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Khloe

<div>The operation of a vacation rental in the Poconos requires a license from the local municipality. Zoning regulations state wether a vacation rental is an acceptable use and local ordinance governs aspects of operations. As with any license, there is a fee and these fees are supposed to cover the cost of licensing, nothing further. Excessive licensing fees are defined as taxes. In 2025 Pocono Township implemented a 5X increase on the STR license fee and is touting that the money raised will go to pay for a variety of township services like police, roads and their legal fees. Taxes raise revenue, fees cover costs. In Pocono Township they have implemented a tax on the tourist industry and this tax in particular only addresses one segment of the tourism industry which is another unfairness.
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<div>The "Stop the Pocono Township STR Tax" initiative is to collect funds to cover the legal costs associated with repealing this tax. 
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<div>In October of 2026, Pocono Township voted to adjust the tax down to a more reasonable level of $1,500.  While we believe that the fees are still overblown, the township's willingness to recognize their overreach and give credit for those who overpaid is reason for us not pursue this any further.  To those who contributed and supported this effort, we thank you.  This is a win for the STR Industry in the Poconos.
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<div>Watch/Listen/Read to the meeting in which the Township Solicitor lays out the elements of the case.
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<div><a href="https://citizenportal.ai/articles/10823830/pennsylvania/monroe-county/pocono/pocono-commissioners-cut-short-term-rental-license-fee-to-1500-and-agree-one-time-credit" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://citizenportal.ai/articles/10823830/pennsylvania/monroe-county/pocono/pocono-commissioners-cut-short-term-rental-license-fee-to-1500-and-agree-one-time-credit</a>  
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<div>I am Mark Shay, a realtor who specializes in helping small investors find successful vacation rental investment properties in the Poconos. I have built a team of agents and our practice has thrived by supporting those who want to exercise their property rights and rent a vacation home either to cover costs, or to profit from this investment.
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<div>In 2022, along with mortgage officer Marty Nicoll we started a trade association called Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners, designed to give our out of town owners better representation as a key component of the tourism industry in the region. One out of three jobs in the area comes from tourism and as a measure of their impact, vacation homes generate nearly half of the hotel tax revenue the region generates.
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Stop the Pocono Township STR Tax

<div>BCL For ALL was formed in 2023 to support and protect property rights for ALL property owners in Bear Creek Lakes Community located in Jim Thorpe, Penn Forest Township, PA in the beautiful Pocono Mountains. After several years and 3 unsuccessful attempts to restrict property rights by way of a vote to ammend the covenants, including the legal right to rent our homes on a short-term basis (STR), the BOD of this BCL HOA has now threatened to place deed restrictions on our homes which it legally does not have the right to do including a waiting period of 18 months to be able to rent. We are seeking to raise money to fund our legal expenses in fighting this action before it happens as it will be much less costly than trying to undo it once it's done. If we are successful, we hope that this will set a precedence in the Poconos that our friends in neighboring communities can benefit from as well.
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BCL For ALL

<div>Many homeowners in the Hideout have come together with a lawsuit to fight against the invasive, overreaching restrictions the Board of Directors has tried to pass. It is our mission to make sure that ALL owners have EQUAL rights when it comes to their property, and to ensure that guests are welcome to enjoy the Hideout amenities, just as they have for decades.
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<div>The actions of the board have gone too far, and it goes beyond taking away our rights to rent.  They continue to take actions to expand the power of the board and their security/enforcement officers without any justification, all the while impugning our rights and freedoms.  Where does it end?
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<div>So far, as a direct result of our lawsuit, there is a court order in place and The Hideout is currently not allowed to stop owners from renting more than 10 times per year. Additionally, both Salem and Lake townships have repealed their initial drafts of the ordinances they previously passed, again as a direct result of the Concerned Owners of The Hideout’s legal effort.
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<div>We’ve come so far already, and we are a mighty force that have won some battles, but it is an uphill and expensive war, and we desperately need more help in the trenches.
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<div>For those of you who have not joined the lawsuit, and are not planning on doing so, we are asking for your support in an alternative way, with monetary donations towards the legal fight. Many of you have asked how you can help, so this is a great opportunity to help contribute without directly being in the lawsuit.
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<div>Please consider donating today. This lawsuit is very costly, and these funds will be directly used towards the fight, and will help lighten the burden on your neighbors that have been carrying the full financial weight of the lawsuit. The longer we can continue the greater chance of a complete victory that benefits every homeowner, area business, renter, and community member. If you own a home or business in this area and want to help us protect your rights and are unsure of what to contribute, we recommend you consider donating a minimum of $1000 towards this legal effort.  If joining is truly not an option, this is the next best way to help! 
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<div>Please note, that while we greatly appreciate your contribution, and while we believe we are all in this together and you will see a benefit in our continued fight, a contribution does not grant you access to the legal strategy and confidential attorney-client privileged information. That information is only available to those directly in the lawsuit. If you’d still like to join us, please reach out to <a href="https://gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email redacted]</a>
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Poconos For All

<div>The Laverock Garden is in desperate need of professional help. We want this space to be a beautiful space for you to meet and enjoy with your neighbors. The tree has died and needs removal. And the weeds have consumed the lot beyond our capacity to manage it. We are hoping to raise enough money to clear the lot and plant grass with a flower bed only around the sign so it is easily maintained by the neighborhood. We hope for new signage and more seating as well. But there isn’t enough money in the Neighborhood coffers to hire help for the project. We are working with a local landscaper and are in need of $5,000 to make this circle a functional and beautiful space for all to enjoy. Please donate to revamp the Laverock circle and create a space for you to enjoy for years to come.
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Laverock Garden Fundraiser

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