Columbia’s Airbnb Market Hit by New Restrictions

Issue #245

19 Oct

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 74

🚫 Columbia’s Airbnb Market Hit by New Restrictions

📌 Coat Drive For Hurricane Helene Victims

🎤 October Lecture Series: African Americans Making History

🎃 Multiple Local Fall Festivals This Weekend!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here (Just Updated With More Events!)

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, October 19th

Sunday, October 20th

Monday, October 21st

Tuesday, October 22nd

Wednesday, October 23rd

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here (Just Updated With More Events!)

Columbia’s Airbnb Market Hit by New Restrictions

Columbia is cracking down on short-term rentals like those listed on Airbnb and VRBO. Despite laws being in place for two years, enforcement only started in mid-August, with property owners in residential areas ordered to cease operations. The city cited zoning ordinance 4400, which requires the owner to live on-site and restricts short-term rentals in many residential zones.

The enforcement came after a spike in community complaints about noise and disruption caused by short-term rental guests. The sudden crackdown has had a significant impact on the local vacation rental market, which had flourished in Columbia. While city officials claim they are following state guidelines, many property owners are frustrated with the abrupt implementation, which has left them unable to earn income from their properties.

The impact on Columbia’s tourism and local economy has been a major concern for many rental owners. They argue that short-term rentals bring tourists closer to downtown businesses, helping the local economy, and that the rentals tend to be well-maintained compared to long-term rentals. However, the debate continues about whether these rentals are benefiting or harming the community, with some citizens concerned about property values, affordability, and neighborhood disruption.

The city will hold a public forum on October 23 at City Hall to gather input on the short-term rental laws and explore potential revisions. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion, as well as fill out a city survey on the issue. The outcome of this forum could shape the future of Columbia's short-term rental market.

Coat Drive For Hurricane Helene Victims

Jacquelyn Moses from Rowdy Prisoners Apothecary is organizing a coat drive for victims of Hurricane Helene through October 26th. Please bring new or gently used gloves, coats, hats and blankets to 403 Oakwood Drive in Columbia and boxes will be shipped out as they are filled. If you’re able to give a small donation to cover the shipping, please use the QR code above.

October Lecture Series: African Americans Making History

The Maury County African American Heritage Society is hosting a special program in its “African Americans Making History” series. The event will take place today at 10 a.m. at the Maury County Library in Columbia. Speakers Sheryl Sweeney and Johne Stewart will share their experiences and contributions to the community through athletics.

Sheryl Sweeney, the athletics director at E.A. Cox Middle School, has dedicated over 26 years to coaching and mentoring students. She began her career as a girls' assistant basketball coach at Whitthorne Middle School before moving on to Spring Hill Middle School, where she coached basketball and softball. At E.A. Cox, she has served as head coach for the girls' basketball team for 10 years and assisted with various other sports teams, including boys' basketball and volleyball.

Johne Stewart, the head girls’ basketball coach at Columbia Central High School, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. A standout player at Memphis Central High School, she helped lead her team to multiple state championship games, accumulating 2,000 career points. Stewart went on to play college basketball at Jacksonville University and Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned her degree. After her playing career, she gained coaching experience at Heidelberg University before returning to Tennessee to coach at Columbia Central.

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Multiple Local Fall Festivals This Weekend!

Saturday, October 19th

Friendship Fall Festival - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: 1239 Witherspoon, Columbia

Come join the FUN … BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!!!

*Hayrides, Horseback Riding, Bounce House, Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Trunk-A-Treat, Decorate a Pumpkin, Decorate a Cupcake, Cake Walk, Bingo, etc.

*S’mores, Popcorn, Snow Cones, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Taco Soup, Chili

Join us for our annual FALL FESTIVAL! We would love to meet you there!!

Harvest Glow at Row & Co - 4:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: 206 Depot Street

Get ready for a fun-filled evening of Pumpkin Carving, fall treats, and a movie on the Lawn! 

Pumpkin Carving Contest 4PM - 6PM

Movie: Monsters, Inc. 6:30PM

Come hungry! We’ll have:

- Cotton candy by Mama Milas
- Pizza Bagels by Bag of Joy
- Candy apples by Gold’s Deli
- Beer, wine, and coffee by Bradley Mountain

Don’t forget to bring your own chair or blanket for the movie!

Sunday, October 20th

5219 Main Street, Spring Hill

Join us on Sunday for our annual Fall Festival! Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, food trucks, games, and fellowship. Bring your friends, wear your favorite fall attire, and let’s celebrate the season together!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, October 19th

Brunch with Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10AM-2PM
Blue Ashes, Buck & Board, 6-8PM
Kenny Durham Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9PM

Sunday, October 20th

Kenny Durham, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Mellie K., Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Emily Stevens, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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