Shey helped make landlords accountable

As a resident of the southeast side, I drove by 1415 Bever Ave. SE twice a day for years. One could not help but see the impact that this slumlord property had on the neighborhood. There must have been a police car there just about every day. Clearly, the rest of the neighborhood suffered through high crime, decreasing property values, and a diminished quality of life.

Kudos to City Council member Pat Shey. He took on the special interest in pushing for the nuisance ordinance targeting derelict slumlords. All landlords are now required to do background checks, they now pay for excessive police calls, problem properties are put on probation and put to higher scrutiny. In the short time since 1415 Bever has been demolished, the neighborhood has drastically changed. We need more people with the courage of Shey.

Paul Rossberger

Cedar Rapids