Short-Term Rentals
Dear Editor: Sitka is fast becoming an attractive housing market for out-of-town real estate investors. As home prices soar across the country, most of us know Sitkans who have lost permanent rental housing as properties change hands. Whether it is a home sold to an outside investor for far above the asking price or converted to a more lucrative short-term rental, the end result may change the character of our town.
Currently there are few restrictions to apply for a short-term rental in a residential neighborhood. At the minimum, it seems that short-term rentals should stay in the hands of local Sitkans and permits should not be automatically passed to the next owner.
Although the Assembly didn’t pass the temporary moratorium on short-term rentals conditional use permits in residential areas, there does seem to be a growing concern about the future of Sitka if these short-term rentals continue to grow exponentially under the current guidelines. Please consider attending the special town hall meeting on short-term rentals tonight at the Centennial Hall and share your thoughts and ideas.
Clarice Johnson, Sitka
