CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At the end of the Charleston City Council meeting Monday, Ward 1 Councilman Pat Jones raised concerns regarding landlords who are evicting tenants and moving their property outside of complexes, causing debris to pile on on sidewalks on the city’s west side.
Jones, who took office in April, said there are a few landlords who have moved objects out of an apartment after trash services on Friday, meaning objects cannot be handled by a city department until Monday at the earliest.
“I’ve got numerous calls on it, but I told (constituents) I’m doing all that I can do, and my hands are tied,” he said.
Jones noted one north Charleston landlord who has received multiple letters from the city regarding similar incidents, but there has not been any change.
“I just feel like a piece of paper doesn’t do anything to a landlord,” he said.
After the meeting, Jones discussed possible options with Charleston City Attorney Paul Ellis, as well as a meeting with Building Commissioner Tony Harmon and Planning Director Dan Vriendt.
Jones said Ellis told him there are laws that allow the city to pursue stricter punishments for landlords who disobey city rules.
“I can send you as many letters as you like, but you can just toss them to the side,” he said. “But if you start hitting these landlords in their wallets and that checkbook, they’re going to take notice.”
The city council also approved of the upcoming fiscal year’s parking system budget. The approval came after a presentation on the city’s parking study from October, in which the city will consider new smart parking meters allowing customers to pay with a credit card or through a mobile app.
The new budget also establishes public parking on the first floor of parking garages in addition to new signs.