HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-16 Stewart, 304 W Cleveland, Public CommentMs. Brekke:
I saw Ian Woods on Saturday as he was repairing the back deck on his home. He told me he is
coming before the planning department on Monday with a proposal to list his home as a rental property through Mountain Home. I am sending this letter in support of his application.
My wife, two boys, and I live at 404 West Harrison Street – one block from Ian. A quick tour of
VRBO and Airbnb shows that there are currently at least a half-a-dozen rental properties listed
that are within a short golf-shot of our home. This is more than fine with me. Bozeman thrives on bringing tourists to our town. Our businesses, and thus our community, depend on it. Many
visitors have no interest in staying in hotels while here. I have recommended Ian’s home and
others in the immediate neighborhood to family and friends who are visiting.
Beyond a short radius around our home, I counted about 80 rental options in the general area and have been told there are over 300 within the Bozeman City limits. It is my understanding that
few of these have permits. I assume few pay taxes. And unlike many of the rental properties in
our neighborhood, Ian’s home has plenty of onsite parking.
I support Ian’s application because by selecting Mountain Home as a management company he is ensuring a careful screening process which protects against rowdy short-term tenants. He, unlike
most of the 300 landlords using online rental sites, is following City regulations and ensuring the
city captures the taxes it is owed. Ian is a great neighbor, was born and raised here, cares deeply
about our community, carefully maintains a charming home, and wants to follow the rules. Like
his mother and father, he cares about the historic character of our neighborhood.
Should you reject his application, you are in essence condoning the under-the-table rental market
which flourishes throughout our City. You would be signaling to others not to follow the rules,
not to come forward, follow your process, and not to pay taxes This would be an odd message
from a regulatory agency.
I am pleased Ian is going about this in the proper manner. I hope you will make the right
decision so others will follow. Our city needs high-quality vacation rental options to function.
Ian’s home will be among the most attractive. This is a fact some of my neighbors wish were not
true.
Thanks for your consideration,
Peter Stewart