Why Pretend About Being Open Minded, And That Zoning Matters?

I find this section on short term rentals to be insincere, and biased. After reading it all and taking the poll, I am left with the distinct impression that it has already been decided by Town staff and the consultants that there will be STR's in Groton, it is just that we need to go through the dance of feigning open mindedness before arriving at that pre-determined conclusion.

There is absolutely no acknowledgement, in the discussion nor the poll, that one valid viewpoint and choice is the reality which is - that the Town of Groton's Zoning Regulations currently do not allow for hotel-like short term rentals in residential zones! The regulations themselves stipulate that if a use is not addressed, it is not allowed. A hairdresser business, a bed and breakfast, and a doctor's office - these are all businesses allowed in homes in residential zones, because the regulations do address them. Short terms rentals are not addressed, anywhere, in the Town and City zoning regulations.

The irony or insincerity of all of this is that the author of this Greater Groton site takes great pains to acknowledge the sanctity of zoning regulations, and all of the related do's and dont's which will help us manage Groton. All, while at the same time, completely ignoring the integrity of the current zoning regulations which govern the topic of short-term rental businesses in residential zones.