Short-term rentals divide Empire

Fireworks at the Village of Empire monthly workshop meeting lit up the room as council, committee, and community members sparred over possible regulations regarding Short-Term Rentals (STRs) Thursday, May 9.

“Since this whole short-term rental thing has started, there’s been nothing but pure contention and fighting between neighbor and neighbor about this,” Tina Dunphey said in a public comment. “This is such a hot mess. I was born and raised here ... I have never, ever, ever witnessed anything so incredibly destructive to the community as this topic alone.”

All sides were displayed on the fiery night that led to more questions than it solved as Empire continues the STR debate.