Auburn Village is located in Upland Pennsylvania and is owned and managed by the Upland Borough. Initially built as government housing during World War II; this development was purchased by Upland Borough and rebuilt in the 1970's. Housing consists of 156 one to three bedroom units. Numerous people have lived in Auburn village their whole lives.
Auburn Village Pet Issue
AKA "The Pet War of '04"
Starting in February of this year (2004) Upland Borough Council decided that some residents should get rid of their pets or face eviction. Since the rental leases have a "no pets" policy, you would think this would cause no problems. Except that for many, many years, the Borough has not enforced this policy. In fact many of the residents do in fact have pets. The initial letters (supposedly 18) were sent out (supposedly) because neighbors had reported neighbors having pets. After these letters, all the residents received a letter reminding them that there is a no pet clause in their lease and they have until the beginning of March to remove any pets they may have from their houses.
That, as they say, let the cat out of the bag. There are residents of Auburn Village who have had their pets for fifteen years or more. If the Borough had not enforced the no pet policy for this long, why now? they wondered. Is there anything we can do? they asked themselves. Well, some called the Borough, but were told they would have to get rid of their pets; pets which had become part of their family. The quandary was: to move from a home which they had enjoyed for many years, to move away from good friends; or to get rid of their pets, good friends and companions for many years.
They decided that neither choice was acceptable. Why should they have to move from a house they had made a home or get rid of their beloved companions? They contacted a lawyer. The lawyer tried to talk with the Borough. Hmmm...notice that "tried" there? The Borough's response to everyone since then has been a resounding "NO COMMENT".
As of the April 13th, 2004 Upland Borough Council meeting, Auburn Village has a pet policy allowing residents to keep their pets. A monthly fee per pet will be charged; but WE CAN KEEP OUR PETS!
View what people are saying.
Email pictures of your pets to Brock or drop off pictures at 300 Third Street (they'll be returned); for inclusion in the pet gallery.
Media Coverage
Delaware County Times Stories
- Gil Spencer: Odds are Vitali would eliminate middleman (about 1/2 way through column) 2/18/2004
- Upland's pet peeve appears headed for litigation 3/5/2004
- It takes a village to fight for pets 3/10/2004
- One Upland council member lends an ear to unhappy residents 3/10/2004
- Auburn Village: Tenants get word 03/20/2004
- Auburn Village: Residents vow to stay the course 03/21/2004
- Editorial: Upland’s reaction to pets seems extreme 03/24/2004
- Gil Spencer -- Upland: Let's give'em something to talk about 03/26/2004
- Upland tenants silenced as pet-ban talk 'gagged' (not on delcotimes.com)
- Peace reigns in animal kingdom 04/06/2004
- Editorial: It looks like happy ending in Upland after all 04/07/2004
Philadelphia Inquirer
- Pet eviction unleashes protest
- Letters | Take action to avoid devastating pet evictions
- Letters | Towns could agree on a pared-down Rte. 41 04/05/2004
- Upland backs off evictions over pets at Auburn Village 04/06/2004
KYW 1060 News Radio
-
Upland, Pa. Moves to Enforce No-Pets Housing Policy (03/25/04)no longer available
Television Coverage
- Philadelphia's Fox 29
- Philadelphia's CBS 3
Email Brock Peterson
free hit counter