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Neighbors urge council for help as house sale raises short‑term rental concerns in Rose Hill Estates
Summary
Residents of Rose Hill Estates asked the Chesterton council what remedies exist after learning a nearby house may be sold to someone who will operate it as an Airbnb; council advised homeowners' associations to consult counsel and staff offered to send town code links and assistance.
Several neighbors from Rose Hill Estates raised concerns during public comment about a nearby home reportedly being sold to someone expected to convert it to a short‑term rental, and asked the council what steps residents can take to prevent that use under neighborhood covenants.
Mary Joe Dalasinski, who identified herself and gave a local address, told the council she was representing concerned neighbors and said the subdivision covenant states lots are for single‑family dwellings only. "We found out that we have a neighbor who is selling their house... we're concerned about having that in our neighborhood," she said.
Council members and staff distinguished the town code from private covenants: they advised the HOA to consult private counsel about enforcing restrictive covenants and noted that the town's zoning code controls property use under municipal law but does not replace private covenant enforcement. Staff member Courtney offered to send a link to the town code and help the residents find the relevant provisions.
Council said the short‑term rental issue is a continuing concern and that staff is looking at adjustments to the town code; no new ordinance or enforcement action was announced at the meeting. The council directed staff to follow up with the resident who raised the concern and to provide resources and a code link.
Next steps: HOA leaders were advised to consult legal counsel to determine enforcement options under the covenant; town staff will provide the requested links to Chesterton town code and offer assistance locating relevant provisions.
