Midway City Council weighs vacation rental proposal amid community concerns

The Midway City Council held a regular meeting on May 20, 2025, where community concerns regarding short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods were a focal point of discussion. The meeting featured public comments from residents, highlighting differing perspectives on the impact of vacation rentals on local communities.

One resident expressed strong opposition to the establishment of short-term rentals in family-oriented subdivisions, citing issues such as noise, garbage, and parking problems. The speaker emphasized that their home was built for family living, not for transient guests, and warned that allowing one rental could lead to a proliferation of similar properties, ultimately disrupting the neighborhood's character.

In contrast, Melinda Powers, a licensed property manager and resident, defended the proposal for short-term rentals. She noted her experience managing rentals without complaints and argued that her property would not significantly increase traffic or parking issues. Powers explained that the rental would primarily serve her family, allowing them to maintain ties to Midway while providing a source of income during their absence.

The council then turned to the Planning Commission's recommendations regarding the proposed rentals. A council member summarized the commission's unanimous decision against allowing the rentals, emphasizing that the properties in question were located two blocks from downtown, which diverged from the intent of the Overlay District designed to support tourism in more central areas.

The meeting concluded with the council members reflecting on the public comments and the Planning Commission's stance, indicating that further deliberation would be necessary before making a final decision on the matter. The council's next steps will involve considering community feedback and the implications of short-term rentals on the residential landscape of Midway.