Eastside Defender

Today's StarTribune reports that “Single-family homes in Minneapolis and nearby cities are turning into rental properties at such a fast clip that public officials are alarmed.” The story quotes south side Councilmember Gary Schiff:

“Non-homestead property traditionally has made up less than 8 percent of the Minneapolis single-family housing stock. But in a six-year trend that predates the recent wave of foreclosures, that's shot up to 18.6 percent. That's 6,400 more rental homes.”

Schiff fears that having more rental properties means more wear-and-tear for the city's housing stock, which he calls one of Minneapolis' prime assets. He said that renters tend to move more frequently, weakening neighborhood ties.

Following the current reporting pattern, the north side is offered as an example of the problem and consequences. Yet, the Eastside has a significant burden of poorly managed and maintained rental property. Recall the house which claimed the lives of three U of M students in 2003. Audubon Park, the only Northeast neighborhood with a Master Plan, has identified dilapidated rental housing as a priority target for improvement.

A previous post on the Eastside Defender offers strong suggestions for limiting the potential damage. It is up to us to remain vigilant on our blocks and in our neighborhoods to hold property owners accountable. We can encourage our City Council members and the Mayor to adopt effective policies right now to prevent further deterioration of our community.
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