Lodgers remain at Springfield inn despite eviction order.

Byline: Jack Moran The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - Some tenants of the Main Street Lodge remained in their rooms Thursday, a day after city officials ordered 12 rooms on the ground floor emptied.

Mindy Wilson, who co-owns the inn with her husband, Tom Wilson, at 3332 Main St., said she was reluctant to force lodgers to leave, since many of them do not have another place to stay. The Wilsons' attorney has advised them to obey a city order to vacate the lower level.

A few tenants have moved elsewhere, but others were still there late Thursday, hours after a pair of city officials visited the motel and provided a manager with pamphlets listing shelters and other places where people could stay.

Springfield city building officials have been after the Wilsons for nearly two years to make electrical, plumbing and other repairs to ensure the structure can be safely used for lodging. The building's lower level previously was used as office space, and the city never authorized the Wilsons to rent rooms to lodgers. City officials are requiring the Wilsons to hire licensed contractors to complete electrical and plumbing work.

On Wednesday, a city employee posted a pair of "Dangerous Building' signs on the structure. The signs state that it is a misdemeanor to occupy rooms on the ground floor. People staying in rooms on the motel's second level are not subject to the order.

City officials will continue to monitor the situation, Springfield Development Services Director Bill Grile said.

`We will look at it (today), and remain hopeful for the benefit of the people at risk that we will have compliance,' he said.

At least 15 people have been staying on the ground floor, where the Wilsons rent out unfurnished rooms for as little as $19.99 per night. The motel rents rooms on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.