HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-17 Public Comment - G. Thompson - Short Term Rentals1
Clerk Temp
From:George Thompson <gthompson.bozmt@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 22, 2017 2:32 PM
To:Agenda
Subject:Just say NO, to STR
Categories:Public Comment
June 22, 2017
Mayor and Commissioners;
Just say no to any more non-resident occupied STR properties, and adapt licensing fees which are high enough
so tax-payers do not have to subsidize the STR business.
“Outside” magazine just published story on STRs and demise of available housing in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Bozeman city staff has done some preliminary analysis on STR, but did not address the fundamental decline of
community and neighborhood relationships caused by the STR business. Not enough emphasis was placed on
the importance of STR only being allowed in areas where the ‘year-round’ owner occupied property in fact is a
Bozeman resident and primary resident of such property. The 6 month snowbird residence is not appropriate for
STR.
Additionally, the City staff did not examine the business aspect of the STRs, the favorable tax rates of
depreciating the cost of the property and writing off business expense to visit the property, while generating
business income to subsidize their vacation home. This subsidy to non-residents is at the expense and erosion
of our high quality Bozeman owner occupied residential neighborhoods.
-At the last public meeting one STR business owner (did not live in Bozeman city limits) praised the STR
market how great it was and he was looking to buy more STR property in Bozeman.
-Another local STR business owner, Jason Delume, owns local STRs, says they are a great small-business
investment (i.e. “and is great in your neighborhood…), brings diversity ( ???) and is now looking for approval
to build a 5-plex condo project (and another STR occupancy) . Downtown needs residential housing for year
round residents, not small hotels in our neighborhoods.
Yes, we need higher density infill projects, but not for more STRs. We already have +400 STR in the Bozeman
market. Simply cap the STR to those currently ‘licensed’ and deny any more non-resident owned and occupied
STRs business in our neighborhood friendly town. STR’s only can contribute to the demise of our friendly
neighborhood community. JUST SAY NO to STR’s.
Thank you,
2
George Thompson
12 Hill St.
Bozeman, MT