Confusion Grows at Charlotte Hotel Amid Miscommunication on Evictions
The situation at the Lamplighter Inn in northwest Charlotte has taken a confusing twist, leaving tenants feeling anxious and uncertain about their living conditions. Last week, council members were informed that residents of the rundown hotel were given a 30-day notice to vacate, but this information turned out to be incorrect. Lawrence Corley, a media relations manager with the city of Charlotte, clarified on Wednesday, “There’s no 30-day notice. That was a miscommunication.”
Tenants Left in the Dark
This miscommunication has left tenants, some of whom have been living there for months, feeling scared and unsure about their future. Many residents expressed concerns that without the hotel, they could face homelessness. Tenants reported that they hadn’t received any eviction notices, contributing to their confusion about who might be trying to force them out.
The city’s message to the council on Friday highlighted the challenging conditions at the hotel, located at 4425 Eddleman Road. Corley noted that Charlotte Housing and Neighborhood Services has been actively working on these issues and will provide regular updates moving forward.
Utility Troubles and Health Concerns
Tensions were already high among residents due to critical utility issues. Just last week, tenants dealt with sudden utility shutoffs, including water, electricity, and gas, without prior notice. Although some services were restored, residents are left on edge, wondering when the next outage might occur. Tenants were put on notice when water was shut off again last Wednesday but quickly restored the same day. However, gas has been unavailable for almost two weeks, which has led to heightened anxiety over daily living conditions.
Hassan Hoff, a father living in the hotel with his 1-year-old daughter and girlfriend, explained, “I’m worried about being accidentally locked out,” adding that the stress surrounding his living situation has been tough for his family. Archie Hoskins, another tenant and someone with health issues, echoed those sentiments, saying the lack of consistent access to their rooms could impact their health and well-being. As if the situation wasn’t enough, tenants have recently reported that some of the key cards used for room access have mysteriously stopped working.
Background on the Hotel’s Conditions
Many of the hotel’s tenants moved in earlier this year under the impression they would benefit from Vermelle’s Place, a nonprofit-run supportive housing program promising affordable rent and on-site services. Unfortunately, various issues were brought to light in a July investigation that revealed poor living conditions, such as leaking ceilings, cockroaches, and unsafe drinking water. Additionally, promised health services and counseling were not being provided.
After the nonprofit ended its lease at the hotel, control passed to a private company called 4C, which also stepped away after failed negotiations with the hotel owner. Since then, several tenants have said the conditions have worsened, with trash accumulating and rooms falling into disrepair.
Unanswered Questions About the Owner
The Lamplighter Inn is owned by Comodo Care LLC, a company linked to Chandresh Patel. Despite attempts to reach out for comments, Patel has not responded to inquiries. This lack of communication from the owner only adds to the already tense environment tenants are experiencing.
As the situation unfolds, residents remain hopeful yet anxious about the future. With uncertainty looming over daily necessities, it’s clear that tenants at the Lamplighter Inn need immediate and reliable answers to alleviate their fears of homelessness and ensure a safe living environment.
City officials have assured that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and work toward solutions, but for now, many tenants are left wondering when they’ll feel secure in their homes once again.
