HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-17 Public Comment - K. Bajakian - Short Term Rentals1
Clerk Temp
From:Kyle Bajakian <kbajakian@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 22, 2017 1:44 PM
To:Agenda
Subject:Proposed STR legislation
Categories:Public Comment
Dear Commissioners,
I strongly urge you to vote against this proposed legislation that would restrict and eliminate our own Bozeman
residents from managing honest, Short Term Rentals in town. The only downside I can see is an over‐saturated
community of houses that are only available to short‐term renters. A simple cap would take care of that. This relatively
small and easily‐remedied problem is greatly outweighed by the fact that the STR client is apt to spend more of their
dollars on Main Street to the benefit of our business owners who already struggle with the rising costs of downtown
commercial spaces.
I live in an R2 neighborhood (411 West Curtiss Street) and am aware of several STR’s that are just a stone’s throw from
my house. I have experienced NO negative impact whatsoever. In fact, as close to MSU as we are, those houses are
habitually quiet while the rentals that house students cause our taxpayers money everytime a taxpayer calls the police
due to a late night party. Those STR properties, by nature, are also very well kept up and add to the overall beauty we’ve
come to expect of our city.
I support allowing locals to conduct fair business in town by providing outsiders with lodging so that our downtown and
surrounding community can enjoy their patronage. Further, I would very much prefer that a Bozemanite/STR landlord
take his/her profits and spend the money HERE at the Coop, at Roundhouse, at Schnees, i.e. KEEP THE DOLLARS IN THE
COMMUNITY! The major hotels will continue to pay their employees at or near minimum wage while their profits go to
HQ and other out‐of‐state hotels. It makes NO SENSE!
If the fear is indeed an over‐saturation of STR’s, then devise a way to cap it, while grandfathering in those that have
carved out a career of providing visitors with another option for lodging. Many of the STR’s are located close to Main
Street. It is pretty easy to see that shop owners also stand to benefit from a strong and sensible STR faction.
The public has voiced their support for STR’s. Your own Zoning Commission ‐ for heaven’s sake! ‐ voted unanimously
AGAINST this proposal!!
I pray that you will follow suit and support the community ‐ the individuals ‐ that run an honest and fair business, and
pay their taxes and spend their money in our beloved city of Bozeman, by voting against this senseless proposal.
Thank you,
Kyle Bajakian
411 West Curtiss Street