On a quiet stretch of North Union Street in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood, Jason and Tanya Platt see a retirement dream. The Chicago-based couple, a pastor and his wife, hope to move in full-time eventually. But until then, they want to rent out their beachside home as a short-term rental.
Their request, which was recently brought to Gary’s Common Council Planning and Development Committee, is just one of a growing number of short-term rental applications in Miller, a community known for its lakefront views and small-town charm.
“We love the neighborhood and our neighbors,” the couple stated as they spoke before the Council.
While some view tourism as a vital economic boost, City Council members and longtime residents are increasingly concerned that the neighborhood’s identity is slipping away — replaced by weekenders, party houses, and rising housing costs. Now, Gary officials are again grappling with a question facing cities across the country: Can short-term rentals grow without hollowing out the communities they operate in?
“The reason why we ask so many questions is because we want to maintain the neighborhood,” said Councilman Kenneth Whisenton during the July 22 meeting. “[We] just want to make sure there’s no big conglomerates coming in to disrupt the neighborhood.”
“When we purchased the home, we purchased it with our family in mind,” Tanya told Council members. After 25 years of marriage, the couple purchased the Miller home as both a retirement residence and an investment for their future income.
The Platts bought the house in November and had been working on upkeep and repairs. Since they live in a church parsonage, their time at the home is limited. Still in the prime of their careers, they are considering turning their house into a part-time, short-term rental property.
“We wanted a place that was near where we live so we could come here on a pretty regular basis, as we live pretty busy ministry lives in Chicago. So having a place to go for some peace and quiet and to be able to get out of the city is something we were looking forward to,” Jason said.
He added that it was the diversity of the community and the proximity to the beach that drew them in.
“Rather than our house just sitting here empty, [we can] have people coming in who want to be here and want to visit local businesses and restaurants and support Miller Beach,” Jason stated.
On social media, residents from both sides of this topic shared their thoughts. While many in the community show support for short-term rentals, others do not.
One of the biggest complaints brought up was the fear of a housing shortage. In cities similar in size to Gary or larger, residents face problems finding homes as prices increase from the influx of short-term rental companies. In a local Miller Facebook group, one person stated: “While people staying in Airbnbs may go to our restaurants, a family moving in could go all year, even in the off-season.”
This concern is not new. In 2023, the Gary Common Council passed a law to rein in short-term rentals. Under the rules, property owners must get a city permit, pay a one-time $150 fee, and follow the same safety and nuisance laws as other rental properties. Homes that are not the owner’s primary residence also need a special zoning approval to operate as a short-term rental. If a property gets three or more violations in a year, the city can suspend its rental permit.
From parties and fireworks that extend well into the winter months to disturbing neighbors who work through the week, to being upset at people coming into the community only to make money and not take care of the homes, residents and council members want more than just investment; they want community.
“I would like to see more perfect permanent residency in the city, because we are at the point where we’re trying to come back, and we’re trying to have affordable housing, and we want to have people come into the community,” said Councilman Darren Washington, who chairs the Planning and Development Committee.
When asked about noise complaints and not disturbing their neighbors, the couple emphasized that they wanted to avoid upsetting or annoying anyone, especially now that they had gotten to know a few of the residents on a first-name basis. They said they plan a perimeter security system and camera, require at least two nights of stay, limit the number of guests, and maintain good relations with their neighbors, who can inform them if anything is amiss at the house.
While the status of the permit for the short-term rental may be uncertain, the couple is hopeful they will be approved for their permit.