NORWICH – At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Common Council, a second public hearing was held to gather additional input on the proposed rental registration plan. If passed, landlords of all non-owner occupied rental dwellings would have to register with the city, providing their name, address and telephone number. A local agent would have to be named if the landlord was located out of the area.
The Norwich City Court was more than usually full, as people awaited their turn to address the council. Ed Morano of Miller Street encouraged the council not to lose sight of their purpose in regards to the rental registration: improving the quality of life in the City of Norwich. He encouraged the city to stop getting input and make a decision. “I ask the city to stop just doing things right, but do the right things,” Morano said.
Other city residents disagreed with Morano. Gordon Barkley of North Broad Street explained that communication between the city and the local rental property owners needed to be improved. He encouraged more input, telling the council he thought many landlords would be willing to be on an advisory panel. Barkley did not see the need for the registry. “With the city codes and the state mandates, it would just be redundant. If the codes officers go in and do what needs to be done, this wouldn’t be a problem,” Barkley said.
Police Chief Joseph Angelino again spoke in support of the ordinance, urging city residents to trust their city officials. He compared the ordinance to the city speed limit. “The speed limit in the city is 30 miles per hour. If someone is going 31 or 32, no one is going to jump out and give them a ticket,” he said. Angelino explained that the worst offenders would be dealt with first. “It’s not a witch hunt,” he said.
David Francis of Francis Plumbing and Heating agreed. “The registry is definitely needed,” he said. “So far this year, I’ve received six or seven ‘no heat’ complaints from tenants who are unable to reach their landlords.” Francis explained that he thinks the problem comes from out of area landlords, and encouraged the council to hold them accountable for their actions.
First Ward Alderman A. Anthony Abraham acknowledged the comments, and agreed with several of the landlords present, saying, “There are a lot of people with very good rental properties. I don’t see why they should have to pay a yearly fee.” Abraham said he would rather see a nominal, one-time registration fee instituted to cover costs, and increased fines given to repeat offenders.
Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano concluded the discussion, saying “the council is committed to the health and safety of the community.” He explained the input from the hearing would be considered and another draft of the rental registration would be drawn up. Another public hearing will be held at a later date.