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Resident Alex Desalani urges Green Island to require inspections and vacancy fees to boost homeownership
Summary
At the village board public forum, resident Alex Desalani proposed requiring home inspections on property transfers, charging fees on long‑vacant properties, and imposing rental fees on non‑owner‑occupied units to fund additional inspectors and encourage homeownership.
Resident Alex Desalani used the public forum to press the Green Island board on housing policies, saying the village should take steps to promote homeownership and strengthen tenant protections. “I personally believe that home ownership is very important,” Desalani said, adding that rising renter numbers and declining turnout in local elections show diminished community involvement.
Desalani proposed three specific steps: (1) require house inspections when properties are bought and sold to prevent buyers from having to waive inspections to remain competitive; (2) charge vacancy fees on properties left empty for years to financially incentivize sales; and (3) impose a rental fee on non‑owner‑occupied units so the village can justify hiring additional inspectors. He said he has discussed the ideas with staffer Maggie and will continue working with her. The board thanked him for the comments; no formal action was taken at the meeting.
