To The Editor:
Regarding the recent local discussions about Airbnb and the statement that "for The Valley's economy, Airbnb has been a major positive,” here are my thoughts:
So too, has logging trees been good for the economy. But we put restrictions on logging to protect our forests. The question is sustainability. Airbnb is just another aspect where regulations are needed in order that we protect the commons and the greater good from depletion. Many cities have installed these regulations.
I think this article (link below) did a good job sounding the alarm with regards to the logical conclusion of an unregulated housing market. Who will work the jobs that keep The Valley running and keep tourism alive when there's nowhere for those workers to live?
My observation is that a lot of folks who start businesses and provide the creativity and talent that makes The Valley a cool place to visit live -- at least initially reside in these rental apartments or houses which are becoming impossible to find. It's a crisis. A few possible solutions:
- The towns pass an ordinance limiting Airbnb rentals (and possibly gets sued by Airbnb?) trying to discourage home purchases for the sole purpose of Airbnb rentals.
- The towns use what funds they have to try to construct affordable housing on land the town already owns.
- The towns raise taxes on residents and businesses to create funds for affordable housing.
- The community creates a nonprofit funded by the community and what grants are available, which purchases real estate or constructs buildings for the sole purpose of affordable housing units.
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Here's a 2017 article from Outside magazine titled "Did Airbnb kill the mountain town?"
https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/opinion/did-airbnb-kill-mountain-town/
Kevin Wood
Waitsfield
