Over a dozen Penn Forest residents spoke out against short-term rentals during public comment at the November supervisors meeting.

Dana Lezoche, who led the charge, said, “My life has been affected. We vote you in. We pay the taxes. It’s been documented for five years in all developments.”

Lezoche added, “Do what’s right for our people.”

Other residents spoke about the “ridiculous size” of STRs and suggested rules such as only allowing smaller size rentals or renters on specific days.

When asked if a hotel tax can be charged to rental property owners, Supervisor Christian Bartulovich responded that “municipalities can’t do that; counties can.”

Other residents expressed concerns about the land being clear cut and asked if there could be restrictions on that.

“We’re concerned and we are discussing it,” noted solicitor Tom Nanovic.

Other issues raised by residents were trash, noise, fireworks and the fact that there is no way for state police to enforce local ordinances.

Rebecca Gallagher, executive director of Pocono Association of Vacation Rental Owners, said, “Penn Forest homeowners have rights.”

Gallagher noted that no one wants the trash and noise. She offered to come talk to Penn Forest Township and offer her association as a resource.

Johnny Correll, a builder with Nonstop Builders, said that he is just trying to earn a living and support his family. Correll stated that there are a lot of personal opinions and asked for facts and data.

“We’re investigating different options and trying to do what we can,” noted Bartulovich.

Residents were encouraged to continue to record complaints on the township portal.