Meredith neighbors ask ZBA to reconsider Black Cove short-term rental decision

MEREDITH — The Meredith Zoning Board of Adjustment will weigh a request to reconsider its decision regarding the grandfathering of a short-term rental on Black Cove on Friday morning. 

Earlier this year, the town of Meredith sued, then settled with, two Meredith Neck homeowners. The settlement came after the town determined the owners had provided sufficient evidence that their short-term rental business was eligible to be grandfathered into the town's regulation STRs, enacted in 2022. Neighbors, led by Frank Marino, successfully filed to intervene in the town's lawsuit, claiming they should have been informed about and included in the settlement deliberations. Though the court agreed with the neighbors' standing in the suit, it denied their request that the settlement, which allowed the short-term rentals to continue conditionally, be vacated.

Marino formally challenged the town's administrative authority and decision to grandfather the property to the ZBA — which the court ruled was the appropriate way for him and his neighbors to seek relief. The ZBA voted in November that the town had the authority to make the decision in the matter and rejected Marino's appeal. 

Marino has now asked the ZBA to reconsider its decision on his request. The ZBA will hold a meeting at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22, in the town hall annex. Marino's appeal is the only item on the agenda. If he is again denied, Marino could take his challenge to court.