Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Homestay Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves homestay permit at 725 Longwood Avenue despite neighborhood opposition
Summary
The Town Council approved a conditional use permit for a homestay at 725 Longwood Avenue with three conditions recommended by the planning commission; the vote was 4–2 after neighbors raised concerns about traffic, noise and precedent.
The Town Council of Bedford approved a conditional use permit for a homestay at 725 Longwood Avenue on a 4–2 vote, adopting three conditions recommended by the planning commission: no events by renters, signage delineating property lines, and clearly defined guest-allowed areas in listings.
Applicant Tracy B. Travis told the council she has experience with homestays in the area and confirmed existing ingress and egress would not change; she said she did not necessarily agree with every condition but would comply. Neighbors Kim Snell and Terry Foster opposed the permit during the public hearing, citing increased traffic, enforcement concerns and the risk of eroding single-family character.
Council debate focused on whether owner presence should be required and on possible precedent in the town’s historic areas. Councilman Dave Foster expressed a preference for rentals where the owner is present; Vice Mayor Daryl Updike said he prefers renting whole properties without owner presence and emphasized enforcement and reporting if problems recur.
The planning commission had recommended approval with the three conditions at its July 2 meeting. The council vote recorded four in favor (Councilman Dwight Evans, Councilman Stacy Haley, Mayor Stanley and Vice Mayor Daryl Updike), two opposed (Councilman Dave Foster and Councilman Jay Ippolito), and one absent (Councilman Todd Foreman). No amendments to the conditions were adopted. The council did not take further action beyond approval.
