comprehensive and educational, and she expressed support for the outcome of the ordinance.
Councilman Leighton Newlin read the following prepared statement: "Before we get into the
language of this ordinance, I want to start where all good work starts - with the people who
rolled up their sleeves and got it done. My deep thanks to Deputy Administrator and Health
Officer Jeff Grosser, the STR Steering Team, the committee members, and everyone who
showed up with data, honesty, and a willingness to wrestle with the hard questions. This
wasn’t just drafting policy - this was problem-solving in real time, as a team. What you see
tonight is more than regulation. It’s a reflection of who we are as a community. Princeton
is-and has always been-a beautiful place to visit. Folks come here from everywhere, drawn to
the energy, the history, the culture, the feeling. But our responsibility on this dais is bigger
than being a postcard destination. Our job is to make sure Princeton remains a place where
people can actually live, raise families, build roots, and feel like they belong on their own
block. This ordinance says loud and clear: we value community. We value neighbors. We
value stability. We value the kind of Princeton where year-round residents aren’t pushed out
by speculation, and where the quality of life that built this town is protected for the long haul.
And let me be real for a moment - having the right idea is easy. Anybody can talk vision. But
working together to turn that vision into a real, balanced, equitable solution? That’s where
leadership shows up. That’s where character shows up. And that’s exactly what this team
delivered. At the end of the day - and yes, I said it - Princeton works when Princeton works
together. And this right here is proof."
Mayor Mark Freda opened the public hearing first to those attending the meeting in person,
then to those via "Zoom".
In Person:
James Mogilever, a short-term rental operator in Princeton, thanked Council for the time and
consideration given to the ordinance. He stated that he appreciated the inclusion of a
three-year phase-out period, which would provide flexibility while operators determine
future plans. Mr. Mogilever respectfully requested that Council consider adding a sunset or
review clause to revisit the prohibition on non-primary residence short-term rentals. He
suggested conducting the review two years into the three-year phase-out period to allow
Council to evaluate actual Princeton data rather than relying on anecdotal information or
examples from other municipalities.
Chip Crider, Bank Street, stated that the ordinance was a good first step but expressed
concerns regarding enforcement, parking regulation compliance, and affordability. He
encouraged Council to proceed with the ordinance and noted that the three-year phase-out
period for existing operations was generous. Mr. Crider also suggested revising zoning
ordinance definitions to further clarify what constitutes a short-term rental.
Natalia Mogilever thanked Council for its work on the ordinance and stated that short-term
rentals are not only a business for her family, but also a passion.
Via "Zoom":
Tina Clement, 13 Vandeventer, stated that she supported Council’s efforts regarding
short-term rentals and asked questions concerning rooming houses. Specifically, she inquired
