IRVINGTON—A proposed short term rental (STR) on Chesapeake Drive stirred up a contentious debate during a public hearing at the Tuesday, March 5, Irvington planning commission meeting.
Evan and Trisha Knisley submitted a conditional use permit application to operate an STR at 692 Chesapeake Drive. Neighbors Steve Reiss and John Randall expressed related concerns and objections.
According to Reiss, the 6,322-square-foot, five bedroom and seven bathroom house would allow for up to 10 overnight guests and up to, if not more, 20 daytime guests. With four homes in the cul-de-sac, density could double at night and increase five-fold during the day, he said.
Chesapeake Drive is just 14 feet wide at the end of the road and it is not safe for the influx of vehicles that would likely arrive in the neighborhood, continued Reiss. Comparing the size of the house to other buildings throughout town, with the exception of Tides Inn, he said it would be the largest single operating business in the town.
Randall said he agreed with Reiss’s remarks. In the six months the Knisleys have owned the house and during the application process he had not met nor heard from them, he said.
Randall also noted concerns for waterfront safety and….
