The Wilmington City Council voted down a controversial rent stabilization ordinance, triggering outrage from residents and a brief disruption of the meeting. (Photo: WITN Channel 22)
WILMINGTON — The Wilmington City Council on Thursday narrowly voted down a controversial rent stabilization ordinance after a tense debate and emotional public comment period, triggering outrage from residents and a brief disruption of the meeting.
The ordinance, introduced by Council Member Shané Darby, would have capped annual rent increases at the greater of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for most non-exempt residential properties. After months of advocacy and revisions, including floor amendments to address landlord concerns, the final vote failed 6–5, with one member voting “present” and one absent…