During a recent government meeting in Geneva, concerns were raised regarding a proposed ordinance that could impact the original Meadows subdivision, established in 1929. A resident from the subdivision, speaking at the meeting, emphasized that existing restrictive covenants limit each lot to a single house and are enforceable by the circuit court. He argued that the proposed ordinance could undermine these private agreements, potentially leading to increased gentrification in the affluent community.

The resident expressed apprehension that developers might exploit the ordinance to construct additional units, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which could be rented out as short-term rentals like Airbnb. He contended that the ordinance, as currently drafted, fails to achieve its stated goals and should explicitly acknowledge and respect existing restrictive covenants.

In response, city officials clarified that the ordinance would not supersede private covenants. They explained that while the city does not enforce these covenants, homeowners are still obligated to comply with them. For instance, in neighborhoods with specific restrictions, such as prohibiting fences, homeowners must adhere to those rules despite the zoning ordinance allowing for such structures.

The discussion highlighted the delicate balance between municipal regulations and private property rights, with officials assuring that existing covenants would remain intact and enforceable by homeowners associations. The meeting underscored the community's commitment to preserving the character of established neighborhoods while navigating the complexities of new housing policies.