Motel shut down, deemed 'unfit for human habitation'
Officials find bugs, gas leaks, rooms without heat
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published November 25, 2008 at 1:46 p.m.
Photo by Ken Papaleo / The Rocky
John Loyd moves out of the Clearview Motel, 7750 Highway 2, after a task force found it "unfit for human habitation." Some residents thanked officials for addressing longstanding problems.
Commerce City officials have closed the Clearview Motel after investigators found bedbugs, cockroaches, gas leaks and worse in the rooms.
A sign highlighted by the word "Danger" was posted on each door after the motel was shut down Monday. Residents have until 3 p.m. today to clear out.
"They could have waited until after Thanksgiving," said Michael Finley, who rents a one-bedroom and works for Quality Resurfacing. "Several of my neighbors are handicapped. What are they going to do? What's Thanksgiving going to be like for them?"
One of the rooms at the residence motel, 7750 Highway 2, had been without heat since the tenant moved in 15 months ago, said Brian McBroom, Commerce City's director of community development.
The tenant had been using a gas stove to heat the room, which is illegal and creates a high risk for carbon monoxide exposure.
Indeed, many of the rooms, which typically are rented by the week for about $170, had carbon monoxide exposure as well as gas leaks, Commerce City spokesman Tim Carroll said. A few others had no running water, and many were without heat.
A task force that inspected the motel, including the city, Tri-County Health Department and the South Adams County Fire Marshal, deemed it "unfit for human habitation."
The Clearview has 27 units, 22 of which were occupied on the day of the inspection. They are mostly stand-alone, white boxes, no more than 200 square feet.
The violations will be presented to the owner, Carroll said. The structural, safety and hygiene problems must be fixed before the units can be reopened.
The Clearview's owners could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
At first, residents were shocked by the evictions, but soon some were thanking the city for addressing the longstanding problems, McBroom said.
Xcel Energy ordered all gas appliances turned off and all lines and appliances inspected.
Social workers from Adams County Social Services were working with Access Housing, Family Tree and Adams County Food Bank to help the residents. The workers distributed bus passes and grocery store gift cards, and offered counseling and help in finding new housing.
During the inspection, one person was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The person's dog - a pit bull - was impounded.
The investigation began Nov. 15 when police investigating an unrelated incident at the Clearview first alerted the city to the likely violations.
Early last week, Tri-County Health inspected two rooms and found them infested with bed bugs, cockroaches and flies. That led to the search warrant and Monday's inspection.
John Loyd, who has lived at Clearview for six years, said, "It has actually gotten progressively better here over the past three years."
"Three years ago, this place should have been condemned," he said. "But then some of us got together and decided to try to improve things. The owner is putting in smoke detectors and some other stuff."
Staff writer Hector Gutierrez contributed to this story.
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms
Low-level poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning or other illnesses and can have a long-term health risk if left untreated.
Symptoms include:
* Shortness of breath
* Mild nausea
* Mild headaches
Moderate levels of exposure can cause death if the following symptoms persist for a long period of time.
* Headaches
* Dizziness
* Nausea
* Light-headedness
High levels can be fatal within minutes.
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November 25, 2008
2:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
nicolec writes:
My students often relish how far we've come since the Middle Ages...not as far as I'd like- this is awful!
November 25, 2008
2:09 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
This dive sounds like the place I stayed in on the outskirts of Las Vegas when I drove out to California in 1975.
Scott
November 25, 2008
2:23 p.m.
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75_hope writes:
Just amazing what people will do just to live. If you call it that.
GROSS!
November 25, 2008
2:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
I feel sorry for the people getting evicted right before Thanksgiving. Of course if someone there tried to cook a turkey the whole place would probably explode.
November 25, 2008
2:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Elwood writes:
I hope the owners have to pay a huge fine (like 6 figures) and reimburse the residents who were evicted for the additional expense of moving into another motel.
November 25, 2008
2:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
DenverTea writes:
What a nightmare....bedbugs (shudder) I hope the residents find something much nicer - warm and clean and pest free and affordable and convenient. I hope the agencies involved in relocation counseling inform the people who have to move about how to not bring the bedbugs with them, and provide them with the means, as well. That is very important.
November 25, 2008
2:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
DallasKing94 writes:
Elwood
I agree but people are selfish these day do you think they would even give you a dollar?
November 25, 2008
2:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
Just bulldoze the place. The less of these low-rent, transient dives, the better.
November 25, 2008
2:46 p.m.
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LingLingfor_prez writes:
Any ID theft rings in there?
November 25, 2008
2:50 p.m.
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earlbowden writes:
"The owners of the Clear View could not be reached for comment."
And the owners are???
