HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-17 Public Comment - E. Strong - Short Term Rentals________________________________________
From: Elise [elisestrong@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2017 9:37 AM
To: Chris Mehl
Subject: Short term rentals
Hello, I was born, raised & educated in MT and currently live on S 8th Ave near Cooper Park here in
Bozeman. I am serving in the Bozeman Beautification advisory board and I deeply adore our sweet and
special town. I'm writing today to address my concerns about short term rentals in Bozeman. I have two
primary worries:
1. I believe that EVERYONE ( regardless of location) should be allowed to rent their home for two weeks
per year. I can think of at least 10 people off the top of my head that rent their homes when leave for
vacation. I actually met my Very best friend in bozeman because I rented her home on Airbnb. If
someone lives in their home full time and wants to rent their house out when they go on vacation- that
is a VERY DIFFERENT situation than a home that is used primarily as a rental. Many of us count on this
income as a way to pay for our increased property tax (mine has increased 40% in 3 years). I also fear
that if you don't legitimize ( & monitor/tax) the ability for all to rent for a small amount of time- then
these rentals will go underground and continue to happen (without the city of Bozeman's knowledge).
2. I do worry about protecting the integrity of our dear town and keeping the character in tact, but the
current zoning restrictions do not help in this matter, and I think that a more thoughtful approach needs
to be used. Specifically, my home on S 8th is considered low density and I am not allowed to have short
term rentals. The idea that my home is part of some quiet neighborhood is sadly laughable. South 8th is
a busy road with constant University traffic- I am across the street from a park, a school and two
churches. In just 3 blocks, I can walk to 2 gas stations, 5 restaurants and all sorts of other businesses.
Meanwhile, my neighbor just a couple blocks over on a much quieter strictly residential area is free to
vacation rent. Rules like this seem nonsensical.
In closing, I will say that this is a great opportunity for all of Bozeman. For the residents to earn a little
money and build excellent neighborly skills. It is also an opportunity for the city of Bozeman to get
ahead of this and put in place important monitoring systems AND ALSO and opportunity for Bozeman to
charge fees and tax transient accommodations to pay for these monitoring systems.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to reach out to me if I can be of any
assistance. Elise Strong
808-343-0407
Sent from my iPhone