Letters to the editor are brief reader responses to stories and opinion pieces published by VTDigger. Letters give voice to community members and do not represent VTDigger’s views. Click here to submit a letter.
My neighbors and I have submitted letters to city planners in South Burlington and hope these have inspired them to take action to put a stop to the proliferation of Airbnbs in our communities and neighborhoods.
We live in a Champlain lakeside neighborhood that was an ideal situation until out-of-state investors decided to purchase homes for their greed for profit. Currently there are eight homes on our street; two are Airbnb, one a yearly rental, and one we think will become a Airbnb.
These short-term rentals are becoming real problems to any community, in any town. Imagine having new neighbors every two days or so. Imagine they’re having parties, parking in front of your house, leaving trash; you lack the feeling of being safe and secure. There are housing shortages, with no long-term rentals available, and these properties bring along many other aspects of short-term rentals.
There are so many negatives you can read about that I strongly suggest that every citizen talk to their town or city planners to stop these from coming to your neighborhood before they ruin your peaceful existence.
It isn't just an isolated incident; many towns across our country have enacted laws due to adverse effects the rentals have created in their area. Please read articles on this infringement on our society. Thanks.
John Stephens
South Burlington
