(Harbert, MI) - Whether to tighten restrictions on short term rentals in Chikaming Township received more public comment during a special meeting to strictly hear from citizens.

 

Over 100 people turned out for the Monday night meeting at the Chikaming Township Fire Station about 10 miles north of New Buffalo. 

 

Some people felt the solution is not to impose a cap on the number of short term rentals but, instead, tougher enforcement to reduce complaints from residents about things such as loud parties, lack of sufficient parking and garbage piled high.

 

One resident proposed short term rental owners lose their operating permits on the third violation at their properties to get a handle on disruption in residential neighborhoods.

 

Jason Milovich, owner of Bluefish Vacation Rentals, said effective enforcement, not more restrictions, would be the best action to avoid punishing every short term rental owner “for the actions of a few.”

 

Resident Donna Pape suggested limiting the use of swimming pools and hot tubs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. “like they do in hotels” to reduce noise.  She also said some of the parties with large numbers of guests are more appropriate for “Las Vegas.  Not our community.”

 

A number of citizens also voiced opposition to the 90 day moratorium on new short term rentals, claiming it’s already noticeably dropped the value of their homes since imposed about six weeks ago.

 

The values are higher if homes are allowed to be used for another income source.

 

Ed Bancroft of Lakeside was worried about he and his wife losing their ability to occasionally rent the cottage where he lives full-time for necessary income.

 

“To have it available to rent is an important part of us being able to keep the cottage and also to pass it on to our adult children,” he said.

 

Township Supervisor David Bunte said there are 517 registered short term rentals, which make up about 10 percent of all parcels available in the township. 

 

A number of citizens pointed out the area has been a tourist destination for a century or more and limits on short term rentals would hurt the shops and other businesses that rely on visitors especially during the summer.

 

However, other residents argued there used to be a lot more businesses prior to homes with full time residents being increasingly converted into short term rentals.

 

Citizens like Janet Schrader complained about feeling isolated from neighbors once living there full-time being replaced by a constant rotation of short term rental guests.

 

“There used to be families in my neighborhood,” she said.

 

Other suggestions included restricting the number of guests to two people for every bedroom and limiting the use of a home as a short term rental to no more than 90 days a year.

 

Some residents felt the biggest problem is companies buying multiple homes strictly to turn them into temporary lodging facilities, accelerating the reduction in full-time residents.

 

Short term rental owner Jason Sutton said there are no longer the number of manufacturing jobs that once supported and attracted the amount of families that once lived here.

 

“There’s not enough industry to have more neighbors than short term rentals,” he said.

 

Bunte said over 120 public comments on the issue have been voiced in e-mails on top of the 40 people who spoke publicly at a previous input seeking session.

 

“We realize there will not be a perfect solution.  We hope to be able to find a middle ground that work for the township and preserves the community,” he said.