Voters for Vision and Values was created by residents who were concerned about the heavy-handed influence of a newly formed independent political group.
Their approach is focused on self-interest and does not reflect the broader needs of our town.
We believe Preble deserves leaders who put our community first, not personal profits.
We see Preble as a gem to preserve, it is our home
—not an opportunity for personal financial gain.
Issues
Protecting the Water You Drink!
Cortland-Homer-Preble Aquifer System spans Cortland and Onondaga Counties supplying drinking water to over 35,000 people (more than 5.5 million gallons daily). ​
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The CHP Aquifer is the only clean water source for many residents, including those on private wells lacking municipal safety protections.​
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Preble’s zoning specifically aims to protect the aquifer and preserve the land’s natural character, requiring that all development decisions consider aquifer health. ​​
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To protect the aquifer, lakes, streams, and land in the Preble area, multiple layers of regulation and planning may apply. These regulations are not arbitrary, but critical protections for our drinking water.
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Taxes
We understand that contributions from the state and the county will diminish over the coming years. There is reasonable anxiety about a rise in local taxes to cover the shortfall BUT, are you aware that the Town of Preble currently maintains one of the lowest taxation rates in Central NY?
Here is an article to explain that position. CNY Towns with Highest and Lowest 2024 Tax Rates.
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The current town board and supervisor have been astute in monitoring the town’s budget and careful budgeting will remain a key element for the town’s fiscal future.
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Optional funding will be needed, including smart development, based on the current guidelines of the Town of Preble Comprehensive Plan (linked), and in keeping with current zoning regulations. Development for housing and increased use of recreational areas is possible, along with sustainable industrial development.
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This link will take you to the current Town of Preble Zoning Map
Transparency​
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You can see past town meetings, read all the documents, and learn about the zoning laws and the Comprehensive Plan by visiting the website. We are fortunate to have capable and honest representatives.
Let's keep it that way!
Re-elect Jim Doring for Supervisor
&
Elect a new voice for the board, Dan Clausen.
Short-Term Rentals & R1L Zoning in Preble, NY
Core Issue - Should lakeside homes serve as short term rentals? The Town says no—these areas are meant for residents, not commercial lodging.
Next Steps - Enforcement continues while legal appeals proceed. The permit system seeks to balance property rights and neighborhood protection. Updates: www.preble-ny.org
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Explaining R1L Zoning
R1L means Residential 1 – Lakeside. It applies to properties around Song, Goodale and (parts of) Little York and Tully Lakes, aiming to protect water quality, control density, and keep neighborhoods quiet. Only single-family homes and limited residential uses are allowed—not commercial lodging or transient rentals.
Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are homes rented for less than 30 days via Airbnb, VRBO, etc. and considered temporary or hotel-like uses, which R1L zoning prohibits. STRs Are a Problem in R1L Areas because they are sensitive, critically important habitat areas. Water is vital to our lives and that of all creatures in the area. Lakes are more sensitive to disruption and pollution and therefore, in need of specific protections.
Risks Specific to Lakeside Areas
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Septic system stress: Onsite septic systems are maintained by the owners. There is no municipal oversight of septic systems. These small systems aren't built for frequent turnover, risking health and water quality.
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We all have private drinking water wells and the risks of bacterial and chemical contamination of wells and the lake water increase with faulty or overburdened septic systems.
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More frequent storms impact the lake levels and water intrusion into septic systems and drinking water wells.
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Water quality risks: Overuse of a small lake system can exceed its “carrying capacity,” and natural ability to rebound. More recreational traffic also increases the risk of the introduction of invasive species. Aquatic invasive species are difficult to detect and expensive to remove. They can destroy the lake ecosystem and enjoyment of the lake.
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Safety: There is NO public safety enforcement on lakes; renters may be inexperienced and risk not only their own health and safety but that of the residents.
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Care and costs: Without municipal assistance the care of the lakes falls to the residents and volunteer lake associations. Time to test and collect water quality information is done by volunteers. Costs for mechanical harvesting/spraying or other management needs can run into (tens of) thousands of dollars that must be raised by the residents. Not all residents donate.
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Community loss: Short term rental businesses often end up replacing the stable community of long-term residents.
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Noise/traffic: Sound travels more over water causing more disruption to neighbors.
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Parking: The area around lakeside homes is often limited in parking space and private roads may be more costly and difficult to maintain.
Town of Preble Actions
Moratorium paused new STRs to assess impact. New Law (2025) for STRs now requires permits, with regulation focused on protecting R1L zones. Legal challenge now is that some owners sued and stopped the new law for now. The town maintains STRs aren’t legal under current zoning and is set to appeal and/or establish current violations of law.
THANKS TO JIM DORING AND THE 2025 PREBLE TOWN BOARD
2026 BEGINS WITH THEIR GOOD WORK!
On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $68 million dollars was awarded to assist nearly 1,300 households within the state. The funding will go towards local governments and non-profits who assist homeowners, seniors, and veterans, the Governor added.
Grant funding comes through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) and will provide both individuals and families, including older adults and veterans, financial support to make accessibility upgrades, complete emergency repairs, replace manufactured homes, and receive rental assistance, as well as down payment assistance when purchasing a first home.
“Addressing the housing crisis is about more than creating new places for people to live,” Governor Hochul said. “With this more than $68 million investment, we can help nearly 1,300 individuals and families make the repairs and upgrades that are necessary for them to remain safely and securely housed today and into the future.”
In Cortland County, both the City of Cortland and the Town of Preble were awarded funding through the Community Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation. The City of Cortland was awarded $750,000 and the Town of Preble $600,000.
For Tompkins County, the Village of Groton and Town of Dryden also received funding through the Community Development Block Grant. Groton receiving $675,000 for housing rehabilitation, and the Town of Dryden $1,500,000 towards infrastructure in support of existing homes, according to the Governor’s Office.
The Community Development Block Grant through the state provides federal funding to help localities with projects that will improve the community. Housing grants can be used to rehabilitate owner-occupied or renter-occupied homes, and private water/wastewater system assistance.