[Weekend Pundit]

The 'explosive' growth of STRs in Gilford caught everyone off guard. At first it was thought we didn't need to address the issue right away...and then it became a problem in a number of neighborhoods.

While most of the commercial STRs are near the lake, basically along the NH Route 11 and Route 11B corridors between Alton and Laconia, the rest are scattered all over town. I think Gunstock likely has something to do with that.

Gilford looked at a number of other towns and cities inside and outside of New Hampshire to see how they handled it. Some were draconian and all encompassing (like North Conway's). Others addressed things like trash and parking, but not much else. Some restricted them to certain zones. Some banned them outright (like Conway, just to name one).

I have no doubt Meredith will work its way through this and find something that works for it. But I think it will take time and more meetings like this one to hash things out.