Theft, Marijuana, Over-Occupancy; Mayor Says Neighborhoods Need City Council to Pass Stronger Laws

Salisbury - Mayor James Ireton, Jr. today reiterated his commitment to solving the issue of over-occupancy in Salisbury neighborhoods after it was discovered that EIGHT (8) non-related tenants were living in a rental home at 429 Druid Hill Avenue.

On Thursday morning, January 29th, Salisbury Police, in response to information which indicated a possible CDS marijuana sales situation, served a search warrant at 429 Druid Hill Avenue. Upon entering the residence, officers determined that there were EIGHT (8)tenants living in the structure. Further investigation led to the location and recovery of twelve (12) stolen road signs, and a small quantity of marijuana. Charges are being pursued against seven (7) of the eight tenants.

The residence, which is a rental owned by Wilson E. Davis, has drawn repeated complaints from neighbors for noise, suspicious activity, and evidence of over-occupancy.

Since November, 2012 Salisbury Police Department data shows calls for service for:

CDS - 5

Prowler - 2

Loud Party - 6

Suspicious Vehicle - 1

The property is a designated legal non-conforming use, which means it was granted an exemption in 2006 to allow up to four (4) non-related occupants. Under current law, that exemption will now be forfeited. A $500 citation has been issued for violation of the occupancy provisions of the Salisbury Municipal Code, and an order to reduce occupancy has been served.

Proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Salisbury City Council would allow for the suspension of the landlord’s unit registration and/or rental license for a period of 3 months for the first offense, 6 months for the second offense, and a full year for the third offense.

Mayor Ireton urged City Council members to act decisively to pass the legislation, and to consider further measures aimed at fixing Salisbury’s housing codes.

“I encourage our citizens to voice their support of legislation that will penalize these properties to the fullest,” said Mayor Ireton. “This on-going battle is now 35 years old, and the remaining homeowners that we have must be given relief from the continued onslaught of properties that do not lend to increasing values in our neighborhoods. With this blatant case and the 44 others that preceded it this year, Salisbury is in a position to truly change the face our neighborhoods with the right tools. There are tools in front of the city council for consideration, yet I believe they are not enough.

“Additionally, I will ask the Council President to place a discussion on the table regarding making the University zoned areas of our city the only place that college rentals like this would be legal. We have the capacity to place all our student rentals in an area where they can more easily be provided services from SU and from City agencies.

“429 Druid Hill Avenue is a classic example of the fact that Salisbury has still not gotten its housing codes right, and that single-family neighborhoods continue to be degraded by those who make millions of dollars a year off of rental properties.”

The City Council will discuss the legislation at its February 17th work session, at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, third floor of the Government Office Building, downtown.

Following the discussion on the 17th, a second reading of the legislation will occur on Monday, February 23rd, at 6 p.m., in Council chambers. The Mayor encourages citizens to attend.