Bexley residents voice concerns over potential bed and breakfast ordinance changes

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Bexley’s city hall, residents gathered to voice their concerns about a potential shift in the character of their beloved community. The atmosphere was charged with apprehension as discussions unfolded around a proposed change to an ordinance governing a historic property, once envisioned as a bed and breakfast.

One resident, who had closely followed the property’s journey, expressed deep concern over the possibility of the owner no longer being required to live on-site. “What does that really do to Bexley?” they questioned, highlighting fears that transforming the property into condominiums or an Airbnb could disrupt the neighborhood’s fabric. The resident argued that the original intent of the bed and breakfast model—having an owner present—ensured a level of control that would be lost with absentee ownership.

Echoing these sentiments, Dan Shemansky, a local property owner with multiple investments in Bexley, reinforced the idea that such a change could set a troubling precedent for the city. “It’s bad news for the city. It’s bad news for the community,” he stated, urging council members to consider the long-term implications of their decisions. Shemansky pointed out that the rise of Airbnbs in other regions has led to decreased property values and increased disturbances, a trend he hoped Bexley could avoid.

The council members listened intently, weighing the potential impact of their choices on the community’s future. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the residents’ concerns were not just about one property, but about the very essence of what makes Bexley a cherished place to live. The discussions highlighted a community at a crossroads, grappling with the balance between development and preservation.

As the evening drew to a close, the echoes of the residents’ voices lingered in the air, a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the character of their city. The council’s decision on this matter could very well shape the future of Bexley, making it a pivotal moment for both the council and its constituents.