Five years after withdrawing a plan for registration and inspection of rental properties in Woodstock because of fierce opposition by landlords, the City Council last week approved a limited program that targets only “challenging” owners. No opposition was voiced during the meeting, unlike last October when more than 20 landlords showed up in opposition during […]
Four years have not cooled the passions of Woodstock landlords who see city regulation of rental properties as unnecessary government intrusion into their business. Mayor Mike Turner admitted at last week’s City Council meeting that a 2017 proposal for mandatory registration of landlords and inspection of their properties was a matter of “overreach.” He was […]
One of the landlords who spoke to the City Council last week against new regulations on rental properties said she opposed the “tenant tax.” That’s a term being loosely used by opponents to fight Woodstock’s proposed “performance-based property-improvement program,” a name that itself is something of a marketing device. City officials made clear that they […]
By Michael A. Turner Recently, signs stating “No Tenant Tax” have appeared in the city of Woodstock. The apparent reason for their appearance is due to a few landlords attempting to create alarm for residents, and especially those who are renters. Let me be very blunt; there is NO “tenant tax” under consideration, nor […]
Woodstock officials call it a “performance-based property management program.” Yard signs around town call it a “tenant tax.” Whatever it is, City Council members are tentatively scheduled to consider it at their Sept. 21 meeting. Because of the many “No tenant tax” signs posted around the city, Mayor Mike Turner and city officials took to […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
