Jan 21, 2020

Piros de Carvalho looking for assistance from housing commission on policy

Posted Jan 21, 2020 7:48 PM

By NICK GOSNELL

Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Mayor Jade Piros de Carvalho made it clear at Tuesday's City Council meeting that she has heard the concerns of the landlords over the way city staff has treated their nuisance violations, but that it will take time to change policy.

"This is a very deep, deep issue," Piros de Carvalho said. "It's certainly nothing that can be fixed in five minute comments. I appreciate you continually coming in and bringing these issues to our attention, because if we don't know about it, what's not working, we can't fix it."

The core of the problem is getting fair treatment for those honestly trying to improve properties while not letting those who are negligent off the hook.

"We have to have a deeper community conversation and I hope that can be initiated through the Housing Commission," Piros de Carvalho said. "If we need to have a different subcommittee working on that, that's something that I would expect chairwoman Gleason to initiate."

Mitch Gumble again expressed frustration at the way he has been treated, but it is the city's intent to figure out a different way to approach the issue.

"There are a few bad apples out there who are taking advantage of the system, you're not one of those," Piros de Carvalho said. "I appreciate your advocacy on behalf of everyone who is trying to fix up properties. Please know that we are going to find a solution. It's probably not going to be overnight, because it's probably going to involve quite a bit of change."

Piros de Carvalho has previously advocated for decriminalizing nuisance violations in Hutchinson. It remains to be seen what the new council will do with that idea.