372 Ahern Street UBEX21-0004 Email (Homeowner Objection)My name is Linda Herrick. I co-own 357 Ahern, which is within 300 feet
of the subject property. My unit is in the 4 building Via Mare
condominium community. Clearly, we are not apartments as described in
the application. We own our homes and have a very limited number of
units which may be long term rentals only.
The applicant fails to understand that many short term renters have
zero respect for surrounding property. Many tourists when allowed to
stay in our area let their pets poop all over our grass and grounds
without picking it up. Trash on the road increases during high tourist
seasons. Many tourists that get drunk and party loudly in their
parking lots increasing, rather than decreasing noise (especially during
party holidays like Spring break). They have no care or respect, for
our community nor the new townhouses next door to us, as the short term
renters have no vested interest. If they damage the rental property,
the landlord can identify and charge them. We cannot.
The definition of short term rental means up to 7 different renters
could come and go in a week, or 30 in a month. Even if 2 day stays,
that’s 15 a month! And what prevents the owner of the property from
changing the “single FAMILY Residential unit into more than one space to
rent by changing the remaining office space into another room in the
“house” for “family” short term rental? Or what if the owners remodel
for even more units in the “House” structure to rent out?
There is already enough tourist traffic coming and going on Ahern. The
tremendous increase in traffic on Ahern from customers hovering to pick
up to go orders from ….or looking for parking for ….the new Le Petit
Paris Cafe is jarring, but again, we knew a restaurant was there when
we moved in, and knew the zoning. And the Cafe closes at 5 pm!
The boutique hotel , THE PALMS , at the intersect of the Ahern and
Sherry , as magnificent a business as it is, puts more than enough short
term visitors on Ahern already. The difference is we knew beforehand,
and had the choice to accept the fact that small hotel with LIMITED
rooms was there before we purchased our home. When they party, they do
it at the hotel in a lovely enclosed patio. And if their occupants
cause problems, the owner or manager of that business is on site or
available 24-7 and very responsive to any issues.
As a home owner, I am vehemently opposed to this proposed zoning
change. It is not within our community standards. The proposal the
owner has outlined, conveniently or myopically ignores all property to
the south and to the east of his proposal. This in and of itself is
reason to believe that he has no community awareness of the surrounding
area.
Linda Herrick
357 Ahern St
AB, Florida