WEST CAPE MAY — Mayor Carol Sabo introduced a proposal May 14 to help identify illegal rentals in West Cape May.
“This request came from a continuing concern that we have rentals in the borough that are not complying with our system,” Sabo said. “This would capture lost revenue and make sure they are properly licensed and insured. If they’re out there, I personally think it’s a good investment.”
The borough would hire Deckard Technologies to create online reports, locate illegal rentals and pinpoint the websites they are using to rent their properties.
The mayor suggested testing it for a year, then evaluating its benefits.
Deputy Mayor George Dick suggested talking to Cape May officials because the city has worked with the company.
Commissioners decided to discuss the topic with Cape May officials, generate questions and return to the proposal during the next meeting.
Commissioners also discussed an ordinance that would regulat bamboo.
“We should be more proactive in saying that bamboo and other invasive species are prohibited because of the detrimental effects on the borough,” Sabo said, suggesting they solicit an opinion from the Environmental Commission.
Dick said other area municipalities have implemented ordinances regarding invasive species because of the negative effects on ecosystems.
“It’s not native, and it freezes out everything else in its way,” Dick said. “We should consider other invasive species as well because there’s a list of 10 different things that most of you would know, like the tree of heaven.”
“A thousand thank you for bringing invasives to the table,” one resident said during public comment. “There’s a lot of research about how invasives take the place of natives. We need to have some limits that will, in the long run, benefit us. As a resident and a member of the Environmental Commission, I am 100 percent in favor of the ordinance banning bamboo.”
Dick announced the borough has been re-certified as a Tree City USA.
“We got a note from The Arbor Day Foundation that we are certified as a Tree City again. It’s a testament to our hard work,” he said.
By JULIA DIGERONIMO/For the Star and Wave
