(via KARK ) Some of the most iconic buildings in Eureka Springs are at the center of controversy.

City leaders recently voted to place a six-month moratorium on bed and breakfast inns located in residential areas.

“It is becoming an issue because some of the homes are being bought by people for second homes,” says Eureka Springs Alderman, James DeVito, who proposed the moratorium. “Other homes are being bought for conversion to [bed & breakfast].

DeVito says currently there are roughly 50 bed and breakfast inns and similar tourist stays in residential areas.

The tipping point for DeVito was when the city was presented with two appeals, on the same day, to denied proposals for new B&Bs.

“What we’re finding out is there’s no places for people to move into Eureka Springs to relocate,” he said, “and probably more importantly, housing for people to live and work here.”

DeVito says families that could potentially move in would provide a constant source of revenue for local businesses.

Alderman, Mickey Schneider, who voted against the moratorium, says B&Bs are not the problem.

“We’re not losing anybody,” she said.

“What we are gaining are temporary residents,” Schneider said. “If people want to stay at a B&B it’s because they want to be part of the community. It could be one night, a weekend, a week, it could be a month.”

Schneider says by definition the owners of bed and breakfast inns must live there, and that the people they rent to are helping bring in new visitors.

“They’re not just renting a room, they are spending money,” she said. “They’re having a good time, they’re telling their friends.”

Both alderman agree the best way to provide more housing in Eureka Springs is to build it.