Residents of Adrian voiced strong opposition to the proposed Point of Sale (POS) ordinance during the City Commission meeting on November 4, 2024. Community members expressed concerns that the ordinance would hinder home sales and exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis, particularly for middle-class families.
One resident, who has lived in Adrian for 30 years, shared personal experiences about purchasing a home through a land contract and the challenges faced in upgrading a property that was initially deemed a "fixer-upper." He emphasized that the new ordinance could prevent others from buying homes, especially those in need of repairs, and urged the commission to consider the financial strain on citizens already grappling with inflation.
Another resident, Kim Neeble, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of corporate real estate practices on the local housing market. She argued that corporations are purchasing homes and leaving them vacant, which manipulates housing prices and limits availability for middle-class buyers. Neeble warned that the POS ordinance could further disadvantage sellers, particularly those with distressed properties, by discouraging potential buyers who might fear the implications of the ordinance.
The meeting concluded with a call for the commission to listen to the community's concerns and reconsider the ordinance, as residents fear it could deepen the housing crisis rather than alleviate it. The discussions reflect a growing anxiety among Adrian residents about the future of homeownership in their community and the need for policies that support, rather than hinder, local families.