Mountain Times - Volume 48, Number 21: May 22-28, 2019

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46 • The Mountain Times • May 22-28, 2019 Rental summit: Homeowners learn how to improve continued from page 42 short-term rentals. That’s why Gov. Phil Scott’s administration is commissioning a study. “We need this data for a lot of reasons,” Windham County state Sen. Becca Balint said. “This is a new industry and we have a responsibility to fully understand the moving parts.” The state recently began requiring hosts to comply with basic health and safety standards and register with the Department of Taxes. “We’re not opposed to regulation as long as it’s sensible,” said Joseph Montano of the Expedia Group, which includes such websites as HomeAway and Vrbo. “Vermont has gone with a pretty light touch, which is great. I think it understands the value of the tourism dollars that come through.” Many speakers said the debate surrounding short-term rentals, affordable housing and traditional lodging wasn’t so clear-cut, in part because many Vermont Airbnb offerings are in rural areas without as much population or access to hotels or motels. “We have estimates upon estimates, but we don’t know a lot about this topic – it’s been primarily an anecdotal conversation,” said Douglas Farnham of the state Department of Taxes. “I think it makes sense to learn more. It’s common sense that better data makes for better decisions.” That said, state officials don’t believe Vermont’s 6,000 short-term rental properties are wreaking havoc on its 300,000-unit housing market. “We have a lot of challenges,” Farnham said, “but from a statewide perspective, I don’t believe 2 percent of the property is big enough to account for the housing struggles we’re feeling.” Likewise, short-term rental operators said their aim wasn’t to undercut the hospitality industry but instead to expand it. “There’s a never-ending supply of tourists for all of us and unlimited opportunity to increase the economic benefits for our state,” Ford said. “We understand there are concerns, but we should all be working together. Our goal is to continue this conversation.” Kinder Quotes By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Some 200 people attended the first Vermont Short Term Rental Summit in Brattleboro. By Amy Braun, illustrated by Donovan Piccicuto Kinder Quotes is written by Rochester kindergarten teacher Amy Braun, a compilation of the funny things that kids in her class say. Rockin’ the Region: continued from page 21 and full backline there for anyone to use, which includes drums, mics, and amps. Basically, everything is there, and bands just have to bring their instruments. It’s a big room that bands can do a lot with. Nostrand said, “The acoustics are pretty amazing. They can rehearse and play as loud as they want. They get a block of time where they can focus on new songs or honing their chops on songs they’ve been playing.” Nostrand has told me about some of the bands that play there and I’m excited to check out new talent. One punk band, Middle Son, plays there every Sunday. Nostrand said, “They crank. I’m hugely impressed with how hard they work.” Nostrand said it’s an opportunity for bands to practice in a space that’s set up A Sound Space gives budding musicians a place to practice, with a live audience as if you were on stage. “A lot of times bands are in a basement or someone’s living room and you’re cramped in a tight space.” I always hear about bands practicing in their parent’s garage, so this can really help them escape that and get to the near reality of playing in a club. Nostrand added, “It’s as close to a live stage as you can get.” Two weeks ago, the Plumb Bobs were the first band to play in the live rehearsal set up. It’s kind of setup like “VH1 Storytellers,” but Nostrand explained it best: “It’s a live practice. They worked on songs as if they were in a rehearsal. I introduced and interviewed them and the cool thing is, the audience got to participate and ask questions as they went along; questions like, ‘Why did you choose that song?’ and ‘How do you decide what songs to play?’ It was really fun and relaxed. It also reflects what’s going on here. It’s not really a performance venue, but a rehearsal space. Not many people know what bands do in rehearsal. I’ve always been a big fan of process and behind-thescenes stuff. I think it’s interesting to see how things work out. Most of the time people just see the band on stage. This is a cool format.” I highly recommend checking it out because you’re going to see new music in a cool new way. This is great for the aspiring or established musician, solo or full band. Nostrand will be on hand to answer any questions and give an intricate tour of the space. Find A Sound Space on Facebook. Courtesy Dave Hoffenberg A Sound Space is a new studio space that allows musicians and bands to rehearse in a setting, while an audience can watch.
The Mountain Times • May 22-28, 2019 • 47 June 8, 2019 6pm at the Killington Grand Hotel Enjoy a fabulous dinner and dance party with Satin & Steel in support of the Rutland Heart Center Ticket(s) at $125 per person. Please register online at www.RRMC.org or contact sbryan@rrmc.org or call 802.747.3629.
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Mountain Times - Volume 48, Number 21: May 22-28, 2019

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