Geneva City Council voted down a proposal to limit the locations of short-term rentals within the city on last week.
Ward 1 Councilor Chris Lavin, who advocated for the restrictions, cited the negative impacts these rentals have on neighborhoods and the availability of long-term housing. The proposal that was defeated 6-2 sought to confine short-term rentals primarily to the downtown Business Improvement District and the South Main Street row house area.
During the council meeting, Lavin expressed concerns about the over 100 short-term rentals currently owned by investors, some of whom reside outside of Geneva. He warned that allowing unrestricted growth in short-term rentals could harm the city’s economic future and its community fabric.
A public hearing on the topic is scheduled for next month.