Tuscaloosa Residents Oppose Short Term Rental Proposal at 1 The Downs

Tuscaloosa's Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on July 28, 2025, to discuss a contentious proposal for a short-term rental at 1 The Downs, a property owned by Dorothy Reed and her family. The petitioners seek to utilize the home, which features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, for short-term rentals primarily during University of Alabama football game weekends. However, the proposal has sparked significant opposition from local residents concerned about safety, parking, and the potential impact on their close-knit community.

Reed, who presented her case to the board, emphasized that the home serves as a family base while her daughter attends college. She argued that short-term rental income would help support their investment, stating that they have taken measures to ensure safety and minimize disturbances, including installing cameras and a noise detection system. Reed also mentioned that she has a local property manager ready to assist if the rental is approved.

Despite these assurances, the board heard strong objections from neighbors. Charter Morris, a resident directly next door, raised concerns about inadequate parking for the proposed number of guests and the potential for blocked access for emergency vehicles. He highlighted past incidents where visibility issues at the neighborhood entrance posed safety risks, particularly for children and residents during busy game days.

Other residents echoed these sentiments, with Dr. Eric Lake, a local professor, expressing fears about the impact of transient guests on the community's quality of life. He urged the board to consider the needs of long-term residents, particularly those with health concerns or disabilities.

Councilwoman Raven Howard, representing District 2, supported the opposition, suggesting that further discussion between the petitioners and neighbors could be beneficial. The board ultimately faced a challenging decision, weighing the potential economic benefits of short-term rentals against the community's concerns for safety and neighborhood integrity.

As the board deliberates, the outcome of this petition will have lasting implications for the character of The Downs and the broader Tuscaloosa community, highlighting the ongoing tension between property rights and neighborhood preservation. The board's decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, as residents await clarity on the future of their neighborhood.