Hanover Park mayor wants more inspections

Driveways crowded with cars and garbage cans. Multiple families living in a single, deteriorating house. Absentee owners.

The conditions are prevalent in Hanover Park, and they're currently going unchecked by authorities.

"This is a problem that's exasperating itself," says Mayor Rod Craig. "It makes for a transient environment and gives people a terrible perception of our town."

Hanover Park, which currently inspects apartments with three or more units, is looking into expanding the program to include rental homes and duplexes.

There are about 880 such rentals in town, based on the village clerk's water bill records.

Craig said he worked with the DuPage Housing Authority to learn how other communities regulate their rental properties. West Chicago, for example, charges a $180 license fee and conducts annual inspections.

Elk Grove Village trustees recently passed their own ordinance to crack down on absentee owners and regulate overcrowding. Starting in September, landlords for single-family housing will have to obtain a rental license for $20 and submit his or her name, the name of tenants, including phone numbers.

Hanover Park Police Chief Ron Moser recommends the village emulate West Chicago, except he wants to hire another code enforcement officer rather than outsource the work.

Trustees agree the program needs to generate enough revenue to pay for itself. Moser thinks it would.

Inspecting half the town's 880 properties in one year would bring in nearly $80,000 in licensing fees. Hiring another code enforcement officer would require $75,000 in salary, benefits and indirect costs, Moser estimates.

The program could be one way to help change Hanover Park's image, Craig says.

"Real estate agents tell us that if people have a choice between Hanover Park and Schaumburg, they'll choose Schaumburg," Craig says. "We're a youthful, starter-home-type community and need to aspire to bring in more families."

But the issue may be put on the backburner.

Often at odds with the village manager and some board members, Craig says he has to pick his battles. Right now, his top priority is finding the funds to hire more police officers for a depleted and overworked force.

"The board is reluctant to admit there's a problem and change ordinances," he says. "I have to work realistically, one thing at a time."