Chapman: Support city council, vote no on 4/20 referendum
City's newly-enacted rent control ordinance is better choice, Councilwoman says
To the Editor, Asbury Park Sun:
During the summer of 2020, the Asbury Park City Council contracted with Kyle + McManus to do a study that would look at the prospect of creating a Rent Leveling Ordinance in Asbury Park. The purpose of this study was to conduct research on the outcomes of rent leveling and to provide all options both pro and con to the Council.
Prior to that study being completed, a group of Petitioners presented their own Rent Leveling Ordinance with the required 301 signatures to get it on a special election ballot. The Council reviewed the Petitioner’s ordinance and met several times with them, landlords, residents, and representatives from other municipalities.
These meetings were very passionate and philosophies were often miles apart with no resolution in sight. It was clear to Council that we had to find a middle ground, a compromise.
Much thought and research was devoted to creating a Rent Leveling Ordinance that balances the interests of everyone in Asbury Park: renters, homeowners, local businesses, and property owners. On March 10, the City Council unanimously adopted that Rent Leveling Ordinance. It provides protection for renters and for equal representation on the Rent Leveling Board. Most importantly, it can be immediately amended at any time and as many times as needed.
The Petitioners’ Ordinance goes to a vote on April 20th. If passed, it will replace Asbury Park’s current Rent Leveling Ordinance. The Council’s balanced Ordinance would be stricken from the books. Support your City Council: Vote No on April 20th
Eileen Chapman
Councilwoman
Asbury Park
[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]
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