Residents of Oak Bend Drive voiced strong opposition to a proposed special use permit for short-term rentals during a recent planning and zoning meeting. Concerns centered around safety, neighborhood integrity, and the owner's compliance with local rental regulations.

Elizabeth Nelson, a resident directly across from the property in question, detailed ongoing issues with the house, which has reportedly been used for short-term rentals since the previous owners vacated in 2021. She highlighted that the owner’s short-term rental permit was revoked in 2022, and despite attempts to switch to long-term rentals, the property has allegedly returned to short-term use without proper authorization. Nelson emphasized that the transient nature of short-term renters has led to disturbances, including parties that disrupt the neighborhood's peace.

Case Carpenter echoed these sentiments, raising alarm over potential safety risks posed by increased traffic and the possibility of accidents involving children in the area. He questioned how many incidents would need to occur before action is taken to address these concerns.

Another resident, Nancy Bookout, who lives next door to the property, accused the owner of dishonesty regarding his residency status and rental practices. She asserted that the owner has not lived in the house for over three years and criticized the lack of transparency in his communications with the community.

The planning and zoning staff did not recommend approval of the special use permit, aligning with the residents' concerns that a short-term rental is unsuitable for their quiet neighborhood. The meeting underscored a growing tension between community members advocating for residential stability and property owners seeking to capitalize on rental opportunities.