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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHS201900026 Correspondence 2020-02-26 (2)2512 Huntington Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 February 20, 2020 To the Members of the Board of Supervisors We are writing to express our opposition to the request from Darrick Harris (The Manors, LLC) at 2405 Northfields Road for a waiver from the Homestay/Airbnb regulations. We believe that what Mr. Harris is proposing and what he has done does not meet the intent of the new regulations. These new regulations were carefully drafted so that the character of our neighborhoods would be preserved and so that the residents' lifestyle would be protected. We appreciate the Board's efforts toward this end. We also want to apologize for the length of this letter and the attachments but everything enclosed demonstrates why this waiver should be denied. First, there are several issues with the application itself. 1. His letter and his application do not ask for the same thing regarding owner occupancy —his letter asks for a waiver of this requirement, but the application states he will show proof of residency. He further states in the letter that there is a "low probability of any disturbance with the owner present." The reality is that since it is owned by an LLC, it is a problem. The owner, even if it is a single owner LLC, could assign a registered agent to take place of the owner. He bought it as an individual and then transferred it to the corporation, The Manors, LLC. He did the same with his other Airbnb, Rockbrook Manor. Mr. Harris is aware that as a corporation he would not be required to live in the home. Do we really want corporations to be able to come into our neighborhoods and tear down existing homes, build large, out -of -place, mini boutique hotels? 2. Mr. Harris's original building permit asked to build additions to the front and back of the home, however, there is no footprint from the original home. You also don't see the huge, towering three - car garage with living space upstairs on the plans presented with the waiver. (Pictures are included). 3. In the letter that is attached to the waiver request, Mr. Harris state that the one -acre lot is "far enough away from all abutting property owners." This house is extremely close to the adjacent property because the property is long and narrow (pictures enclosed). I would highly recommend that you drive out to the property prior to the March 4 meeting to see how it towers over the neighbors. He has also told many people that he wants to divide the lot into two lots which would mean that the lot would become a half -acre lot. As he has moved the house so close to the road and built a fence halfway across the back, this seems like a real possibility. 4. He also stated in his letter that his original intent when purchasing the property was to operate this as he does his other Homestay property. From what we have found about his other Airbnb, that would be a disaster. Mr. Harris's Rockbrook Manor is listed on his website as well as on the Airbnb site as a 5 bedroom, 15-bed home that can sleep 20 to 25 guests (one review even mentioned pulling out 3 roll -away beds). (Online description is attached). The Northfields house, where he is asking for 5 bedrooms, could really have 9 bedrooms (not even counting the garage). The Rockbrook-site reviews further state that you can have the entire house to yourself. Many of the reviews at Rockbrook have even mentioned that the guests have had events at the location, one of which was catered by the Assistant Manager, Dana. Most of the reviews, by the way, were very complimentary; however, that is because they were allowed to have very large groups for parties. (Comments on Reviews Enclosed). Rockbrook's description also says that it has free parking on -site as well as street parking. Though Mr. Harris has put down gravel on almost the entire yard at the Northfields house (a great look for the neighborhood), it would still not be enough for 20 to 25 cars which it could have on some occasions since many of the guests could be singles and not couples (bachelorette, bachelor parties, etc.) Rockbrook Manor was also a complete transformation from a small ranch house to a large 5 bedroom. (Before and After pictures for both Rockbrook and Northfields). Another item that we would like to point out is that the Northfields subdivision was established in 1960. At the time, there were covenants recorded in the County Deed Book to protect the character of the neighborhood. (Copy Attached). The covenants include setback requirements, appropriate use only as a single-family home, and no division rights. The covenants also include a map showing that all of the lots are covered by these covenants. I am not sure how these covenants fit into the new zoning but they should be grandfathered in. Once 20 lots were developed in the early 1960's, the covenants were turned over to the Association. Our Association has run continuously since its inception and has tried to protect the neighborhood from exactly what Mr. Harris and The Manors, LLC, are trying to do. Mr. Harris obviously knew that he was taking a risk but went ahead and built it anyway. The County has no obligation to reward his "build now and ask forgiveness later" attitude. This small corporate hotel does