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B&B;’s were originally supposed to be for auxillary income, not primary. When someone trys to use them as a primary source of income, it becomes a very different endeavor.

Increasing the # or rooms increases the “commercialness” of the property. This then impacts those properties that abut.

Several B&B;’s have shown that their neighbors signed a petition saying they are OK with allowing expansion. It would be very difficult for a neighbor to say no, even if they don’t agree. People don’t want to seem unneighborly (is that a word?).

Increasing rooms limits runs contrary to desire to protect single family neighborhoods, which is a stated goal of the Comprehensive Plan.

If too large, it is a true inn. As such, move the business to where inns are allowed.

Takes houses that were originally residences into another market. Houses have enough push on them right now because they can be rented to students. The B&B;’s just add another level of pressure.

Cars coming and going at night will not enhance the quality of single family life in the houses beside them.

Q: Most, if not all, of the houses that have been converted to B&B;’s were originally built as single family houses. Traffic along these corridors has increased significantly since then. This makes them less desirable as SF housing. Isn’t the B&B;use an “adaptive re-use” of older buildings that might otherwise be allowed to deteriorate?
A: Keep them as single family. If we allow B&B;’s to expand, we are saying that these houses are no longer viable as SF. We will price and design them out of the market. Even if someone did want to live in one, they are not affordable.
Look at the example of Park Street in Charlottesville. It is a major corridor but it has remained well-maintained SF. It was teetering in the 60’s and 70’s, but people bought those houses and fixed them up.

To: Williamsburg Planning Commission

B&Bs;are by definition owner occupied, single family dwellings in single family zones.  With the continuously stated goals for the City, both in the Comp Plan and verbally through the years to protect the character of the neighborhoods—by which I’m sure we all mean to preserve the REALITY of our single family neighborhoods, not merely the structures, then B&Bs;are fine with the current four allowed rental rooms.  They provide another type of tourist accommodation, without, hopefully, upsetting the daily life of the owner occupied neighborhood.

However, the recent demand for allowing expansion to add or accommodate up to ten rooms for room rental so the B&Bs;can provide a better living flies in the face of all the definitions and goals promulgated by the City:  Parking and access is already problematic at some B&Bs;. Protecting and preserving single family homes has to be a serious point of WILL for the City if there is to be families living in City Center.  Home buyers are spending large sums to upgrade the old homes in the City because they want to live close in to the City life. At the same time our City hotels and motels are facing ever greater competition from newer and larger chain hotels in and outside the City. They are also confronted with thousands of times shares, some in the City and more close in City ones planned.

So, for the City to even think of changing current rules to allow the B&Bs;to expand undermines and ultimately defeats a long stated City goal of preserving neighborhoods while simultaneously hurting the revenue sources of our City hotels and motels.

Expanding B&B;allowable rooms is not a helpful idea for the City and needs to be received and filed NOW.
Finally, if good character and the desire to have the City guarantee a good income are deemed reasonable criteria for changing sound rules –as has been the rationale by the advocate proposing the change, then all of we residents should qualify for a rule change of our choice!

Sincerely, (Neme Withheld by Joe Hertzler)

June 13, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

We are writing to you as long-time residents of Williamsburg, who live just two doors down from the White House Bed and Breakfast.

Like many in the area, we have chosen to live, work and raise our family in Williamsburg because we feel that the city is unique in its history, as well as its beauty and ambience.  We like it here and appreciate efforts to protect the charm and allure of the area from overbuilding, commercialism and increased traffic.

Having said this, we would like to share our experience living close to the White House Bed and Breakfast.

In terms of aesthetics and priorities, John and Debbie Keane’s establishment is first and foremost a home for their lovely family It is a business venture second.  Their home and grounds are tasteful, well-maintained and have garnered a beautification award.  It is one of the best maintained homes on our block.

In terms of traffic, we have been unaffected by any increase in pedestrian or automobile traffic as a result of their bed and breakfast.  If truth be told, we are impacted far more by the traffic coming in and out of William and Mary on Campus Drive.

In terms of being good neighbors, the Keanes are not only invested in our area, but are also very interested and aware that what we and others do can affect our neighborhoods and our lifestyles.  The Keanes attend and support neighborhood functions, are raising a wonderful family and are a pleasure to have on our block.  We consider them dear friends.

In closing, we feel that such issues as expansion of bed and breakfasts should be handled on an individual basis, with input from those who would potentially be most affected by expansion: the local neighborhood.  Like any substantial project, proposed plans for bed and breakfasts should be submitted for study, comment and approval by neighbors and city officials alike.

We thank you for your interest and efforts in keeping our city the wonderful place that it is.

Sincerely, (Name Withheld by Joe Hertzler)

June 13, 2006

Dear City Council Members,

I am contacting you today to show my support for Bed & Breakfast expansion in Williamsburg.

Williamsburg is a very special place. One of Williamsburg’s hidden treasures is the lovely Bed & Breakfasts. These are some of the most beautiful properties in the city, run by some of the most wonderful people in Williamsburg. B&B;’s charm & hospitality bring many affluent visitors to the area, who visit the many fine local shops, restaurants and tourist attractions Williamsburg is famous for. Obviously, the appeal of B & B’s is their quaintness. I’m sure any expansion would be in keeping with the existing structures design and beauty. Because the city would be a partner and monitor the whole expansion process I see only benefits for both the city and the B & B’s. The city will receive many more tax dollars for years to come without adding more residents (low impact growth) and the B&B;’s will have a chance to grow and prosper and make the community an even nicer place to live.

Best Regards, (Name Withheld by Joe Hertzler)

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to express my support for the proposal to allow the consideration of additional Bed and Breakfast capacity as determined through special use permits. 

The Bed and Breakfasts of Williamsburg are an asset to our city.  Williamsburg enjoys a distinct reputation as a truly great destination location is this region.  Many factors contribute to this success, including the tremendous effort of local leaders to ensure we strike a proper balance between aesthetics, service and convenience.  B&B;room expansion would be completely consistent with your commitment to maintaining these priorities.  These facilities already operate under strenuous and effective codes and regulations.  There is a collective recognition in town that our B&B;community takes particular pride in their industry, and that they operate with the understanding that quality facilities are the key to a thriving business. 

Visitors are welcomed by regal rows of well-maintained, beautifully appointed and, most importantly, genuinely inviting B&Bs;as they approach CW.  Allowing optimal use of these facilities with appropriate consideration and oversight will provide additional opportunity for visitors to stay downtown and patronize other downtown businesses.  B&’B guests are an important sector of tourism, as they perhaps are guests that value the personal touch they find in a B&B;and may be likely to return to the area, knowing their room is waiting. 

As I understand, each request will receive review and city government will exercise discretion, providing continued assurance of quality and continuity at no cost to the taxpayers.  The success of small business seems critical to maintaining the Williamsburg flavor and experience that makes it unique.  Ensuring that small businesses such as B&Bs;have the opportunity for full success will attract the highest quality business owners and operators, another critical element of continued prosperity. 

Please support this proposal.

Thank you for your consideration in this important matter.

Sincerely, AF