City Faces Confusion Over Lamplighter Inn Eviction Notices

City Faces Confusion Over Lamplighter Inn Eviction Notices

CHARLOTTE—In a shocking turn of events, residents of the Lamplighter Inn, a rundown hotel that has been a temporary haven for many facing homelessness, have been told they have just 30 days to vacate. The announcement, made Friday by a city government spokesman, has left tenants flabbergasted and scratching their heads as they scramble for answers.

City Officials State New Ownership is Behind the Change

According to Lawrence Corley, a media relations manager with the city of Charlotte, the residents are being asked to leave due to a shift in ownership of the property. Corley mentioned that the hotel is now under “new ownership” and that this new owner has plans to close the doors of the Lamplighter Inn. However, the name of this mysterious new owner remains undisclosed. “Nobody’s gotten clear information,” says Ellen Miller, a tenant living with her partner Eveco Haggins.

Residents Claim No Notice Was Received

Despite allegations that residents have been provided with 30-day vacate notices, many, including Miller and Haggins, claim they have not received any such warnings. “This is the first time we’re hearing about a 30-day notice,” remarked Miller. Apryl Lewis, a local advocate, echoed these sentiments, stating that she has not been informed of any time constraints placed on the tenants either. “Nobody told me there’s 30 days,” Lewis lamented.

Conditions at the Hotel Raise Concerns

Living conditions at the Lamplighter Inn have been less than ideal. Many residents had moved in thinking they would benefit from a supportive housing program known as Vermelle’s Place.

Yet, they have criticized the hotel for plumbing issues, leaking ceilings, and even infestations of cockroaches. A Charlotte Observer investigation earlier this year revealed that services such as health support and counseling were supposed to be provided but rarely, if ever, materialized. “We’re already living in chaos,” Haggins said.

Anonymous Notices and Muddled Ownership

Recently, tenants discovered an anonymous letter taped to their doors announcing that “new management” would be taking over the hotel on November 1. The letter mentioned that strict compliance with payment obligations would be expected, but it did not provide clarity regarding the eviction timeline. Residents were initially perplexed, but they took the note to mean a change in management rather than an urgent push to leave.

Adding to the bubbles of confusion, records show that Comodo Care LLC, a business owned by Chandresh Patel, is still listed as the owner of the Lamplighter Inn, despite Patel stating he had sold the property to a neighboring hotel. “It’s not under my management,” he noted in a text message.

A Crisis in the Making

To make matters worse, the hotel was deprived of basic utilities. Tenants were left without gas and power for an extended period, forcing them to resort to boiling water and enduring cold showers. Miller and Haggins stated that having no running water made cooking and cleaning nearly impossible.

Some help is on the way, however. The City is reportedly working alongside nonprofits to assist displaced families with housing and other resources as they navigate this troubling situation. Crisis Assistance Ministry, which specializes in financial help, stepped in to cover utility payments, restoring some essential services, but significant concerns remain unanswered.

What’s Next for Lamplighter Inn Residents?

As the clock ticks down on the alleged 30-day notice, the residents of the Lamplighter Inn are left to wonder what their next steps will be. With several layers of confusion wrapped around the situation, one thing is for sure: the need for adequate, secure housing is more essential now than ever.

In a world where the disparity between home and homelessness can be razor-thin, it’s heart-wrenching to witness more than just structures, but lives being thrown into turmoil.