HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter #08 Anonymous �- ` i`f
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June 18, 2019
To The Harrowgate Homeowners,
I recently learned that one of our neighbors has petitioned the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals for a
special exception, seeking permission to run an Air BNB short term rental business out of his home at
622 Alwyne on an expanded basis. What this means to you if granted, is that this homeowner will not
be limited to the 30 days currently permitted by Carmel Ordinance and instead will have the freedom to
operate a short term transient lodging business out of his home on a full time basis.
The current ordinance permits rentals on a limited basis and restricts rentals to the following time
periods in 2019:
1. March 6-10 6. August 1-4
2. March 29-30 7. September 27-28
3. May 3-4 8. November 8-9
4. May 24-26 9. December 6-7
5. July 13-20
The stated purpose of this limitation is to minimize the adverse impacts on established residential
neighborhoods resulting from the conversion of residential properties to tourist and transient use.
Further reading of the applicable ordinance reveals that these dates were selected by Carmel because
they line up with the dates of major sporting activits and special events taking place in and around the
Carmel area.
I can tell you that I object to any request to expand the dates of operation beyond the dates that are
already permitted by Ordinance, because of the negative impact to the surrounding neighborhood. That
negative impact includes the potential creation of a nuisance, safety issues, loss of quiet enjoyment of
property, impact to traffic and off-street parking, and devaluation of our home values.There are plenty
of stories online that address the burdens that neighboring homeowners shoulder when a short term
rentals comes to their neighborhood one site that does a good job of explaining the potential pitfalls
is www.airbnbhell.com (Uncensored Airbnb Stories from Hosts & Guests)
I encourage you to do the research yourself and send letters to Joe Shestak at the Carmel Planning
Commission (ishestak@carmel.in.gov) in advance of the hearing on June 27`h.Joe tells me that the staff
will take al! concerns under advisement and this will help them develop a staff recommendation that
will be shared with the hearing officer. The staff's recommendation will be available for public review 5
business days in advance of the hearing, so time is short for you to voice your concerns.
I also encourage you to attend the hearing in perscn, so that your concerns can be heard.Again, the
hearing will be held in the Carmel City Hall Caucus Room,2,,d Floor, One Civic Square at 5:30 pm on
June 27t.
Thanks in advance for taking this concern seriously, and know that a decision on the 27th will not only
impact this petitioner, but others that will surely fellow.