City plans landlord registry.

Byline: Paul Nelson

Sep. 5--SCHENECTADY -- The City Council is studying a proposal that would require landlords register with the city and appoint a managing agent for the property they own.

Last week, the panel voted to extend a moratorium aimed at landlords that bans them from subdividing their properties to make additional apartments. City officials have blamed much of the city's urban decay on irresponsible absentee landlords, some who live outside the area and are hard to contact.

City Council President Mark Blanchfield emphasized that the proposed law discussed Tuesday is not meant to be punitive.

"The bigger purpose is not to catch …