Rental Problem

By Greg Salvi

On February 27, at 7:00 PM there will be a meeting open to the public at the Community Center at San Marco and Bald Eagle. It is for residents who want to have rules for rentals. The residents will be able to tell their rental abuse stories. Presently as many people as possible (10, 20, 30 or more) can occupy a rental for any period of time, including nightly and weekly rentals. We are trying to get the word out to Marco residents that this is a very important meeting.

It is my opinion that this rental committee, formed in good faith by Keister, is heavily weighted by realtors and businesses. This committee is going to vote on whether the city needs new ordinances for abusive rentals which are located in single family neighborhoods. The City Council will then make the final decision.

There needs to be media coverage (other than the Eagle) to publicize this meeting because the city representatives are confident that no one will show up to express their discontent with the rental abuse problem. The police chief spoke at the last meeting and quoted statistics that don't accurately reflect the extent of the problem in my opinion. (It should be noted that police refuse to make reports when called regarding noise complaints).

It is also legal to renovate a single family house to add more bedrooms, therefore, making it into a "hotel house". This was done to the abusive rental next to me with no building permit and no consequences. I believe that single family residential areas are in serious peril.

After the election, it is obvious that permanent residents are a minority vote-wise. However, minorities still have rights and we believe home owners have a right to live in their home in a peaceful manner.

Quality of life is the most basic right which Marco residents are entitled to.

Please spread the word.