Tensions ran high Thursday evening at a University Heights' community monthly meeting on Thursday, amid strained discussions about short-term vacation rentals.
Dozens of people showed up at the University Heights Community Association forum, and many demanded to hear from San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward about his proposal to regulate short-term vacation rentals.
Carol Neidenberg, the president of the University Heights Community Association, invited Ward to speak about issues in their district.
“He addressed initially the areas that I asked him to talk about, zoning, homelessness,” said Neidenberg. “We talked about Hep A.”
Shortly after the meeting, the group Save San Diego Neighborhoods demanded answers, placing further pressure on Ward.
The group doesn't belong to University Heights but decided to attend. Tom Coat, the president of Save San Diego Neighborhoods, explained the homes have been essentially converted into hotels for tourists around residential neighborhoods.
Last month, Ward along with three other councilmembers proposed allowing owners to rent out up to three properties as short-term rentals. Owners would have to enforce a 3-night minimum stay for renters near the beach, as well as those in a historic district.
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According to the proposal, there would be fines up to $5,000 for noise and nuisance violations. Those are just a few of their suggestions.
Ward told NBC 7 his group proposal is one of several that will be considered this month.
“We may very well be able to connect some concepts from one or more of the proposals together," said Ward.
There will be a city council vote on Oct. 23 to address the issue.
