Lackawanna
Twelve hundred applications have been mailed to rental property owners, marking the beginning of the city’s landlord licensing program.“The main focus is to get an accurate number of management companies and owners in case we have to cite someone and serve them,” said Fred K. Heinle, director of development. “They have until July 31 to respond.”
Property owners who fail to register face an initial fine of $75. Current owner-occupied rental properties are exempt.
Upon receipt of a completed application, the city will schedule an inspection by code enforcement officers. “Barring serious code violations, a certificate will be issued the property owner,” Heinle said. “The certificate will be valid for three years.”
The 1,200 applications represent 10 to 15 percent of the housing stock in Lackawanna, according to Heinle.
The ordinance requiring registration of rental property owners was approved by the City Council in June 2011. At the time it was promoted by then-Second Ward Council Member Geoffrey Szymanski, who is now mayor.
Its intent is to control the increasing amount of absentee landlords whose properties often are neglected, explained Heinle, and to ensure Lackawanna residents have a better quality of life.
“Most residents of Lackawanna maintain their properties,” said Heinle. Sections of the First Ward – the western part of the city between Route 5 and the rail lines – have a heavy concentration of rental units, aging housing stock and a changing population, he noted.
This week:
• The Planning Board meets at 5:15 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 714 Ridge Road.