U.D. councilman’s call for rental crackdown draws rebuke
UPPER DARBY >> When Councilman Sheikh Siddique, 6-D, proposed an ordinance to oversee property owners and tenants in terms of upkeep of their yards and trash in rental units, several members from his district chuckled at his suggestion.
Mayor Thomas Micozzie, a Republican, called Siddique a hypocrite for the proposal due to the number of rental properties the councilman owns and the fact that he owes $60,000 in registration, trash and sewer fees and back taxes.
During the committee work session Siddique suggested the township check the lease on properties to determine who has responsibility, the landlord or tenant.
“We have to find a solution,” Siddique said.
Council President Donald Bonnett, also a Republican, reminded Siddique property owners are responsible now.
“It’s up to them to make sure the property is being maintained,” Bonnett said.
Solicitor Kelly Sullivan also announced property owners are responsible.
“It isn’t the township’s responsibility,” Sullivan said.
“When we issue rental licenses we remind owners of their responsibility,” Chief Administrative Officer Thomas Judge Jr. said.
“You are hypocritical,” Micozzie told his counterpart on council. “You have properties and you can’t provide a solution. You owe $60,000. We need to start with it right here.”
Siddique informed council and Micozzie of the payment plan he agreed to earlier this year to settle the arrears.
According to Judge, Siddique did owe $60,000 earlier in the year and has made arrangements to start a payment plan through the vendor Portnoff Associates, an agency contracted to collect delinquent taxes.
Olivia Taylor, a Kent Road resident who previously challenged the accountability of the entire council for allowing Siddique to continue as a councilman while allegedly owning 20 different rental properties not licensed or inspected for years, joined others in applauding Micozzie’s comments. “It’s an outrage,” Taylor said. “There ought to be some accountability. He’s done nothing but rip this township off and it’s a slap in the face to the women (tenants) he took advantage of.”
According to information obtained through right to know from the township, some of the properties are co-owned by Siddique and Penn Bangla. They owe almost $60,000 in property taxes and sewer and trash fees, some dating to 2012.
In other business, Councilwoman Lisa Faraglia announced the agreement of sale for a piece property belonging to St. Eugene’s Parish on Oak Avenue.
A public hearing on the purchase is scheduled for the Nov. 6 council meeting.
Judge proposed a resolution to extend the lease on the property at 1026 Providence Road and Ashland Avenue at $1 per year for a five-year lease. It’s the home of the Upper Darby Marine Corps League.
“The Upper Darby Marine Corps League has improved the property and done a wonderful job maintaining the property,” Judge said. “They improved the property. It features a United States Marine Corps Museum.”
The annual rabies inoculation clinic for dogs and cats will be 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 19 in the Municipal Building garage.