As members of this community who cherish the residential character of our neighborhoods, we advocate for the restriction of Short-Term Vacation Rentals to commercial zones.
The integration of STVRs into residential areas disrupts the tranquility and community fabric that many of us sought when choosing our homes. This issue affects not only families but also retirees who moved here for a peaceful living environment.
We propose that those interested in operating STVRs should be limited to commercial, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain dedicated to long-term residents. Establishing clear boundaries between residential living and commercial enterprises will protect our community's character and uphold the quality of life for all residents.
Lennie A. Furr
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Short-Term Vacation Rentals allow highly-desirable prospective residents the opportunity to come and experience firsthand the residential character of our neighborhoods as well as the tranquility and community fabric that current residents fear losing and want to maintain. STVRs allow people that we want for neighbors to come reside with us and spend a few days or weeks in the surroundings that we hope they’ll find favorable and want to move to permanently and make their home.
Let them attend services at a church or two. Let them take time to eat out in a few of the restaurants and shop at the grocery stores and malls. Give them the chance to see for themselves what a good experience it is to live in our area. Allow them time to enjoy the myriad recreational pursuits and venues. Perhaps most importantly, let them have time to check into the schools and colleges.
At the same time these potential neighbors may end up wanting to look at homes for sale and see what’s available. Local realtors would do well to know where these STVRs are and perhaps stop by and offer their card.
The people who will be permitted to rent out their STVRs have a vested interest in renting to the type people we want moving into our neighborhoods permanently. Home owners who worry needlessly that some renegade STVR owner is going to rent to Hell’s Angels who’ll come in and wreck the neighborhood would do well to remember that would be a way to lose their permit in short order. The STVR owners will be charged with vetting and monitoring any client to whom they rent and renting to undesirables for a quick buck would be foolish.
Nearby residents may want to view renters of any STVR in the neighborhood as potential neighbors and give them a smile and a good impression rather than viewing them, as well as the STVR owner, with suspicion and paranoia. Homes are always going to be continually bought and sold and STVRs are an excellent way to acquaint desirable future neighbors with all the positive things our city, county and neighborhoods have to offer.
David Saluk