Residents demand action against disruptive party houses

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges posed by short-term rentals in the community, particularly concerning the impact of large party houses on local neighborhoods. The meeting highlighted a significant increase in police activity during July, with the department responding to 2,326 calls for service, underscoring the busy summer season.

Residents voiced concerns about the family-oriented atmosphere of the community being threatened by the prevalence of party houses, which often host large groups of unrelated individuals. One resident, Susan Lightman, presented comments from neighbors advocating for stricter regulations on short-term rentals, including a proposed seven-day minimum stay to mitigate noise, parking issues, and disturbances caused by large gatherings.

Lightman emphasized that the presence of such rentals has led to increased disturbances, including graffiti on personal property and overflowing trash, which residents feel is detrimental to the community's character. She urged the commissioners to take action to prevent the transformation of the area into a commercialized environment akin to other cities known for party houses.

Commissioners acknowledged the importance of community feedback and reiterated the necessity for residents to report disturbances to the police to facilitate effective enforcement of existing regulations. They noted that data collection on short-term rentals is ongoing, with plans to review the situation in September to assess the impact of recent ordinance changes.

The discussion also touched on the balance between supporting local businesses that rely on short-term rentals and maintaining the quality of life for residents. Officials expressed a commitment to finding a solution that addresses the concerns of both parties, recognizing the need for a collaborative approach to managing the challenges posed by short-term rentals in the community.