During a recent government meeting, developer Jimmy Lemkemeyer presented a proposal for a new lodging project at 250 East Broadway, aimed at creating smaller, more affordable short-term rentals. Lemkemeyer expressed concerns that upcoming regulatory changes could unintentionally hinder his plans, which align with the town's goals for increased occupancy and affordability.

Lemkemeyer explained that his design features a unique layout where each bedroom connects to multiple units, allowing for flexible configurations. This setup enables the rentals to be offered as one, two, or three-bedroom units based on demand, thereby increasing occupancy rates and maintaining profitability even at lower lease rates.

However, the proposed regulations would prohibit this innovative design, as they restrict connected short-term rentals if their combined square footage exceeds 1,500 square feet. While Lemkemeyer noted that his largest three-bedroom unit would fall below this limit, the interconnected nature of his design would push the total square footage beyond the regulatory threshold.

Lemkemeyer urged the council to consider adjustments to the new regulations to accommodate his project, emphasizing that such flexibility in rental configurations could significantly contribute to the town's housing goals. His appeal highlights the ongoing dialogue between developers and local government regarding the balance between regulation and innovation in housing solutions.