Neighbors say converted short-term rental on Cromartie Beach Drive is operating as an unregulated event venue

Tommy Gregors told the Albany City Commission on June 3 that a house on Cromartie Beach Drive has been operating as a commercial event venue since it was purchased in March 2022, creating repeated noise, traffic and safety problems for neighbors.

Gregor said the property was advertised on Airbnb initially but the owner now removes the listing and hires private promoters to run events, some drawing 100 to 400 guests. He said events have run into the early morning hours, that cars have been double-parked and shuttle buses have transported guests from Heath Park, and that police have been called multiple times. Gregor said police response sometimes reduces loud music, but the events resume within hours.

Commissioners and staff discussed the city’s short-term rental ordinance, which Commissioner Vilnius Gaines noted carries fines (first violation $500, escalating fines for repeat violations). Commissioners said the owner may be exploiting a loophole by taking listings off Airbnb and renting the property privately as a commercial event space.

Commissioner Chad Warbington and others said the commission will review the short-term rental rules and look at neighboring jurisdictions’ ordinances for revisions. Warbington noted Chattanooga Hills had tightened its rules to close similar loopholes. Commissioners expressed interest in pursuing proactive measures such as injunctions or pre-event enforcement if social-media advertisements indicate a planned commercial event.

City staff and the police chief said they would investigate the legal grounds and enforcement options, and the commission asked staff to determine which ordinances or codes the promoter might be violating and to present options to strengthen enforcement. No citation or formal enforcement action was recorded at the June 3 session; commissioners requested staff follow-up.