WACO, TX — The Waco City Council voted Tuesday on whether to allow permits for two short term rentals in Waco.
At the Waco Convention Center, people expressed what they see as the pros and cons on the permits for one property by Lake Waco on Cliffdale street and another near McLane Stadium on Spring Street.
Jeanette Bell, who lives in East Waco, said she's worried on who short term rental properties may attract, and that it could mean trouble for affordable housing in the area.
Ultimately, the Cliffdale Street permit was denied, while the Spring Street permit was approved.
Airbnb released a statement to 25 news saying:
"As tourism in Waco continues to grow, Airbnb allows for significantly expanded lodging capacity, while unlocking economic opportunity for neighborhoods that would not have previously benefited from it."
According to AirBnB, McLennan County earned $2.2 million in supplemental income from the company this summer alone, welcoming more than 2,100 guests.
Right now there are no set rules on whether short term rentals will be allowed in those areas, which is why Waco City Council is taking every permit request on a case by case basis.
