ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – Ashwaubenon’s village board tabled decisions Tuesday night on two proposed ordinances that would have affected so called ‘Packers party houses.’
The decision to table the ordinances came after dozens of Lambeau Field area residents, like David Verbruggen, voiced concerns about their neighborhood.
“My neighborhood isn’t a neighborhood anymore. I have lived there for 31 years and the last five years or so it’s become industrial.”
The two proposed ordinances from village staff would create two overlay districts near Lambeau Field.
Only properties in those districts would be eligible to acquire short-term rental permits from the village.
Those permits would require annual inspections, paying room tax fees, and abiding by nuisance codes.
Mike Aubinger, Ashwaubenon’s village president, who said he would not support the ordinances as proposed.
“You need some control on the upkeep of the property, the control of the nuisances that go on the property, etc, etc”
All but one person spoke against creating the districts.
Most cited security concerns, or worries living next to a district without the option to be a party house would lower property values.
Brad Schumacher is the one person who spoke in favor of creating the districts said it would help him sell his house.
“I don’t want it, but I want the option. We have to at least have an option to get out, because I will not be able to sell it to anybody, a common person, unless I want to go for the big money.”
The board decided tabling the ordinances would allow them time to make necessary changes.
Right now only two properties in the village have permits to rent short term. However, the village hired a firm who found 16 properties were being advertised to rent short term, despite not having village permits.
