Neighbors complain of repeated large commercial parties at converted Airbnb; commissioners promise ordinance review

Tommy Gregors, a Cromartie Beach Drive resident, told the City Commission on June 3 that a house in his East Albany neighborhood has been operated as a commercial event venue, sometimes after being removed from Airbnb listings, and that those events have produced repeated late‑night noise, double‑parked cars and blocked driveways.

Gregor said the property was bought in March 2022 by an out‑of‑town purchaser who initially said they would live there but later rented the property for commercial events. He told the commission he identified about eight commercial events in the past two years and cited specific dates, including July 13, August 3, August 10, August 24 (2024) and a large event on May 25, 2025. Gregor said attendance at some events exceeded 100 cars, shuttles operated from Heath Park, and guests were in the neighborhood into the early morning hours; he said on one occasion police broke up a fight.

Gregor said he had reported the events to Airbnb but learned the owner would remove the property from Airbnb and instead arrange private promoters, making enforcement through the short‑term rental platform difficult.

Commissioners and staff discussed the city's short‑term rental ordinance, which they said took effect last October and carries fines for violations; Commissioner Vilnius Gaines asked whether fines had been imposed. Staff and the city attorney said they would investigate whether the owner had used a loophole to avoid enforcement and that the commission should consider tightening the ordinance. Commissioner John Howard said he had contacted a colleague in Chattanooga Hills about how that jurisdiction had amended its short‑term rules and said the city would consider similar changes and possible pre‑event enforcement steps, including injunctions or other legal remedies where advisors find solid legal ground.

Police staff noted officers had responded multiple times and that officers sometimes persuaded hosts to quiet events but that repeated events recur shortly after officers leave. Gregor requested more proactive city action to stop advertised social media events before they occur so neighborhoods are not repeatedly disrupted.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to investigate enforcement options and return recommendations on ordinance revisions and pre‑event remedies.