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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Champaign is set to implement a new registration system for rental properties and vacant commercial buildings, following a decision made at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
During the meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance that will amend the Champaign City code, officially establishing the registry. This decision, however, was met with some resistance from community members who raised concerns about privacy and potential costs.
Longtime Champaign resident Fran Demaris was among those who voiced opposition. “I believe that most rental property owners value their privacy and would not support such a law,” Demaris commented.
She further argued that the ordinance indiscriminately affects all landlords, rather than focusing on those who break the law. Despite assurances from the council that the registry would incur no costs, Demaris expressed fears of “creeping taxation” that could arise once the registry is in place.