Log for ex-meth houses considered

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by Kristin Casale

Associate Editor

Stow -- City Council wants to protect homebuyers from purchasing residences that were former methamphetamine labs by requiring property sellers to disclose that information to potential buyers.

Council will continue to discuss the legislation during the next few months.

Deputy Law Director Joe Haefner said property sellers would be required to specify to homebuyers in writing whether the property was a former meth house. Those who violate the ordinance by failing to disclose the information would be charged with a minor misdemeanor and could face a $150 fine.

Haefner said a listing of former meth houses would be available through the Summit County Health District.

The city originally considered creating its own database of former meth houses in Stow, but Haefner said the city does not want to duplicate the county's efforts.

He said the city's legislation will take the county's effort a step further by requiring property sellers to submit information about their residences to homebuyers, instead of putting the burden of investigation entirely on buyers.

Council President Janet D'Antonio said she believes the city's ordinance will be effective in conjunction with the Health District's registry.

"I think it needs to be done," she said.

Methamphethamines are drugs manufactured through cooking ingredients. The process creates chemical residue that can seep into walls and carpeting where the drug is being manufactured. According to health experts, exposure to such chemicals can cause headaches, chest pains, nausea and dizziness.

Councilmember Ron Alexander said he proposed the legislation after learning about a woman who claimed she unknowingly purchased a former meth house in Stow.

The woman filed a complaint in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas against the home's former owner.

The complaint alleges the seller failed to disclose the history of the Meadowbrook Boulevard home she bought from him more than two years ago.

A status conference is set for the case in September.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Web site, the home is the only former meth house reported in Stow.

Haefner said the city plans to provide information about the ordinance's requirements to local real estate agents so property sellers and home buyers are aware of the information.

The March 27 City Council meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Stow City Hall.

E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3917