MY TURN: Idaho Short Term Rental Bill 1162

I know Hilary Patterson has spoken up in opposition of State Bill in Boise for Short Term Rental Bill 1162 imposing restrictions on cities to govern the impact and proliferation of the Short Term Rentals in our tourism focused city. Bill 1162 also suggests lowering fees to $50 per rental, making it a joke to any oversight on a high profit accommodation windfall. It is a state action focused on the property rights of owners in lieu of a city's desire to retain citizens and workers.

I would ask that the city of Coeur d'Alene join Sandpoint and Ketchum to make a formal opposition to a state mandate that will continue to obliterate our city, not just in the Fort Grounds and Garden districts. I can walk in a two-block radius of the Kroc Center near my home and hit six or more STRs. No lights on for six months a year. The condos on Main Street in Riverstone are close to 50% occupied by Short- and Long-Term rentals. When a lost 2-year-old girl was found in an elevator of one building on Main Street, none of the door knocking was answered by actual owners or long-term occupants who could recognize her.

I believe our city that is both a business and a tourism center needs REAL CITIZENS to thrive. The impact on our school population, our affordable housing and the social fabric for ALL Coeur d'Alene has been negatively impacted with the onslaught of STRs. With the rise in hotel keys, how many more "heads on beds" do we need in our 365 days a year city, chasing a 120 days a year tourism and retiree market? If we just see drawn blinds and porch lights on with no one home for half the year, what does that do to functional use of city services, policing of vacant homes, our service industries and the actual citizens and voters quality of life? 

I realize STR owners have primped up some sad residences and improved what they invest in while adding to the tax rolls. Yet, we are on the cusp of not having neighbors or any connections that look past profit. Just pretty facades and preserved structures minus humans is not investing in our future city.  

Many locals avoid downtown all summer and take a deep breath after Labor Day when they can actually enjoy their hometown once again. Downtown businesses need real citizens year-round, so why allow the state to dictate an unfettered handover to absentee owners and multi-home speculators who see us as only a giant hotel? 

Please stress the need for common sense controls and oversight by our city before we lose the "heart" in Coeur d'Alene to a state mandate.

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Lynn Fleming is a Coeur d'Alene resident.