not belong in Northfields or in any urban neighborhood with houses close together. If this waiver is granted, it would set a dangerous precedence and will render the new regulations ineffective. We could build an apartment in our backyard shed, pave the front yard, transfer the ownership to an LLC, and rent out the entire house on a night -to -night basis while we move to a retirement home. Thank you for establishing the new Homestay regulations. They have made a great leap forward in protecting neighborhoods and neighbors from abuses. It is our hope that you will deny this waiver. We appreciate your attention to this matter. Please call if any of our concerns need clarification (434-760- 5938). We will see you at the March 4 meeting. incerely, mes H. Aylor Sherry K. Aylor Attachments: Reviews from guests at Rockbrook Manor showing large numbers of guests and parties and violations Pictures of 2405 Northfields before and after renovations Pictures of 7 Rockbrook showing before and after and how dramatically the house changed Copy of the covenants recorded in the County deed book (358/465). A 2405 Northfields Before Purchased by Darrick Harris. Three -car Garage with Large Living Space Upsstairs. You can also see the neighboring house directly behind the garage which towers over it. The left side of the house and the Driveway with Gravel all the way around. The front of the house with a gravel circle and a small strip of plants. No longer a split foyer and no resemblance to the previous house for a building permit which was for an addition to the front and back of the house. Also no mention of the garage. The right side of the house with a large gravel area. You can also see the close proximity to the neighboring home. L �'�, .-, � ,'t ;,,, � _ �� •.' � .:ti ` i 1 �' .�.:: t,. Comments of Concern from Guests at Rockbrook Manor Almost all of the comments mentioned in the reviews stated that the house accommodated large groups of guests. The overriding theme was that this was a great place for large groups to gather and party. Some of the comments stated that there were 16+ guests. They also mention hosting events at the house (one of the events was even catered by the Assistant Manager). Many of these events did not include couples so would require lots of parking. Is this what the new Homestay regulations had in mind? The bold text are direct quotes from reviews. "We hosted our son's rehearsal dinner at Rockbrook Manor and had the Assistant Manager, Dana cater it?" (Their own description states "able to accommodate small events (only for guests renting the house), graduation, family gatherings, and other celebratory occasions for maximum of 20 to 25 guests.) Obviously, they don't enforce their own rules. "We were able to host a bridesmaids breakfast for 16 and a small open house family breakfast the day afterwards. The house slept 10 comfortably." (Evidently 10 stayed at the house but they held two events with larger numbers attending while renting the house) "It is also a wonderful place to host graduation parties." "We even hosted a small and casual rehearsal dinner." "Everything you could need for a business, bachelorette, wedding, or weekend away with a very large group." "Perfect place for bring family and friends together for large gatherings." "Stayed here for a wedding weekend at Pippin Hill with 19 people." "The perfect place for large groups." "This is a wonderful house for anyone visiting Charlottesville with a large group." "Terry's house was such a great find for a bachelorette party." "We had about 15 people in town for a bachelor party." "We had 19 sleeping there, 3 were on rollaways." "This house in PERFECT for large groups. There is parking for at least 4-5 cars in the driveway and on street." "We rented both the house and the apartment." "We had 16 law students" Rockbrook Manor Terry 16+ guests 5 bedrooms 15 beds 4 baths Entire home You'll have the house to your{, Sparkling clean 17 recent guests said this place was sparkling clean. Terry is a Superhost Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests. Great location 95% of recent guests gave the location a 5-star rating. STILL AVAIL - UVA GRAD 2020- 2 NIGHT MIN -BOOK NOW Beautiful architectural home provides spacious rooms, comfortable amenities, and much more. Situated in a great location, you will feel like you are at a 5 Star resort luxury furniture & bedding, jaccuzzi tubs, gas fireplaces, wide screen high def tvs, cable, free wi-fi, beautiful sun porch/dining area, charming front porch, gourmet kitchen, game tables, arcade games, & so much more. The entire home sleeps up to 22 guests (if sharing beds). The space Great location! Close to wineries, breweries, downtown Charlottesville, historical sites and shopping. Bright contemporary space. Able to accommodate small events (only for guests renting the house), graduations, family gatherings, and other celebratory occasions for maximum of 20-25 people. Entire home sleeps up to 22 guests (if sharing beds). Resident Manager resides on property. Guest access Main Level - kitchen, dining area/ sunroom, deck, living room, family room, 2 bedrooms w/double beds. guest suite w/private bath & single sleep sofa, small guest bedroom w/2 single beds, master suite w/private bath - 2 queen beds, 1 single ottoman pullout, 1 single rollaway Lower Level -bedroom w/queen w/sitting area & fireplace, queen sofa bed, kitchen, dining area, living room, exercise equipment, laundry room, game room, multi-purpose/theater room, bathroom, outdoor terrace space, handicapped accessible entry Large front porch w/rocking chairs Other things to note No smoking on front porch allowed. Please keep outside noise levels down after 11:00 Please bring your own towels for makeup removal NO COACH BUSES allowed on street; NO OVERNIGHT BUS PARKING allowed On Check -in date the guest that reserved the house will meet the Host for the check -in unless prior arrangements have been made Amenities Basic Wifi Continuous access in the listing Cable TV Indoor fireplace Iron Laptop -friendly workspace A table or desk with space for a laptop Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper, dryer In the building, free or for a fee Washer In the building, free or for a fee TV Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing Air conditioning Hot water Family features Bathtub Children's books and toys Fireplace guards Facilities Free parking on premises Free street parking Dining Kitchen Space where guests can cook their own meals Coffee maker Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper Dishes and silverware Dishwasher Microwave Refrigerator Oven Stove Guest access Host greets you Private entrance Separate street or building entrance Logistics Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more Bed and bath Hangers Shampoo Hair dryer Bed linens Outdoor BBQ grill Patio or balcony Garden or backyard Safety features Fire extinguisher Carbon monoxide alarm Smoke alarm First aid kit 14, 1959 and recorded September 19, 1959 in D. B. 352 p. 231, plat on p. 235 to 239. RESTRICTIONS• 1. No building of any kind shall be erected or maintained upon the lot herein conveyed except one private dwelling designed and constructed for use by a single family and private garage and stable for the sole use of the occupant; of the dwelling on the same lot. No trailers, tents or other temporary quarters shall be used as a dwelling either temporarily or permanently. 2. No residence, building or structure of any kind shall be erected;' upon said property, and no alterations or additions to any such residence, buildii or structure shall be made until after the plans thereof (including exterior colo: !scheme, grading plan and location of such residence, building or structure) shall :have been approved by Charles Wm. Hurt or anyone who has succeeded in his title ,to 1/3 of the lots until such time as 20 houses shall be built and occupied at. :'which time there shall be a committee of three elected yearly by the lot owners, owner of each lot having one vote. The committee shall from then on take over! authority of Charles Wm. Hurt in regard to the administration of restrictions All houses hereafter built on lots in Block L and Block M shown on the attached plat shall have a.minimum of 1400 square feet of floor space within ,the exterior walls exclusive of basement, garage and porches open or closed. i 3• No building or any part thereof shall be erected within thirty feet of any street or road, nor within twenty feet of any side line or twenty-five feet of any rear line. No suit or action shall be filed on account of a building .violating this restriction after sixty days from the completion of the building. It shAl l be conclusively presumed that proper permission has been segurec :for any work done under Restriction 2 and that the house is located as required by Restriction 3 unless within 60 days from the completion of the work suit with a lis pendens is filed claiming a violation. 4. No re -subdivision of' any part of this property by sale or otherwise shall be made unless the consent of Charles Wm. Hurt or the above committee theretc shall have been first obtained. 5• No billboards or signs of any kind shall be erected, maintained gr i displayed larger than one foot by two feet and no signs except "For Sale" or "For Rent" or notices of professional offices shall be displayed without the consent of Charles Wm. Hurt or the above committee. 6. All sewage disposal shall be in accordance with the specifications of the State Health Department. 7• Charles Wm. Hurt reserves for himself and the benefit of all pur�hasE of lots in northfields,,the right or easement 6 feet in width along the rear at d side lines of the lot hereby conveyed Y for pole lines and conduits in connection wit supplying light, power, water, gas, sewer and telephone service; also reserves; the right of access, at all times, to such lines and conduits for purposes of construction, maintenance and repair. j 8. No nuisance of any sort shall be maintained on the property here .onveyed. 9• These restrictions shall apply for PP Y a period of twenty-five yearsi from -he first day of January, 1960, and shall be continued automatically thereafter or periods of twenty-five years, unless prior to the expiration of any twentyTfive ear period the owners of a majority of the net lots in Northfields shall execinte nd acknowledge and record in the proper Clerk's Office for a deed conveying tine and, an agreement releasing the land from any or all of the above restrictions. But the restrictions shall not prevent use of any of the land for wells id water system and sewer disposal system. Given under my hand this 16th day of May, 1960. t Charles Wm. Hurt (SEAL) j