Dear Friends of the Cornwall Inn:

Mark and I have been owner operators of the Cornwall Inn for over eleven years. Over the course of this time, we have happily employed local residents, paid local taxes and complied with all necessary safety regulations and inspections. We have supported the Cornwall community through our business and our volunteer efforts. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to Cornwall's economy, run our business and raise our family in such a special place.

Until recently we have always felt supported and encouraged by our town officials. While doing business in Cornwall is not inexpensive, we have always felt it was worth the effort and cost. This past June, the Cornwall Zoning Board approved a Notice of Compliance letter which allows close to a dozen Cornwall homeowners to operate lodging businesses from their residences without requiring a special use permit. According to Section 3.3 of Cornwall Zoning Regulations, "Room and Board or Bed and Breakfast establishments" require special use permits. Without having to file for this permit, these businesses do not have to comply with the safety inspections and requirements, pay local business property taxes, purchase business insurance or collect and pay sales/occupancy taxes; thus, enabling them to operate at a much lower cost. Because they are not burdened with these expenses, they can offer their rooms at a deeply discounted rate. This unfair competition is having a significant adverse impact on our lodging business...one that cannot be sustained.

Please understand that we do NOT shy away from fair competition. Over our eleven years as Cornwall business owners we have endured the opening/reopening of several inns (Falls Village Inn, White Hart, Sharon County Inn and Rooster Tail). This type of competition is healthy, good for the local economy and makes us better innkeepers and business people. If homeowners wish to venture into the lodging business, we say--GO FOR IT--just do it above board and get the permit. It is clearly the responsibility of Cornwall's Zoning board to ensure that that these businesses have the proper permits, even if it does result in extra work for paid town employees. Lodging businesses that offer the same services as the Cornwall Inn and that are allowed to operate under a different set of rules have an unfair advantage. We are feeling the impact of this.

We are respectfully asking for your help. Please sign this petition to show your support for the Cornwall Inn. Your signature will tell the Cornwall Zoning Board of Appeals that you appreciate tax paying businesses that help Cornwall's economy and that you value having a legitimate lodging establishment in our town. We have an appeal hearing scheduled for Monday, August 24 at 7:30 at the library. It is an open meeting so if you can attend and voice your support, that would certainly be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,

The Cornwall Inn Family

Stacey, Mark, Ella and Trevor....Leo, too!