Ridgefield families are facing the threat of a business forcing its way into a residential area. As a resident of Circle Drive I've been vetting this decision by our neighbors to convert their home to a B&B and I’ve come up with a list of pros and cons. Except that there aren’t any pros, not for anybody.
The home in question is charming. It might make an excellent B&B but we all know location is an important part of the equation. Ridgefield is well known for Main Street, the perfect location for a B&B. In fact The Elms Inn was located on Main Street but closed due in part because “… the inn business was lagging.” – Brendan Walsh News Times 7/24/12. If a B&B on Main Street was experiencing lagging business, would a B&B in a residential neighborhood, miles from the heart of town, be set up for success?
I am concerned for the safety and security of our neighborhood first and foremost. A transient business in our neighborhood will not enhance the safety and security. It will diminish it which would have a negative impacted on home values. The family has older children and they may, in the future, elect to move. Future B&B operators might not be as thoughtful as the current owners. The special permit they are asking for stays with the land forever.
To learn more about the risks of introducing B&B's and Air BNBs into our residential neighborhoods, please visit circledriveneighbors.com.
- Lisa Cousins, Ridgefield