To the editor:
A few property owners don’t want a vacation rental in their neighborhood and are trying to eliminate many short-term rentals.
Lincoln County has strict regulations for STR’s relating to licensing, quiet hours, number of persons and vehicles allowed per each property, parking, health and safety, enforcement mechanisms, and is currently considering additional regulations such as limiting densities. County regulation of STR’s is welcomed, but the complete elimination of STR’s goes too far.
Approval of Ballot Measure 21-203 on Nov. 2 would create a negative impact on the county’s economy. Those pushing for the elimination of STR’s don’t respect the folks who have jobs dependent upon tourism and STR’s.
Visitors and guests at STR’s are spending money at local restaurants, recreational businesses, shops, stores, and with local service providers. Many jobs in the county are dependent on the existence of STR’s, which generate significant local wages.
Don’t believe the challenges to the economic impact numbers being thrown around. Doug Hunt, chair of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, has stated that passage of Ballot Measure 21-203 would have a “crippling financial impact on the county”.
Proponents claim that income generated from STR’s goes to out of state owners. As a lifelong Oregonian, and an owner of a family property in unincorporated Lincoln County for 55 years that has been an STR for over 20 years, we know the truth. All revenue collected from our STR goes into paying taxes, fees, licenses, utilities and the wages of property management staff, cleaning staff, maintenance staff, landscapers, contractors, local Building suppliers and local service workers. All of our revenue stays in Lincoln County.
When north Lincoln County was ravaged by fire last year, many of the STR owners offered up their properties as temporary housing, free of charge, until those impacted by fire and loss could get back on their feet. I wonder how many of those that want to eliminate STR’s opened their homes to these people in need?
— Mitchell Gensman/Neotsu
This is a ridiculous statement. Mr. Hunt is not informed. The math has been done. Fishing is our prime source of income here at the coast.
I am tired of living next to mini motels with zero regulation. Zero! I’m tired of barking dogs, I’m tired of parties, loud noise, cars, giant trucks. Tired.
In the beginning I was all for a compromise. Not any longer. Ban these STR’s, they bring garbage, noise and lots of dog poop.
I watch them unload their trucks with bbq’s, coolers, and chairs. Yes, these are fully stocked homes, they try to park motor homes, boats and trailers in driveways. I’m not even allowed to park these things in my driveway and I live here.
In my neighborhood during the fires you couldn’t get a hold of any STR owners, the rental companies were AWOL. The homeowners that live here took care of many of the rentals. The office in my neighborhood was closed, nobody answered their phones, phones didn’t work because of the smoke.
If you think that STR’s are not a problem, you’re not paying attention.
Also, Mr. Hunt get a backbone.
Fishing being a leading source of income in Lincoln County would be laughable if not so ridiculous.
This community attracts mostly families to enjoy the beach and weather when the Willamette Valley is too hot. Are there problems associated with the visitors? Of course, but not nearly as problematic as keeping them away. Some of us need to wake up and smell the money that tourists and renters bring to Lincoln City.
Cliff, this is not my opinion, it is fact. Tourism is on the list as number 4 or 5 under retirees. Seriously, there is some real data out there I encourage you to read.
Are you saying tourists only come over from the valley when it’s hot? Families are not renting the homes in my community it is large parties; bachelor, bachelorette, wedding, etc. I have pictures. Years ago families came to rent, now, it’s just young people to pack the homes and party.
15 Neighborhoods, like them or not has done their homework. If you live next to an STR you are going to vote YES. Period.