HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-2013 ac rowsemitt ss1t?l2Laguna Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(80s)-748-6752
rosey805@gmail.com
REC D
0cT 2 I2013
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October 28,20L3
fan Mar4 Mayor
San Luis Obispo Ciry Hall
990 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mayor Marx,
As a traveler who has used Airbnb many times in the past four years and good old-fashioned
private home bed and breakfasts in the 1980s in New Zealand,Australia, andireland, I have someperspective to share.
1. Such travelers are unlikely to cause much disturbance. After I complete an Airbnb trip, my
host is asked to review me. If I had come in singing loudly at 3 AM àt ro-.one's home, a
future prospective host would read that and decline to rent to me. Thus, Airbnb,s system
helps hosts select considerate guests. As a prospective renter, I read what other visitors say
about a host and the housing. Most of the renters tend to be young professionals from
around the world. Also, the current issue of AARP Magazine singsìñe praises of Airbnb.2' Long before the advent of upscale B & Bs in old Victorian houses, there were networks ofprivate homeowners who rented out a room or two, fed you breakfast, gave you good advice
on tourist attractions and good restaurants, and sent you on your way for the day. these
were generally elderly folks trying to make ends meet and remain in their homei. Airbnb is
simply the modern equivalent, with better screening options for the homeowner.3' Not all people who want to travel can afford or choose to spend lots of money on housing.
They still will explore the area and spend money in other ways locally.4' Part of my pleasure in using Airbnb comes from meeting locals and living in a neighborhood
instead of a big, impersonal hotel. Warm memories don't grow from the latter.
Please do what is needed to make this workable here. Put in appropriate regulations, taxes, etc.if needed to allow modern B & B networks to function in our city.
There seems to be concern about the amount of'traffic caused by renting a room for less than 30
days' If the room is rented for 30 days or more, such as to a permanent tenant, there would be daily
traffic from that rental. we already have laws in place for noise issues.
We are a well-known town on a national level. I'd hate to see the headlines saying that San Luis
Obispo has banned these well-known, popular travel opportunities. So while we -"y U. happy,
we're snobs with our noses in the air.
Sincerely,
AGENDA
CORRESPONDENCE
Carol N. Rowsemitt, PhD, RN, FNP