La Crosse Council votes for rental registry, sale of Olson Center

The city of La Crosse could soon start a registry for the community’s rental units. 

City council members have approved the idea, which was proposed last year.  Supporters of a registration program say it could help maintain rental properties in good shape.  Council member Jennifer Trost says citizens are asking for this.

“The registry has come to us from the community, via the neighborhood associations,” she told the council on Thursday night. “I think what we’re offering is a balance of power to support and understand exactly what it’s like to be a renter in this city.”

Groups such as Habitat for Humanity have voiced their support for the rental registry as well. 

Council president Barb Janssen says it’s good to have a registry, but she still encourages people to talk with their neighbors, if they have problems with people renting in their area.

“We always encourage people to talk to their neighbors, and get to know them,” Janssen said. “Typically, that prevents some problems, but if you’re not comfortable with that, then you contact the city.”

Council members debated whether a fee of $10 a unit should be charged to owners, as part of the registry program.

In other council business, after months of public debate about the future of a senior center on La Crosse’s north side, the city has finally approved the sale of the center building to the senior group. 

The vote to sell the Harry J. Olson building to the Olson Center staff for a dollar passed quietly during the council meeting. 

Staffers with the center had raised concerns recently about the amount of control City Hall would have over the use and maintenance of the building.  A pending $50,000 roof repair persuaded city leaders to take quick action this month.