In a remarkable display of community engagement, residents of the Stone Crossing neighborhood came together at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Tuesday evening to voice their concerns and successfully block the approval of two special use permits that would have allowed houses in their neighborhood to be used as short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The meeting saw more than 20 residents gather to speak their minds and present a petition with over 40 names, reflecting strong opposition to the proposed permits.
Bridge Wealth Fund 1 LLC, in separate applications (SUP-23-002 and SUP-23-003), requested Special Use Permits for the use of short-term rentals in the R-1 single-family residential district. The first property, located at 2011 Brookside Circle, and the second property, at 2081 Stone Crossing Parkway, were the subjects of these permit requests. A public hearing at the meeting was held to evaluate the potential impact of these short-term rentals on the neighborhood.
A representative from Bridge Wealth Fund who spoke explained that they were seeking the permits because several of their completed homes had reached the end of the construction loan process without finding buyers. He claimed that the use of the properties as short-term rentals would have helped offset the ongoing loan costs.
The residents, armed with passionate arguments and a united front, voiced their concerns over potential disruptions to the quiet residential character of their neighborhood. They highlighted issues such as increased traffic, noise pollution, blighted property, and the potential for a transient population that could compromise the sense of community that is cherished in their neighborhood.
Brooklyn Ogden who spoke in opposition to the special use permits, and lives next door to one of the properties stated that the homes were already being rented. “These Airbnbs, they’re being used today… They don’t have a permit but they’re already running them!” she exclaimed. Several other residents backed that claim and the representative from Bridge Wealth Fund later admitted that they had been operating without a permit.
The Planning and Zoning Commission listened attentively to the residents’ impassioned pleas and took their concerns seriously. After a thorough evaluation of the arguments put forth by the neighbors, the Commission unanimously voted against granting the special use permits. Recognizing the significance of the residents’ concerns and the broader implications of short-term rentals, the Commission made a recommendation to explore new rules and regulations for the city specifically tailored to address similar situations in the future.
“We’re once again becoming a destination community. So as we continue to grow we want to make sure these types of rentals are being offered in the appropriate areas. As a Planning and Zoning Commission, we have to look into satisfying both the needs for lodging while fitting properly into the dynamics of our community,” stated Jake Simmons, Commission Chairman. “I think a lot of cities are facing similar circumstances, this is new territory for everyone.”
The victory for the Stone Crossing residents serves as a powerful example of community engagement and advocacy. Their collective effort and determination underscore the significance of local involvement in shaping the future of neighborhoods. While the residents celebrate their victory, Bridge Wealth Fund now faces uncertainty regarding the future of the two homes and the additional ten empty lots they still own in the neighborhood.
The recommendation made by the Planning and Zoning Commission to deny the special use permit applications will now move forward for formal consideration by the Excelsior Springs City Council. The Council will review the Commission’s recommendation during their regular session scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 6:00 PM.
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Their representative likened Excelsior to Raytown and Grandview. Not the quaint destination city that we are. That was disturbing in and of itself.
Since they admit to operating without a permit, will they be fined? Same it’s the unkept lawn. Will they be fined for unsightly yards with grass/weeds at least two feet tall?