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.
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