Resident raises concerns about generational homeownership, court appearances and local ordinance enforcement

During the public-comment period, Christina Catherine Laney of Snow Hill (Del Webb Estates) told the council she has repeatedly been arrested and has a court appearance scheduled the next day and asked whether she qualifies for "generational homeownership" in the district given complications with her driver’s license address and tax receipts.

Laney said her driver’s license lists a nonlocal address, she pays real estate taxes though the receipt lists her parents’ name, and she believes "ordinances kinda like 2168 are historically and systemically used against myself and my family members." She said her mother may have dementia and that the family has discussed using a quitclaim deed to support generational ownership; she also referenced a home value of more than $300,000 by online estimates. Laney asked what probability she had of qualifying for generational homeownership under those circumstances.

The council responded that the public-comment period is an opportunity to raise concerns and that staff would forward her remarks to the appropriate city offices for follow-up. "As we've explained, hearing from citizens is just that, and we can hear your concerns and then pass them on to the proper people," a council member said. No council action or formal referral was made on the record at the meeting; Laney was given the option to pursue follow-up with staff and was returned her comment card.