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kier00 t1_jdiahi6 wrote

I'd like to provide a response:

  1. I usually look for evidence that those who are against Airbnbs are not NIMBYs who wrap themselves with the affordable housing argument. Almost every person I've spoken to in person who is against Airbnb is an obvious NIMBY.

  2. Almost every working class person who I have spoken to on the issue is very afraid of Airbnbs disappearing because of the direct and second and third order effects that economic activity generates. I also find it very curious that the anti-Airbnb crowd has absolutely no proposed ideas for how to replace that economic activity.

  3. You state with the back of the napkin math that 25% of the housing crisis can be solved by taking back Airbnbs. Let's put aside the constitutional issues with your ideas and I will, for sake of argument, accept the math. That means 75% of the issue is due to other factors. Why are you focusing on the 25% when 75% is a bigger number?

  4. You speak of affordable housing. Airbnbs provide a lot of jobs that will dissappear with your ideas and no proposed replacement for that income. It doesn't matter how low rent is when unemployment spikes.

The anti Airbnb ideas are DOA for most of the state for these reasons.

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[deleted] t1_jdicpnu wrote

1 - NIMBY describes a behavior, not a class of people. You are correct that some people dangle affordability concerns in bad faith to try to block unwanted development. However, here there is real evidence that short-term rentals are having a major impact.

2 - That is anecdotal evidence at best. Tourist towns did fine before AirBnB using bed and breakfasts, motels, etc. The market will adapt.

3 - restricting short-term rentals is not unconstitutional, just like have local zoning codes is not unconstitutional. And the focus on the 25% is entirely appropriate given how difficult it is to develop new housing in Vermont (lack of labor and suitable land being major factors amongst others).

4 - again, there is no evidence to suggest that AirBnB is propping up the hospitality industry. If there is demand for it, other forms of guest accommodation will come online.

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kier00 t1_jdikty8 wrote

"The market will adapt" is what supposedly high minded people say when their proposed ideas will not affect them (or benefit them) and they have no idea how to account for those who will be negatively impacted.

How will the market adapt? How long will it take? What do we do with those who cannot adapt in time before they go bankrupt? Etc etc.

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hippiepotluck t1_jdivlu3 wrote

Air B and B has existed for 15 years. The market will adapt.

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Azr431 t1_jdid9gt wrote

Airbnbs provide a lot of jobs? Lol

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DavePastry t1_jdio95f wrote

I mean I employ 4 people to help run my STR's, to say nothing of the litany of restaurants and shops that operate entirely on the largesse of tourists money.

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Azr431 t1_jdirzao wrote

You employ 4 people at most likely unlivable wages to support your business model that's deleterious to communities. That's your justification? lol

Airbnbs do fuck all for tourism in all but the most niche markets. Pretty sure tourism existed before airbnb

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kier00 t1_jdikbhc wrote

Yes. A simple Google search will show you studies that support both positions.

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Twombls t1_jdif8p9 wrote

>Almost every working class person who I have spoken to on the issue is very afraid of Airbnbs disappearing because of the direct and second and third order effects that economic activity generates. I also find it very curious that the anti-Airbnb crowd has absolutely no proposed ideas for how to replace that economic activity.

Look up studies done on banning airbnb in Europe. It turns out that airbnb users contrubute significantly less to the economy than actual hotel people

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blipblapblorp t1_jdig6rz wrote

#4 is surprising to me. Where have you read that AirBnBs provide a lot of jobs?

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kier00 t1_jdik8ks wrote

A simple Google search is easy enough to do.

There are studies to support both positions. My anecdotal experience indicates it does provide a lot of jobs, and that local businesses and artisans are very against Airbnb restrictions since they provide a significant portion of their revenue.

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ThePecanRolls5225 t1_jdiiyxk wrote

Do you own an air bnb or two? Just in the interest of transparency

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kier00 t1_jdiju3f wrote

I do not own or operate an Airbnb. I do derive some of my income from them.

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Loudergood t1_jdjqlbc wrote

I live in a tourist town. Half the stores and restaurants shut down in the off season because of those vacation homes being empty. Year round residents will stabilize things.

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