I am a resident of a duplex in Massena, NY, and have been living here for the past 13 years. In October 2023, we got a new tenant who, after some investigation, was found to have an extensive criminal track record, including rape, theft, and drug-related charges, such as meth manufacturing. Not only is this a blatant safety concern for my family and me, but she consistently leaves garbage around our shared space and has destroyed my personal belongings.

Despite my efforts to reach out to the landlord, my concerns have been grossly neglected, leaving my family and me to live under incredibly distressful and threatening conditions. No one should have to constantly worry about their safety in their own home because of a co-tenant's criminal past.

Unfortunately, my situation is not unique. There have been increasing occurrences of crimes committed by repeat offenders within residential communities, striking fear and discomfort among innocent residents. Despite this known risk, there are no regulations which restrict landlords from renting out their properties in multi-unit complexes to individuals with criminal records.

This is a call to the local government and law enforcement agencies of Massena, NY, to enforce stricter regulations on who landlords can rent out apartments to, especially in buildings with multiple units. If an individual has a track record of serious crimes such as drug offenses, rape, or murder, they should not be permitted to reside in such spaces where the safety of other residents can be compromised.

Living in a safe, secure, and respectful neighborhood is a fundamental right, and it's about time we get legislation that protects that right. Sign this petition to enforce regulations that restrict landlords from renting to convicted criminals in multi-unit residences. It's time to prioritize safety in our own homes.