FLEMING -- A standing-room only crowd of more than 70 witnessed a spirited debate on problems with summer rental properties along the west side of Owasco Lake at a public hearing Monday at the Fleming Town Hall.

Town Councilor John Sroka has proposed a new ordinance which would place greater restrictions on homeowners and business people who rent cottages and homes.   

For instance, under what many called the most onerous restriction of the proposed law, all rentals would have to be at least for a minimum of one month. A review of websites touting rental options on both sides of Owasco Lake are often sold for just a week's time. Also, rental properties would have to be inspected every two years.

The ordinance, modeled after a similar law in the Village of Moravia, was tabled after the hour-long public hearing. A committee will soon be set up to review the ordinance and recommend changes. Names and addresses of those interested in participating were taken down at the hearing.  

For more, read Tuesday's Citizen