How Lakewood's Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinance Undermines Housing Stability and Endangers Households in Crisis
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
4-19-2018
Abstract
Since 2005, Lakewood, Ohio, has used a Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinance (CANO) to penalize property owners for multiple emergency services visits to their properties. Lakewood continues to enforce its CANO despite 7 nearby cities amending similar laws to protect survivors of domestic violence. To better understand the implications of CANOs, we took a close look at their enforcement in multiple cities, including Lakewood. Using the 75 nuisance designations Lakewood issued from February 2014 to May 2016, we found several disturbing enforcement patterns. 1 of 3 nuisance letters are sent to survivors of domestic violence. African American households much more likely to receive a nuisance letter. Having a disability or mental health crisis is a common path to eviction. Tenants lack notice or chance to be heard. We urge Lakewood to reconsider its CANO in light of these findings
Repository Citation
Mead, Joseph; Hatch, Megan; Tighe, J. Rosie; Pappas, Marissa; and Andrasik, Kristi, "How Lakewood's Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinance Undermines Housing Stability and Endangers Households in Crisis" (2018). All Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs Publications. 0 1 2 3 1566.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/urban_facpub/1566
Original Citation
Mead, Joseph and Hatch, Megan and Tighe, J. Rosie and Pappas, Marissa and Andrasik, Kristi, How Lakewood's Criminal Activity Nuisance Ordinance Undermines Housing Stability and Endangers Households in Crisis (March 30, 2018). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3153232 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3153232
DOI
10.2139/ssrn.3153232
