Residents rally against proposed short term rental chaos

In a recent government meeting, community concerns were raised regarding a proposed special exception for short-term rentals on Northeast 39th Street. The discussion centered around an application that would allow a property owner to rent out a residence for short stays, similar to Airbnb or Vrbo, with a maximum occupancy initially set at nine people but later negotiated down to six.

Residents Fannie Brown and Shirley Carey, both long-time homeowners in the area, expressed their apprehensions about the potential influx of visitors and the associated traffic and noise. Brown highlighted the existing congestion on the street, emphasizing that the small size of the bedrooms would not accommodate the proposed number of guests comfortably. Carey echoed these sentiments, arguing that the presence of multiple occupants could disrupt the tranquility of the neighborhood, particularly for elderly residents.

The board discussed the logistics of parking, suggesting that all vehicles should be parked in the driveway to minimize street congestion. The meeting also addressed procedural aspects, including the notification process for nearby residents, which was reportedly limited to those within a 300-foot radius of the property.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the community is largely opposed to the idea of allowing such a high number of occupants in a single-family home, fearing it would lead to increased traffic and a decline in neighborhood quality. The board acknowledged these concerns and indicated that further discussions would be necessary before making a final decision on the application.