Not sure why, but email got me into "soapbox mentality," so here it is ...
What's in a neighborhood (position)? that which we call a neighborhood (position) by any other name would be as complex ... (pardon my Bard paraphrase)
If the entire neighborhood is truly in consensus, a neighborhood position is great. Rest assured, an "entire" neighborhood consensus may or may not be possible. How do you propose contacting all neighborhood residents re the issue? What resources are in place (or need to be acquired) to reach those lacking digital access/literacy, those who are not English speakers, and those who are not home/property owners?
As for any registration(s), as I understand it (and as I understand both Spelman & Tovo proposals) Rental Registration was never about tenants registering, it's about property owners/management. Apartment tenants are already held accountable via lease/contract (especially TAA leases), there is no need for them to jump through any more bureaucratic hoops.
Tenants need to be assured of their rights to a safe and affordable home, they need to know property owners/mgmt can and will be held accountable without fear of retaliation.
If a property owner (houses/duplexes) has issue(s) with tenant(s), it makes me wonder ...
- was a background check (credit, rental, and/or criminal) done and/or
- a solid lease/contract was put in place
If not, then perhaps the property owner needs to change practices. Just sayin'
Also, I can appreciate a home owner wanting to reside in a safe neighborhood, but that doesn't mean apartments/apartment dwellers are a bad thing. Many of us just cannot afford to own (or even rent) a house, so that leaves us with renting apartments. The quality of life in apartments goes back to responsibilities of property owner/mgmt and the rights of the tenants.
My 2 cents ... I felt the need to get on my soapbox only because I recently heard someone make disparaging remarks about apartments as if they are something heinous/evil. Apartments, what they have to offer, etc run the gamut - some are great, others are slums, and most somewhere in between. Also, I do my best to remind people that not all of us have digital access/literacy, not all of us speak English.
We, as community members, regardless our socio-economic status, need to leave egos, negative attitudes, and closed minds at the door. If we truly want a harmonious community, we need to work together. Grassroots efforts are the answer every time.
