The Morristown council put the question of bed and breakfasts to sleep tonight.
Councilwoman Alison Deeb argued for creation of an ordinance to allow B & Bs as a conditional use, contending such establishments could benefit the town and promote preservation of historic mansions. She cited a town study 20 years ago that recommended allowing B & Bs on a trial basis, under strict guidelines.
But Councilwoman Rebecca Feldman and Mayor Tim Dougherty said a lot has changed in two decades.
Rather than spend money on a new study, the Mayor advised waiting until next year when the matter could be included in a broader re-examination of town zoning laws. And that’s where the council left things.
Alison said residents’ concerns about transients, parking and enforcement could be addressed in a “well thought out” ordinance.
“The more alternatives we can offer these mansions for preservation, the better. The Grove’s taxes are $36,000 a year– $100 a day,” she said.
The Grove is a mansion for sale on Macculloch Avenue.
While supporting the B & B concept “very enthusiastically,” Alison said she would drop the issue if the council felt differently. She is the council’s only Republican.
Ken Miller, chairman of the town’s historic preservation commission, recently questioned the preservation value of B & B’s in a neighborhood forum. Linda Carrington, another resident of the town’s historic district, downplayed comparisons of Morristown to shore towns such as Cape May that allow B & Bs.
“What is Morristown’s attraction?” Linda asked the council. “We don’t have a beach. Bed and breakfasts are okay. But where’s your focus? Are you interested in bringing in tourists? How can you help hotels that are already here?”
Resident June Poppele of the Windmill Pond development came to the meeting because she welcomes the notion of two or three B & Bs.
“I think Morristown would be the ideal town for it,” she said. “There’s so much charm about it. It would be extra business. The Grove would be ideal.”
An ordinance is unnecessary because anyone wishing to start a bed and breakfast can request a variance from the zoning board, asserted Councilman James Smith. Alison Deeb countered that it’s “cost prohibitive” to seek a variance.
Most homeowners don’t want transients in their neighborhoods, according to Rebecca Feldman, who expressed concerns about “unintended consequences.” She would want new reports and public hearings before deciding whether to back a B & B ordinance, she said.
“I think we’ve studied this enough,” Alison said, citing $20,000 in recent planning board fees for other cases.
Morristown has wonderful attractions, and OnFarragut twists what Ms. Feldman was saying.
However, we don’t need B&B in historic neighborhoods like Farragut. If you’re in over your head, sell.
What ARE Morristown’s attractions? Hmm… Macculloch Hall, the Morris Museum, Acorn Hall, Washington’s Headquarters, the Community Theatre, scores of excellent restaurants… yeah, you’re right, Rebecca… who’d want to come HERE ?