VCE-1 short-term rentals

A VCE-1 condo owner presented assessor data and 45 owner signatures arguing the district can't sustain long-term renters and supporting limited short-term rentals there.

Argued many VCE-1 units are too small and expensive for long-term tenants and that owners relying on short-term rental income face foreclosure if the use is denied.

A VCE-1 building owner said ten of 42 buildings sit vacant because renovation costs are prohibitive, and short-term rental income could restore facades and occupancy.

A property manager for 215-225 Decatur reported a 44% vacancy rate despite active marketing and asked for parity with the adjacent VCE district rules.

A Decatur Street resident and pub owner described a 2023 shooting outside an illegally rented STR on her block and stressed that VCE-1 residents do care.

A Quarter parent and business owner said he watched neighbors get priced out of Decatur Street when Airbnb arrived, and argued vacancy comes from asking $3,400 rents, not lack of demand.

A Quarter property owner of 100+ years family history said VCE-1 investors bought after the ban and now complain about their own investment choices, while hotel neighbors shouldn't face nightly rentals next door.

The Preservation Resource Center opposed any commercial STRs in VCE-1, citing housing costs, displacement, fire risk to historic buildings, and asked that the expansion be removed.

A mother raising a toddler at 232 Decatur described illegal STRs fouling her building's common areas and asked commissioners to keep the Quarter welcoming for families.

A full-time Decatur Street father cited security concerns and police struggles clearing festival crowds on Decatur, asking the commission to vote no.