Princess Anne passes ordinance to address “unruly” social events
In a three to two vote Monday night, town commissioners in Princess Anne voted to pass an ordinance imposing fines on what they consider “unruly” social events.
This includes but is not limited to complaints of excessive noise and public intoxication, according to the ordinance.
The overall goal, according to commissioner president Garland Hayward, is more accountability for both residents and property owners.
“We’ve had some problems with some of the parties where they go in, and they jump until the floor almost cave in.” Explains Hayward.
The first offense means a tenant or resident could face up to a 500 dollar fine. If they rent a home, then the owner of the property would receive a warning at first. Strike two means possible fines for both: 500 dollars for the property owner and up to 1,000 dollars for the resident responsible.
Following the first offense, we’re told the Princess Anne Police Department will have up to 15 days to contact the proper owner of the property to notify them of the infraction. From there, the property owner would need to take action and address the responsible tenants or residents.
Hayward tells 47ABC the fines are not an attack on landlords or property managers. He says if anything, the ordinance is meant to protect the owner’s property.
“We just want accountability, we want them to hold their tenants accountable so the fines are not designed for the landlord.” He says. “But notification is definitely designed for the landlord.”
Joseph Wilson, chairman for the Government Affairs committee with the Coastal Association of Realtors, met with 47 ABC prior to town officials landing on a decision on Monday night.
The association is compromised of 1,000 real estate professionals within Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties.
Wilson says he worries that an ordinance like this could decrease property value in Princess Anne.
“If you have a group of investors that is potentially looking at purchasing a property in this area, and they know that they’re going to have trouble with the local municipality…they’re going to be much less likely to purchase a property in that area.” Explains Wilson. “They’re just going to be afraid of dealing with the issues that come along with it.”
Sarah Rayne, director of Government and Public Affairs at Coastal Association of Realtors, says ideally property managers should not foot the bill; however, she’s not considering Monday a total loss.
“We understand that something that has to be done.” Says Rayne, “Obviously, there are some large and dangerous parties happening in Princess Anne and police need another tool.”
Hayward says if a property owner or landlord is fined for an infraction, he or she has a chance to argue against it using at least one of the following defenses: providing proof that they had nothing to do with the violation and were not present for the incident, did not receive three infractions in the past year, or they have started the eviction process for the responsible tenant and/or resident.
The ordinance will go into effect within two months in Princess Anne, according to Hayward.
