Code Violations Forcing Manteca Residents Out Of Motel In 10 Days
MANTECA (CBS13) — A Manteca motel is in a state of disrepair, and code enforcement says people living there have just 10 days to get out.
The city of Manteca says the issues at The Inn By The Station range from broken sewer pipes to a cockroach infestation.
Despite the long list of problems, some residents still want to stay.
"Gotta go find someplace else to live," said Dorothy Sobrero.
The 73-year-old who is in a wheelchair is none too happy he's being told she has to leave so quickly. Given a choice, she'd rather stay until she has a new home lined up.
Code enforcement came out for a complaint and discovered a long list of problems at the motel, from broken windows to broken sewer pipes. Some rooms don't have heat, while others have exposed wiring.
"I know we needed some wiring done in our place," Sobrero said.
And code enforcement says there are lots of cockroaches, though they don't seem to bug one of the residents.
Management says people are paying between $145 and $240 a week to stay there, but the city issued an ultimatum—fix the problems, or everyone goes.
Justin Lease is a busy guy who has lived at the hotel with his wife for two years. Three days ago, they became the new managers, with a mess they're determined to clean up before the deadline.
"That's our hope, that's our wish, that's our dream. We want to get this thing running and make it nice for the guests, because the safety of our guests is our main concern," he said.
During our interview, the police arrived after reports of a fight.
Asked whether Lease thought the conditions were acceptable, he said. "I'd rather not comment on that, but I would like to say we're going to do the best we can to make it acceptable, put it that way."
Manteca Code Enforcement says the city is providing residents with as many alternatives, should the evictions go through. They say they're willing to work with the motel managers, as long as they'll make the required changes.
But the clock is ticking with just nine days to go.