HomeMy WebLinkAbout1G - Public CommentFrom:Grace Garner
To:City Clerk
Subject:FW: Short Term Vacation Rentals in my neighborhood
Date:Tuesday, July 26, 2022 11:01:50 AM
From: Martha Putman <putman5@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2022 5:08 PM
To: Dennis Woods <Dennis.Woods@palmspringsca.gov>
Cc: Grace Garner <Grace.Garner@palmspringsca.gov>; Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>;
Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>; Lisa Middleton
<Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Short Term Vacation Rentals in my neighborhood
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Dear Dennis and City Council Members,
This is in regards to an immediate moratorium to be put in place to stop the issue of permits
for short term vacation rentals (STVRs) in Palm Springs.
I am writing as a resident of Palm Springs who has lived here for 35 years and 33 years in the
same neighborhood. For the most part I’ve had the pleasure of knowing several of my
neighbors for the same amount of years. Others have passed away and some have moved
away.
The constancy and stableness of daily living in my neighborhood is comforting and reassuring.
I know who is leaving for school or for work and when they return.
I know the sounds of their cars without even looking and know whose dog is barking as well.
As neighbors we look out for each other. Not in a nosy fashion but for the small things that
might need attention -whether it be a garage door left open or reminders about weight
disposal bins out front or packages left by the front door. Having good neighbors means
everything to me. Especially in the years when my children were young playing with other
neighborhood children.
However, in the past year my neighborhood has changed quite dramatically. All of the above
descriptions are slowly disappearing because of Short Term Vacation Rentals. (STVRs)
At first when I started seeing For Sale signs go up I was excited and anticipated a new neighbor
but instead, it was purchased as an investment for short term rental vacationers. There was
no new neighbor to welcome and was now replaced with unfamiliar cars, loud voices, and
loud music on weekends. Of course I enjoy a relaxing weekend with my family and friends
when we go out of the area. Usually it has been in hotels. However we have also enjoyed a
7/28/2022
Public Comment
Item 1G
few Airbnb’s but always abide by their rules and owners have typically checked in with us who
lived nearby. I do not know this for a fact but I believe the owners of the vacation rentals
around me do not live nearby.
I have had to call the hotline number to report loud music and party atmosphere just to be
able to go to sleep. I live with my husband and my adult daughter who has a disability. As of
recently my husband is facing some health challenges. The increase of the STR’s in my
neighborhood is placing more stress and anxiety into my life than I need right now.
I think after living here 35 years I should be able to have my neighborhood back and not be
overrun by these types of rentals that turn it into a hotel- like zone.
For the sake of the residents who care about their neighborhoods I am imploring you to place
a moratorium on issuing any new permits at this time for STR’s.
Thank you for your attention on this matter.
Sincerely,
Martha and Rory Putman
Desert Park Estates
7/28/2022
Public Comment
Item 1G