If more money was available, members of Meadville’s City Council might be able to do something about beefing up enforcement of violations of the city’s property-maintenance regulations, but it’s not — so they can’t.
Zoning Administrator Gary Johnson reported the city’s bottom line to members of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission during their recent monthly meeting. However, he added, instituting a program of rental-property registration and inspection might be an option.
During their regularly-scheduled Oct. 2 meeting, commission members will continue what has become an ongoing discussion about how to make the city’s residential areas look better. Between now and then, Johnson will find out what other cities have done to guarantee that rental properties aren’t allowed to deteriorate due to indifferent landlords.
The issue resurfaces regularly — especially when the time rolls around for students to move into and out of rental properties in the vicinity of Allegheny College.
In August, for example, commission members identified several ongoing problems including deteriorating sidewalks, high grass and weeds, indoor furniture used outside and junk in yards. Commission members asked Johnson to write a letter to council recommending the hiring of a second part-time property-maintenance person who could help bring these kinds of issues under control.
After explaining during a recent study session that funds simply weren’t available, Mayor Richard Friedberg told Johnson to investigate rental registration-inspection options with the help of the planning commission. “With rental properties, there has to be more responsibility taken,” Friedberg said. “How to make that happen, I don’t know,” he added, noting that problems seem to involve the same landlords over and over.
“Make sure that it’s self-sustaining,” Friedberg added.
Johnson reported to the commission that he’s still in the early stages of his investigation. However, having looked at about six communities, “most require registration of landlords and tenants — plus regular inspections to make sure they’re in compliance with code,” he said.
Commission members directed Johnson to explore options — including how similar-sized towns have handled the situation. His investigation, at the commission’s request, will include both interior and exterior issues.
Whether to include owner-occupied properties as well as rental units in an inspection program remains under discussion.
Mary Spicer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at mspicer@meadvilletribune.com.
Local News
Meadville mulls rental property inspections
- Local News
-
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April
As Crawford County child abuse numbers rank among the most disturbing in the state, officials of local courts and agencies are busy finding ways to increase public awareness of child abuse and its prevention.
-
Ice would be nice for upcoming fishing tournaments
The 2012 Conneaut Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 25, but organizer Jerry Van Tassel isn’t holding his breath when it comes to running the event as planned.
-
Budget, aesthetics a balancing act at Armory
The next time there’s a moment or two to spare for quiet contemplation, pause in the vicinity of the City of Meadville’s picturesque Diamond Park. Let your eyes rest on Parkside Commons, the meticulously refurbished structure at the northeast end of the park that was once known as “the old junior high.” Make a point of focusing on the windows.
-
Former rockers Drywater enjoying glow from album's rebirth
It’s funny how perceptions can differ from one person to the next; how what sparkles in one set of eyes can appear tarnished in another.
-
Edinboro site eyed for retirement homes
About two years after halting expansion plans into the Conneaut Lake area, Meadville-based Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community now is looking to expand north into Erie County, possibly sometime in 2013.
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
“Pleased” is the word that best describes Bob Langley’s response to the news that he had been selected to fill Meadville City Council’s vacant seat.
-
French Creek conservation group to benefit from environmentalist's talk
When one of the world’s best known environmentalists, the author and activist Bill McKibben, speaks next week at Allegheny College, his audience will likely be putting some money where its heart is — right into French Creek.
-
Vernon Police chief suspects 'human interaction' in Sunday fire
An investigation is continuing into a weekend fire that destroyed a historic structure in Vernon Township, and Vernon police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April






