HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-23 Public Comment - R. Hogan - STR's (Snail Mail) 1563 Stewart Loop
Bozeman, MT 59718
August 22, 2023
The Honorable Cyndy Andrus
Mayor of Bozeman
121 N. Rouse
Bozeman, MT 59715
SUBJECT: Short Term Rentals (STR's) and Their Impact
My husband, Reed Hogan, and I have owned and legally operated a Type 3 STR since
2016 in the Southbridge Subdivision of Bozeman. We attended the City's workshop on
Tuesday, August 8t", and the owners' workshop earlier in the year and are aware of
pleas by Tenants United to close Type 2 and 3 STR's.
We ask that that City not shut down legally operating STR's as there are better ways to
handle the situation.
1) All owners should register their STR's with the City. The City's statistics show that
305 of 568 total STR's are unlicensed.
2) Fine the unlicensed owners and use the fines to provide needed low-income
housing.
3) Developers should include some low-income housing as a requirement of the
development plan of approval. New construction is booming.
Banning all STR's seems like a short-term solution that will hurt tourism and families
and friends who gather to celebrate occasions such as graduation, holidays, reunions,
etc. STR's bring substantial revenue to Bozeman with shopping, dining, concerts,
sports, and recreation.
Our STR is a business that provides jobs for property management, house cleaners,
lawn maintenance and other expenses. We worked and saved to buy and equip this
single-family home. No one has the right to deprive a legal business owner of their right
to operate. The ripple effect of closing is detrimental to many living in our communities.
Sincerely,
Reed Hogan
Anita Hogan