Letter to the Editor Protecting Ridgecrest - How Unregulated Short-Term Rentals Are Changing Our Neighborhood

Sally Anne Sadler, a local business owner and resident of Ridgecrest, voices her concerns regarding the recent influx of short-term rentals (STRs) in her neighborhood. Over the past three months, several homes have been sold and converted into STRs, often without transparency or community input, jeopardizing the area's stability and affordability. Sadler supports various housing developments, such as duplexes and accessory dwelling units, but warns that STRs detract from long-term rental availability. She points to other municipalities that have successfully implemented regulations to maintain neighborhood integrity, including caps on rental days and owner residency requirements. Sadler urges Shoreline's city leaders to act swiftly to introduce similar measures to protect Ridgecrest's character.

She believes that policies prioritizing residents over transient visitors are crucial for the community's future. The local business owner emphasizes the importance of preserving the neighborhood's connectedness and stability. Ultimately, she calls for immediate action to ensure that housing remains accessible for residents rather than being diverted to short-term rentals.