SALEM, MA — The Salem City Council supported in a split vote a call for a local option on rent control measures after a statewide ballot initiative ticketed for this fall was struck down by the state's Supreme Judicial Court last month.
The resolution backed the local legislative delegation's push for an alternative option for cities and towns to institute rent control amid the greater housing crisis following the SJC's ruling not to allow it on the statewide ballot.
While the ultimate vote was strong in support of the resolution, the debate consisted of three hours over two Council committee and full Council meetings this week as those opposed to the resolution argued that the full weight of the Council's recommendation should not be carried in a resolution where not all Councilors strongly agree.
Those who voted against the resolution argued that rent control may be only one piece of a greater housing initiative. But an amendment to the resolution to that effect was voted down.