FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A proposal to penalize homes and businesses in Fort Wayne that are designated “nuisances” is currently on hold.

The Fort Wayne City Council unanimously decided to hit the “pause” button on the proposal, which would label certain properties as “chronic problem properties” if police, fire, or similar public services have to be called to the location five or more times in a two-month period.

Businesses would have a higher threshold.

Council President Russ Jehl tells WOWO News the Council Tuesday night decided to give the US Department of Housing and Urban Development time to approve the ordinance, which would levy fines against the so-called problem spots, because of fears it could be abused.

“Metro, the local voice for HUD, said the ordinance could possibly be discriminatory and run afoul of fair housing,” Jehl says. “The administration says that it doesn’t… I don’t want to run afoul of fair housing, and I want to uphold our neighborhoods, so we’re going to give the administration time to address those concerns.”

When it was first proposed, the Fort Wayne Police Department called it an effort to rein in crime in certain parts of town.

The matter will be revisited on February 7th.