A city proposal to require certain motels along Avenue of Flags in Buellton to return to short-term rentals has sparked pushback from tenants and property owner Kerry Moriarty, who say the move would eliminate affordable housing.

City Manager Scott Wolfe said the ordinance is part of a long-term effort to revitalize Avenue of Flags and ensure motels are used for their original purpose.

“Our Avenue of Flags is home to a number of motels that have been there for decades, going back to the 50s or 60s in some cases or earlier than that,” Wolfe said. “Over time, some of those motels have converted, in violation of our municipal codes, to long-term rental, essentially becoming apartment buildings instead of motels.”

Wolfe said the city partnered with an affordable housing developer to provide

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