Alderman urging East Side homeowner to stop using homes as hotels

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary celebration is fast-approaching, and with hotels filling up fast, some who still need accommodations for the big event are turning to residents of Milwaukee -- who are renting out their homes for Milwaukee visitors. One Milwaukee alderman is upset with a homeowner whom he believes is targeting tourists, and using his homes as hotels.

Neighbors like Mary Louise Mussoline have noticed the noise along Shepard Avenue is picking up.

"Some of our neighbors were disturbed hearing people up late at night. We called Alderman Kovac," Mussoline said.

Alderman Kovac says the owner of the home on Shepard Avenue and another home on East Newberry Boulevard have operated both like hotels in areas not zoned for that kind of business -- even marketing towards vacationers.

"The home was on the website Vacation Rental By Owner and Home Away," Mussoline said.

As the Harley-Davidson 110th celebration begins, it is expected more guests will bring additional traffic and noise into Milwaukee neighborhoods.

"It'll be loud that weekend, but where isn't it the weekend of Harley?" a neighbor told FOX6 News.

That neighbor says guests have been courteous off of East Newberry, but Kovac says if this continues, the owner will continue to be cited with violations.

"I think it's hundreds per and thousands if they continue to operate," Kovac said.

A "for sale" sign is now posted at one of the homes.