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From:Joyce Kelch <br />To:Sophia Jensen <br />Subject:Objection to Short-term rentals by Joyce Kelch <br />Date:Thursday, April 9, 2026 12:04:29 PM <br />To: City of Lake Elmo Planning committee <br />From: Joyce Kelch <br />Date: April 9 '26 <br />Subject: Objection to Short-Term Rentals (STRs) <br />I am writing to express my strong opposition to the short-term rentals housing in Lake Elmo, <br />MN. As a long-term resident, I feel this type of housing will erode the quality of life in our <br />community. <br />My primary concerns are as follows: <br />Housing Affordability: Short-term rentals will reduce the inventory available for <br />permanent residents, driving up both rent costs and property taxes for those of us who <br />live and work here. <br />Loss of Neighborhood Character: Our local community is becoming revolving doors <br />for tourists rather than stable communities. This undermines the sense of security and <br />familiarity that defines a residential zone. <br />Public Nuisance Issues: There could be an increase in noise, excessive trash, and <br />parking congestion. Residential infrastructure is not designed to handle the high turnover <br />and "party house" atmosphere these rentals often bring. <br />Safety Concerns: Having constant streams of strangers in and out of neighboring <br />properties makes it difficult to maintain a safe environment for our children and families. <br />I urge the City Planning committee members to continue to officially prohibit STR’’s in the City <br />of Lake Elmo. Our neighborhoods should be for neighbors, not unregulated hotels. Currently, <br />there are many Bed & Breakfast rental housing opportunities that have beautiful settings & the <br />owners are on the same property. <br />Regards, Joyce Kelch 4855 Keats Ave N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042