The mayor has proposed to legalize bed-and-breakfast rentals throughout the city (“Caldwell proposes new bills affecting short-term rentals,” Star-Advertiser, July 27). That sure makes sense.

Some say B&Bs have a negative impact on a neighborhood. That’s just not true.

Unlike long-term rentals, a B&B owner lives on the premises, and this usually results in better upkeep of the home.

B&B owners most often try to maintain pleasant personalities in order to provide their guests with a pleasant experience (Who wants to share a breakfast with a grump?).

Imagine an older homeowner, who has a nice spare bedroom. Why not rent it out and make some money to help with expenses?

B&Bs are good for owners, because they bring in a little extra money, good for non-hotel vacationers because they can avoid expensive hotel charges, very good for taxpayers because the city gets added tax revenue, and finally, very good for the community by providing well-kept houses.

Don Thompson

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