BIRMINGHAM (WWJ) -- An out-of-control pool party in Birmingham has re-ignited the conversation about short-term rentals in the community.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reports there was a wild party last Saturday at a home on Weschester Street.
The homeowner told reporters that he wasn't at home, and had rented his pool to a friend who then hosted the event — which grew to be much larger than planned.
They started with about 50 people in the afternoon, but then the party tripled to 150 people, Langton said. "Cars were parked all over, people were dancing on top of cars, not a lot of clothing either."
There were many calls from neighbors to the police, who told the host to shut the party down at around 8:30 p.m. However, neighbors said many guests remained after that time.
The Birmingham City Commission got an earful from angry residents at a meeting Monday night
"All of the families that were on our street were terrified in our homes," one man said. "We were boarded up inside of our homes because we didn't know what was gonna happen."
Another man said, "I have had to explain new words to my children countless times, profanity. We don't allow out children in the backyard. There's no peace; we get no peace."
Reports said the homeowner was cited with three misdemeanors, and the party host was cited twice.
While no specifics were provided as to how, the mayor said he would work to make sure that this doesn't happen again.
This is only the latest incident that's raised questions about short-term rentals and parties in Birmingham.
In April, residents called for a crackdown on Airbnb and VRBO rentals after shots were fired at a party on East Lincoln in Birmingham. Three men were later charged with assault with intent to murder in that case.
