Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge stricter enforcement of short‑term rental rules after nearby shooting; homelessness needs cited
Summary
Neighborhood residents told the Newport News City Council they want stricter enforcement of short‑term rental (STR) rules after a nearby party turned violent and a shooting in January. Speakers also raised homelessness and shelter needs in public comment.
Several residents of the Marypoint neighborhood urged City Council on June 10 to enforce the city’s short‑term rental rules and take stronger action against repeat violators after a January shooting near homes there.
Why it matters: residents said STRs that are operated without owner presence or permit compliance can bring repeated disturbances and, in one case, a violent incident that endangered neighbors. Speakers also urged the city to move more quickly on homelessness assistance and housing supports.
What residents told council: multiple neighborhood residents said they had reported repeated problems at a house they identified as 1 Langhorne (a property previously listed as a short‑term rental). They described repeated occupancy‑limit violations, parties and a January incident in which dozens of rounds were fired and nearby property and vehicles were struck. Linda Kenwood said she had not known STRs were permitted until the event and asked the city to ensure compliance; Anthony Starkey and Jamie Starkey, both Marypoint residents, urged clearer communications and enforcement. Michael Simaru and other speakers said one property appears listed or bookable on several short‑term rental platforms despite prior enforcement contacts.
Homelessness and safety: separate commenters asked the council to act on homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing options. One resident described an urgent personal housing issue and urged the council to prioritize tangible help (examples: assistance to secure first-and-last month deposits) rather than additional studies.
Council response and next steps: Mayor Jones and council members acknowledged the concerns. The mayor said the city will publish guidance and that staff will require owners of STRs to bring properties into compliance by a set date; he said, “we are now going to enforce it,” and staff announced a communications push and an August 1 deadline for compliance. Councilmembers said STR enforcement and potential ordinance adjustments will be discussed at a forthcoming council retreat and encouraged residents to report listings and problems to 311 so staff can document violations.
Ending: Residents asked the city to move quickly to enforce existing rules and to provide clearer, public guidance on STR compliance. Council members committed to stronger communications and to pursuing enforcement and possible ordinance changes after the retreat.
