Re “How adding an Airbnb is akin to a demolition” (Dec. 11): I’d like to call attention to the facts conveniently left out of this commentary.
The majority of short-term rentals the author mentions are actually people sharing their primary homes. The city ordinance caps whole-home rentals at 1% of housing, ensuring these do not impact the market.
For vacation homes, a massive $5,000-per-bedroom annual tax won’t magically create more affordable homes. These $1 million-plus properties are already unaffordable for most. If owners stop hosting, the homes won’t become affordable — they’ll sit vacant or be sold to other buyers who can afford the high price.
So I am asking people to base their arguments on facts, not fear. Only then can we make real progress on things like underproduction, zoning restrictions and more.
—Jerry Locke, San Diego