Resort Homes Need Defining?

CAPE MAY – In recent years, Cape May has had a difficult time with rental properties that are used for more commercial usage other than simply being a rental home. These homes advertise that they can provide wedding services, reunions and other types of events. These events are impacting the local residents more negatively than suspected.
“It’s a quality of life issue,” Police Captain Robert Sheehan stated. These extra events are causing a drastic increase in traffic and noise violations. However, Sheehan said that city police “did not want to be in the business of giving a noise summons to a bride and groom.”
Mayor Edward Mahaney stressed that the purpose of resort homes had to “stay true to the mission of the city.” Mahaney also said that people, “can have a good time as long as they are not infringing on someone else’s rights.”
The committee looked at how Avalon defined a resort home as the starting point for the unique definition Cape May will eventually write. Avalon defines resort homes as being a residence that is advertised as a destination location for events.
Avalon also touches on the idea of being a transient commercial property, which prompted debate among the committee as to what being commercial actually meant. According to Anthony Monzo, city attorney, “if it is not residential it is commercial.” The definition of a commercial property will be touched on in the city’s definition of a resort home.
Mary McKenny, owner of four rental properties and Advisory Committee member, stated that a resort home could be defined by the amenities the property offered or how they advertised themselves.
Bruce MacLeod, city manager, said in conversations he has had with some year round residents that they have stated the events would not be problematic if they were being held for the property owner. A wedding for the niece of the rental property’s owner would be of less concern than a renter using the property for such an event.
Mahaney stated that the problem is not in the event itself but that “they have become a festival now.” The streets are littered with not only patrons of the event but catering trucks, entertainment trucks, tent set up and other vendors.
Residents were concerned about the definition that was being created. Trisha Hendricks stressed to the committee the usage of the word resort. Cape May is cited as being one of the first seashore resorts. “The word resort should not have a negative connotation,” she told the committee.
Harry Bellangy told the committee “these issues have been growing for years. This is just the start.”
Monzo will take the suggestions from both the committee and residents to construct Cape May’s unique resort home definition.
The Advisory Committee plans to meet again Nov. 25 at 2 pm to discuss resort homes further.
To contact Ashley Hoff, email ahoff@cmcherald.com.