The Fishers Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on September 25, 2025, focused on community concerns regarding a proposed short-term rental in a residential neighborhood. Residents expressed their apprehensions about increased traffic, safety issues, and the potential impact on the community's character.
Bobby Amler, a local resident, raised concerns about a van obstructing a sign that announced the meeting, which limited awareness among neighbors. He highlighted ongoing traffic issues and the possibility of short-term rentals attracting a diverse range of visitors, which could lead to increased crime and disturbances in the area. Amler emphasized that the neighborhood was designed for residential living and questioned the implications of allowing more rentals.
Kyla Schertz echoed Amler's concerns about the visibility of the meeting sign and the potential for deception regarding the rental's impact on the neighborhood. She noted the presence of another short-term rental nearby and expressed worries about the safety of children in the area due to increased traffic from visitors.
Hannah Colacek, another resident, shared similar sentiments, mentioning the challenges posed by construction vehicles associated with short-term rentals. She called for more community engagement from the rental owners and emphasized the need for safety measures, particularly for children playing outside.
The discussions highlighted a community divided on the issue of short-term rentals, with residents seeking to balance the benefits of property revitalization against the need for maintaining a safe and cohesive neighborhood. The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider these concerns as they deliberate on the future of the proposed rental.