About ShipBottomSTR.org
Who We Are
ShipBottomSTR.org is an independent, volunteer-run community information site created by homeowners and residents in Ship Bottom. The site was established to provide clear, accurate, and source-based information related to proposed short-term rental ordinances and related policy discussions.
The site emphasizes transparency, factual documentation, and constructive civic engagement, and serves as a centralized resource for public records, timelines, and meeting summaries.
ShipBottomSTR.org references and links to materials prepared by other local organizations — including the Ship Bottom Taxpayers Association — where relevant and publicly available.
Why This Website Was Created
In 2025, Ship Bottom Borough introduced proposed short-term rental ordinances with significant potential impacts on homeowners, residents, and local businesses. During that period, many residents expressed concerns about the scope, timing, and clarity of the proposals.
Many residents expressed concerns about:
- How quickly the ordinance appeared
- How deeply it affected both residents and visitors
- The lack of clear information
- New rules and fees that would have differed from the rest of Long Beach Island
- How the ordinance would have a negative economic impact on the community
Information related to the ordinances was often difficult to locate or fragmented across multiple sources. This website was created to centralize verified information and help residents understand what was proposed, how the process unfolded, and what outcomes resulted.
What We Stand For
The guiding principles of this site are:
- Transparency — Everyone deserves honest, accessible information about proposed laws.
- Fairness — Policy should hold all parties accountable without targeting specific groups.
- Community Engagement — Residents should have a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their homes and investments.
- Responsible Solutions — We support reasonable guidelines that promote safety and quality of life while preserving property rights and Ship Bottom’s tourism economy.
What We Are Not:
- We are not an anti-regulation group.
- We are not against safety requirements or responsible renting.
- We are not politically affiliated or financially motivated.
We simply believe that good policy requires clear explanations, accurate data, community input, and fair implementation. The site’s purpose is to document and explain the public record, not to promote or oppose any future ordinance unless and until new proposals are introduced.
How We Operate
- 100% volunteer-run
- Open to residents, property owners, investors, and supporters
- Non-partisan
- Focused on documenting short-term rental ordinances and related community policy discussions
- This website serves as our central resource for documents, updates, and public information
How Residents Can Stay Engaged
We welcome anyone who shares our commitment to fairness and transparency.
Ways to support:
- Attend Borough Council meetings when relevant items are scheduled
- Review public documents and meeting records
- Share accurate, source-based information with neighbors
- Communicate respectfully with elected officials when appropriate
- Notify the site of corrections or additional public records
Contact the Coalition
If you have questions, suggestions, corrections, or want to get involved, please reach out through our Contact page.