information was available on the projected costs of the articles or how the various improvements would be funded. $2.57GALLONGALLON Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 $3.39 We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Every kind of job for one kind of person. Exceptional. Encore Boston Harbor is hiring. Explore thousands of fulfilling careers. You deserve an Encore. In accordance with our host and surrounding community agreements, hiring preference is given to properly qualified residents of the cities of (1) Everett, (2) Malden, and (3) Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Medford, and Somerville.
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