I am writing in support of the adoption of the amendments to the Rockport Land Use Ordinance, Article 2 and Article 3.

As a property owner of an apartment adjacent to my house for 32 years, it makes total sense to be sure that my place meets code and is up to date with the requirements for safety and fairness.  If there was ever a fire, gas leak, inadequate plumbing or any other problem my liability would be huge and would be much more costly than paying a minimal amount for an inspection.  Some things are worth paying for and having the assurance my property is in compliance is important to me and I certainly have nothing to hide.

Thirty-two years ago there was not the problem of homes and apartments being turned into short term rentals as there is now.  This change has greatly reduced the availability of affordable housing in our community. 

As a member of the Midcoast Regional Housing Trust fundraising group, I am sure that the middle income housing we are working to fund and build will meet all updated and current codes, as they shoul be  It is wrong and unfair to allow rental housing to be exempt from compliance everyone else needs to meet.  We should have the same standards and requirements as owner residences.

Thank you.

Joan Welsh lives in Rockport