Where does one start to rank the missteps of the recent closing of the Economy Inn on Brainerd Road? What a total debacle. I would not attempt to relieve the owner of her responsibility for operating a nuisance business.
My questions relate to the manner in which our city leaders attempted to get her attention. This event occurred a week ago, and I've yet to see any reports of charges being made against her for not having a license to operate, allowing illegal activities on the grounds, or failure to pay property taxes.
So, what was the point of displacing all those residents? What crimes were they charged with? It has been reported that several were disabled, there were veterans, and families with children in school. Why were they exposed to this harsh treatment? It would seem to me that the owner could have been convinced to add a security guard and additional lighting without the inhumane treatment of the residents. Being poor and living in an extended stay motel is not the American dream.
And what about the cost to the taxpayers? The plywood and labor to install could not have been insignificant. And now the media reports that it is the owner's responsibility to remove the plywood. So all the material is a total loss to the city.
Wanda Janeway