The federal grant would offset much of the cost of the necessary improvements to windows and to exterior and interior surfaces, but the proposal has spawned controversy because it entails passing an ordinance requiring many landlords in the target areas to make these repairs. The ordinance, sponsored primarily by Ald. Willie Hines, comes before the Common Council's Public Safety Committee for a hearing today. The committee should give it a thumbs-up, despite the stiff opposition expected from some landlords. City Health Department officials and citizen groups say the goal is to prevent childhood lead poisoning instead of just responding to it later.
Lead poisoning can cause health and serious learning problems in children.
The proposal would involve about 1,000 rental units. Landlords complain this is unfair and that paint manufacturers have a responsibility, too. The city is correctly pursuing that option, but whether it's done voluntarily or through a lawsuit, it will take time, perhaps years. Meanwhile, predominantly poor children continue to be poisoned. Besides, as Murphy and other officials point out, landlords who have maintained their properties have nothing to worry about.