In late-night debate Tuesday, the Madison City Council passed an ordinance by one vote prohibiting landlords from requiring prospective tenants to disclose their Social Security number during the rental application process. The council also approved the landmark status of the Women's Building, 240 W. Gilman St., and will hold a referendum that would allow a municipal swimming pool to be built in waterfront parks.
Council worried over tenant screening
Former mayoral candidate Burt Zipperer advocated the support of the ordinance that assists Madison residents without Social Security numbers, such as illegal immigrants or international students, in their search for housing options. Under this ordinance, prospective tenants would still be required to verify their background and credit history, but would not be restricted from obtaining housing by their lack of a Social Security number.
Opposition to this proposal came mainly from property owners and landlords, who considered any restrictions on their ability to screen potential tenants dangerous to their own safety and the well-being of crime-affected neighborhoods.
\Social Security numbers are paramount to doing criminal background checks,"" said registered speaker Eric Rosenberg, a representative of the consumer reporting agency Trans Union. ""Social Security numbers are the best way to prevent identity fraud, and [withholding Social Security numbers] limits a complete check on an applicant's prior criminal and tenant history.""
Supporters of the Women's Building can breathe easier today, after the building was granted landmark status on its second appearance before the City Council. The property was in danger of demolition if not for the strong advocacy of historic preservation efforts.
""[Demolition] of the Women's Building would be like tearing down the First Synagogue,"" said Jack Holzhueter, a Wisconsin historian, in reference to the prominent architectural and historical feature of James Madison Park.
Developer Joe McCormick must now get approval from the Landmarks Commission before doing anything to the site. According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, McCormick still plans to build a student apartment building on the site and the adjacent parking lot.
Opponents questioned the precedent of granting landmark status to properties with no established donors or owners that would lead the restoration effort. They also were concerned about the presence of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems insulation on the building, which they feared may have permanently damaged the brickwork underneath.
A Madison public swimming pool is one step closer to becoming a reality. Council members approved a referendum that would authorize the construction of a municipal swimming pool, using the donation of the brothers Irwin and Robert Goodman, to be located in any city park.
The existing Preservation of Shoreline Parks Ordinance limits pool construction to parks not directly adjacent to lakes or streams. This decision opens the possibility of a location in Warner Park, which previously had been out of consideration.
""[This referendum] does not favor one side over the other,"" said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, in an effort to unite council members who have disagreed on pool location.
""Just go and do it,"" he added.
