Aurora passes housing initiative

Aurora aldermen Tuesday pulled off what some called their greatest accomplishment when they approved the four-ordinance package known as the Crime Free Housing Initiative.

Aldermen and police have been working on the program since June. After several meetings with the community, local real estate representatives and attorneys, the package was approved unanimously and with an outpouring of community support.

Sixth Ward Alderman Michael Saville, along with 9th Ward Alderman Leroy Keith and the city's community-oriented police officers have sponsored the plan, designed to form a partnership among residents, rental property owners and police as well as to implement firm guidelines for the city's landlords.

"This is exactly what Aurora needs to maintain and ensure our quality of life," said resident Susan Forbes, one of 19 residents speaking in support of the plan.

Representatives from two real estate agencies said they support the new laws but feel some of the enforcement language was too vague.

The ordinances increase penalties for drug and criminal activity in rental properties. The new set of laws also requires landlords and property owners to conduct criminal background checks and strongly encourages credit checks of tenants.

A recent amendment to the plan also requires out-of-town landlords to have an Aurora-based property management company.

The new laws also require owners of all rental units, including condominiums, to license their properties and attend crime-free housing landlord training.

And, for the first time, the aldermen intend to implement fines for excessive police calls. Saville said the fines could be leveled against property owners after the third "nuisance" call in any given year.

Seventh Ward Alderman Scheketa Hart-Burns praised the work of the police and her colleagues and sent a message to those who may break the law.

"Absentee landlords, we are watching you and we now know where you are," she said.

The registration of all rental properties will begin immediately with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2009.

By 2010 city inspectors will begin all annual inspections of the 1,000 newly licensed units in addition to the more than 4,000 already in the program.