NEWS RELEASE - October 22, 2008
Mayor O'Connor Criticizes Aldermen for Blocking Funding of Berwyn Crime-Free Housing Inspector for Rental Properties
O’Connor Also Releases Statistics on Section 8 Housing Vouchers in Berwyn
BERWYN - Mayor Michael O'Connor today criticized Aldermen Lovero (7th), Phelan (6th), Skryd (4th), Ramos (2nd), and Chapman (1st) for holding up creation of a housing inspector position designated to go after absentee landlords of multi-unit buildings to ensure these buildings are safe, up to code, and not housing criminals.
In 2007 the Mayor introduced a Crime-Free Housing Ordinance which requires licensing of landlords with five or more units as well as licensing of mixed-use buildings with commercial and residential rental space. The ordinance also creates a fee system whereby landlords of larger apartment buildings fund a Crime-Free Housing inspector who focuses on multi-unit rental buildings to make sure they are in compliance with city housing codes. A similar law in Schaumburg has had much success in improving rental properties.
Though City Council approved the housing ordinance itself, aldermen now refuse to approve the creation of the inspector position provided for and already funded by fees collected under the ordinance.