Today I wish to call more attention to an important issue in our community that has been left unsolved for decades – rental registration and inspection in Bowling Green. Bowling Green needs to implement mandatory rental inspections done by an independent inspector for the safety and security of our neighbors and for the future prosperity of our city. As the BG News reported in their investigative report entitled, “The Hell Hole”, the state of rental units in the city is one of grave concern.
These are not a necessary evil of modern life however but rather something that is almost entirely preventable. I personally have been affected by the issue as my apartment has experienced extensive damage from winds and rain that have gone without repair for months even after requests for said repairs.
Councilman Jeff Dennis has been spearheading this issue and has introduced and advocated for a plan that would allow us to protect our neighbors in unsafe and unkempt rental units while remaining revenue neutral. This plan includes the hiring of two new city inspectors to carry out inspections of each rental unit in the city. His plan also includes measures to incentivize more affordable housing units with a new grant program for renters who rent to low-income residents. Meeting baseline health and safety standards is the least we can do to ensure our neighbors have safe and quality homes to live in, raise families in, work in, and build their lives in.
Another key aspect to Councilman Dennis’s plan includes measures to incentivize more affordable housing units with a new grant program for renters who rent to low-income residents. Anyone who has grappled with issues of affordable and fair housing knows how crucial it is to incentivize affordable units. This is a great way to begin to move on that issue as well.
Furthermore, Bowling Green will not be alone in this much-needed policy. Dozens of Ohio communities, such as Kent, Oxford, Athens, and Rossford, all have had similar measures to hold hesitant landlords accountable!
From the perspective of a young person, a student, and a member of the Bowling Green community, I see this effort to hold landlords accountable as pivotal in taking steps to make Bowling Green a safer, more equitable place to call home. I urge my neighbors and all members of the Bowling Green community to advocate for those affected directly and indirectly by unsafe, unaffordable, and unfit housing.
We can do this by voicing concerns during City Council meetings on Oct. 4 or Oct. 18, telling others about this issue to raise awareness and by using our votes on Election Day this year. Anyone seeking to serve our community via elected office who cannot commit to strengthening the health, safety, and affordability standards of our homes will not earn my vote. We have a tremendous opportunity to make meaningful change and improve the lives of our neighbors at no additional cost to the city. Let’s not pass on this opportunity.
Nathan Halm
Bowling Green
