No Protests, STVRs Discussed at City Council

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday evening’s City Council was far less eventful than last week.

There were no protestors concerning the shooting death of Roger Heard Jr.

No one on the city council or in public comments made any statements relating to the incident.

This was the first city meeting since the release of the video over the weekend.

Last Tuesday, dozens of protestors showed up to voice their concerns over the incident.

One topic that was discussed was short term vacation rentals.

On next week’s Council agenda, an ordinance has been presented that would ban short term vacation rentals from C-5 commercial zones.

These are defined by the Regional Planning Agency as neighborhood commercial spaces, which they say are intended for small businesses that are compatible with nearby residential neighborhoods.

An example of this are portions of North Chattanooga.

Opponents to the ordinance say it would be stifling to Chattanooga business owners.

One Chattanooga business owner, Michael Rowland, said, “My biggest fear is to have a bad group. Same as the city doesn’t want a bad group, either. Last thing I want is there to be a party in my house, or for something to be damaged, or for my neighbors next door to be disturbed. I think that’s probably true for most hosts.”

This ordinance comes after new city regulations were passed earlier this year.

The final reading of the ordinance and vote will be at next Tuesday’s City Council meeting.