People say they’re being forced out of extended stay hotel during pandemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The managers of a west Charlotte motel have reversed course and will now allow guests to stay.

Several people staying in the Suburban Extended Stay hotel on Billy Graham Parkway said they were being forced out with nowhere to go in the middle of a pandemic.

Channel 9 went out to the hotel Sunday night and saw residents moving out.

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Several residents said they just found out Saturday and had until Monday at 6 p.m. to leave. They said they have no one to turn to, and they’re worried about their health.

On Monday morning, though, the manager told Channel 9 it was a big mix up. Because of the stay-at-home order, the guests can stay, but employees don’t feel safe and won’t come to work.

Residents say they feel punished.

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“We’re in the middle of a pandemic right now, and a lot of people are already getting sick and dying and what do they expect us to do? We’re trying. We’re doing the best we can.” said resident Jackie Duncan.

Residents told Channel 9 employees knocked door-to-door to let them know the company was shutting down the entire motel. The property manager said they’re working to get refunds for people who want to leave.

Even if they do get some money back, many told Channel 9 there are few options on where to go next as the state’s stay-at-home order is still in effect.

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In the middle of a health crisis, a lot of these people don’t know what their future looks like.

“I don’t have nowhere to go, I don’t have a clue where I’m going,” Jacqueline Stevenson said. “I’m so confused and just, I can’t even describe how I’m feeling right now. I have no money or anything just to move like that. We have no where to go."

Channel 9 has reported about the North Carolina state attorney general mandating the motels can’t kick people out for not paying, but this appears to be a different situation because they are closing the whole motel.

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