It appears our residential communities are now overflow accommodations for the tourism industry. Data clearly shows that with an increase in short-term rentals comes an increase in crime, garbage and noise, along with a decrease in livability.

Our commissioners are focusing on the rise in affordable home prices caused by short-term rentals, but have failed to address other pressing matters such as stable neighborhoods and quality of life for Clatsop County residents.

Please encourage our commissioners to think long term. Think strong, stable neighborhoods where our children safely attend quality schools.

Neighborhoods where you know who your neighbor will be each and every day. Neighborhoods where large parties, late night drinking, and garbage thrown on streets is not encouraged simply because it brings a pittance of money into the county coffers.

Think long term. Think quality of life. Do the right thing. Follow the planning commissions recommendation and limit/eliminate short-term rentals in unincorporated Clatsop County.

Bill Smith 

Warrenton