HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover Letter 101623September 20, 2023
Attention: Department of Planning and Development
RE: Rezoning Application for 801 N Hughes St Little Rock, AR 72205
Legal Description: Lot 12, HALL PLAZA ADDITION to the city of Little Rock, Pulaski County,
Arkansas
Owners: Kalyan and Rebecca Swarna/KBS Midtown, LLC
Current Zoning: R2
Current Use: Rental Property
Details: My husband and I purchased 801 N Hughes St Little Rock, AR 72205 in 2021 as an
investment property. The house had been stripped down to the studs and had sat vacant and
unfinished for over a decade. When we saw it, we knew we could bring new life to it and turn a
neighborhood "eyesore" into a show -stopping home. We spent two years on the renovation and
completed it in May 2023.
We are requesting a re -zoning to allow for STR at our property. We have been operating STRs
with no neighbor complaints and a proven record of success in managing STR properties. We
currently have over 800 5-star reviews from guests and strive to be not just superhosts but
super neighbors as well. Our track record proves this! The benefit of a platform like Airbnb is
that we have some control over which guests are allowed to stay with us and we are very
mindful of only allowing guests who are respectful of our property and our neighbors. Either my
husband, myself, or one of our trusted cleaners is on the property multiple times during the
week which helps us keep a close eye on things. We use STR personally when traveling and
have found this is an excellent way for visitors to experience our city at a more personal level as
they are in the heart of a neighborhood. I've had multiple guests who have stayed with us while
visiting Little Rock to explore a move here or to find a home in the area. Our guests also include
UAMS patients and visitors who want a comfortable location while undergoing treatment or
visiting a family member as well as business professionals who want a full kitchen and the use
of laundry while in town for work.
We are proposing no changes to the building or exterior structure. This property is already
equipped for the purpose of running an STR. Safety standards will be in line with any
requirements already stated in the proposed STR regulations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Al- -<S--
Becca Swarna