South Bend neighbors react to talks of regulations on short-term rental properties following April shots fired case
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- An ordinance in South Bend could help address troublesome short-term rental properties.
City leaders say they recognize the properties, typically rented through sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, can create problems and concerns for neighbors, but they're only getting more popular.
South Bend was recently listed as one of the best places in the country to invest in short-term rentals.
The City of South Bend is holding a meeting Monday at 5pm to begin public discussion about the topic before any formal ordinances are filed for the council to consider.
City staff will be expected to talk about the legal actions the city can and cannot take regarding these properties, as well as a framework for what an ordinance might look like.
South Bend neighbors who had to deal with a troublesome rental property earlier this year say it's a step in the right direction.
"You know, I don't think you could have brought me better news than that," says Sunnymede Avenue resident Nancy Eide in response to the potential ordinance.
Eide is feeling relieved knowing there could be more regulations on the short-term rental property across the street from her home.
"We need something because we really didn't have anything we could do, once that shooting happened it was, 'What could you do?'"
She's referring to a shots fired case from April 4th stemming from a large gathering at the rental property on Sunnymede Avenue.
No one was shot, but several nearby homes and cars were riddled with bullet holes, and neighbors are still dealing with property damage to this day.
"What's to stop it from happening again?" We're fortunate that no lives were lost," Eide says.
On top of concerns about rising property values due to these homes being bought at higher prices, Eide hopes to see change, starting with local management.
She says the property manager of the home does not live in Indiana.
"I just don't think you can adequately oversee a property and be hundreds of miles away," Eide believes.
She also hopes it's the only troubled rental property that infiltrates her neighborhood.
"This is a generational neighborhood," explains Eide. "You have retired people, you have young parents, you have middle-aged, you have everything here. That's the fabric of this neighborhood and why people stay, to just have this in the middle of it, it just doesn't make sense."
ABC57 News will keep you updated on what comes out of Monday's public meeting.