NORWICH – Tuesday night, the Common Council held an open hearing to discuss the proposed rental dwelling registration. If passed, the ordinance would require all landlords to register with the city, providing their own name, address and telephone number as well as that of a local contact person. The ordinance also outlines the fees associated with registering and the fines that would be given if a unit was found to be out of accordance with the city codes.
Police Chief Joseph Angelino was the first to go to the podium. He reminded the crowd that Binghamton, Syracuse, and Oswego are all working on this issue, as well as larger cities throughout the country. Angelino spoke of the absentee landlords who make this registry necessary. “An absentee landlord is like a parent who doesn’t know where their child is until a police officer brings them to the door,” Angelino said, explaining that many have no idea what is going on in their properties. He continued, saying that the landlords present at the meeting were not going to be affected by this legislation. “If you are a responsible landlord, this is not going to have much effect on you.”
Several landlords disagreed with his assessment. Patrick McNeil said he understood the concept of the registry and the need for it, but he was unhappy with the fees associated with registering. “I hope the purpose of this ordinance is not for the city to offset salaries and costs, but to maintain the safety and well-being of people in the city,” McNeil said. He continued, asking why everyone must be burdened for the actions of the absentee landlords. “You said you had to set the ordinance because of a selective few. Hammer down on those not in compliance. Don’t make any hasty decisions,” McNeil cautioned.
Mayoral candidate Vince Anthony spoke out in opposition of the legislation, saying passing the ordinance does not make sense. “The ordinances that we have now are not enforced,” he said.
Several landlords spoke against the ordinance, but it had its supporters as well. Edward Morano said he sees many problems associated with rental dwellings. There is a lack of adequate parking in many of these areas, he said, and they increase traffic. “Over the past 25 to 30 years, there’s been a deterioration of housing in the city,” Morano said. He pointed to the findings of the Comprehensive Plan, which he said was put together by people with no special interest in the rental registration. He restated their findings, saying, “If you don’t take action soon, you will never attract business in the city.”
Mayor Joseph Maiurano said he was happy with the turnout. “It’s great to see so many people with comments,” he said. “This is how city government should work.” Maiurano said the council would take all of the suggestions and go back to the drawing board, but something will be done about the multi-family dwellings. Another open hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14.