The subject of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) has been discussed at CNA membership meetings and a number of articles have appeared in the local newspapers.  The City formed a STR Task Force to examine this complex phenomenon spreading rapidly through U.S. cities, including Charleston.

Unlike Charlestowne’s traditional and highly regulated bed & breakfast operations that are compatible with residential neighborhoods and do not adversely affect neighbors, STRs are unregulated, illegal and can erode livability and quality of life in Charlestowne.
CNA’s Board opposes the legalization of STRs in Charlestowne.  Our neighbors in Ansonborough, French Quarter and Harleston Village are also opposed to STRs, and have seen even greater proliferation of these illicit operations than we have seen so far in Charlestowne.
CNA’s Subcommittee on STRs is concerned about allowing inappropriate commercial operations in residentially zoned areas.  For example, we have been alerted that last weekend an entire house was rented out as venue for a particularly large and rather raucous party that disturbed neighbors well past midnight.  Of concern to the entire peninsula, STR operations contribute to displacement of primary residents and the loss of relatively affordable housing, growing problems in various peninsula neighborhoods.
Tonight, the City’s STR Task Force is holding its final “listening session” to gather neighborhood input.  Previous sessions  have been “drop in” affairs, merely allowing attendees to post sticky dots on charts to indicate agreement with a range of statements about STRs.  Past sessions have not included informational presentations or discussion.  We do not know whether this same format will be employed tonight.
CNA members interested in the STR topic are urged to attend tonight’s “listening session”:
May 18 — 6 to 8 p.m., Barbara Pearlstine Social Hall at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, 90 Hasell St. (parking in the Wentworth Garage at Wentworth and St. Philip streets will be validated).