November 25, 2008
2:52 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
What a lovely place to call home.
It was so bad even the cockroaches are suing for inhumane living quarters.
November 25, 2008
2:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Link writes:
The owners are the cockroaches.
November 25, 2008
3:03 p.m.
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rkoehler writes:
Great comment Link!
November 25, 2008
3:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
Yeah Cowpoke,
I guess we should just vaporize the low-rent tenants too, huh?
November 25, 2008
3:13 p.m.
Suggest removal
mt writes:
Sure the owners are pretty pathetic people but remember nobody forced these people to live there. They chose that place and could have moved out at any time. You don't get five star motels for the price they were paying. Fix all of the stuff and increase the rates or leave it a crap hole and keep the prices cheap. Those of us with computers and internet hopefully don't have to worry about making those choices.
November 25, 2008
3:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
gs writes:
The residents are now out on the street. What does anyone think now? Is being on the street better or worse than bedbugs?
November 25, 2008
3:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
gs, I think the gas leaks were a bigger issue than the bugs.
November 25, 2008
3:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
ifyem writes:
Thats a 5-star hotel in Nicaragua!!
November 25, 2008
3:34 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
Yet another case of slumlords without accountability and renters without rights. The owners wouldn't happen to be the Mendelsons? Those people told me to put on another sweater when it was cold in the basement apartment of a 100 year old duplex with no heat. They also considered it exceptable to have sewage come up through my toilet and bathtub drain every six months or so. That's what plumbing snakes are for, huh? Oh yeah, and the mold! Messed up my sinuses. Took me awhile financially, but I got out of there.
November 25, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Beergut writes:
Having stayed at a few sleazy motels in my days - I'd sleep outside first except when during the cold months. Where are these folks going to sleep tonight? Nobody should have to choose between bed bugs and the pavement. But in America it is a choice many make every day.
November 25, 2008
3:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
gs & Beergut,
The article states that AdCo Social Services is working with the residents. "Hopefully", they (AdCo SS) can do what we pay them to do ... help people in need. Otherwise the legit aid agencies will once again have to step in, e.g. Salvation Army, Denver Rescue Mission, etc..
Scott
November 25, 2008
3:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
buffsblg writes:
Hey cowboy, where do you think the kids who got evicted should sleep? Judge the parents if you like, but kids live in these places too and sleeping in a car or under a bridge in November does not really lead to good future citizens. Or maybe to you, they just not worth consideration? I hope social services can help, but those budgets are pretty tight and getting that many new families dumped on them for the holiday. It is sad for these folks, but more sad that this is the best many can afford.
November 25, 2008
4:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
UnPC_Lady writes:
What I'm wondering is if these people can pay $170 per week for these disgusting conditions, they should be able to afford better. That works out to about $680 per month. There are one bedroom apartments for rent for less than that and they probably aren't that disgusting. (Though I'm sure it wouldn't be the Ritz Carlton.) Some people are quite content with living in filth, and even on the street. I guess it's all relative to what you're used to. Those people living in those conditions with their children, however, should be striving for better. That DOES NOT excuse the owners of this nasty establishment. EW!
November 25, 2008
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
whatsupjay writes:
what do you expect? This is in COMMERCE CITY in case you missed that part...
November 25, 2008
4:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
In a renter's life you'll need:
1) Application Fee (non-refundable)
2) 1st Month's Rent
3) Last Month's Rent
4) Deposit (sometimes waived for Last Month's Rent)
5) Pet Deposit?
6) Anything else?
November 25, 2008
4:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
gs writes:
170 a week is around 680 per month. And I think there's lots of nice places out there for that price. But Scott, don't you think these people may not be easy to help? And now they're out on the street. What's up with that?
I remember a place I lived in on Capitol Hill. 75 per month rent. Six legged pets included. Saved up 5k in a year and bought a house. It was around the time of the Rev Jim Jones mass suicide and the worshipers of Guru Marhaji kind of freaked me out thinking they were part of the same cult and were going to burn the place down in a mass suicide or something.
But my point is that the dogooders have got to exercise some restraint sometimes cause sometimes they ain't doing anybody any good atall.
November 25, 2008
5:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
spyder writes:
People move into those places, even with the rent way to high for conditions, because most 'respectable apts.', want to charge 1st and last month rent PLUS a security deposit. Whole lot of people don't have that big of wad of money at the time they are in those circumstances. The main thing is that people know that, and have a take it or leave it attitude. They won't fix anything...easier to just wait awhile and have someone else show up with enough money to move in. Been there unfortunately and have had to do that. PS - People living in 'those types of places', a lot of times DO have pc's /laptops. Hope lives on that they can GET that decent paying job, as long as they can search online.
November 25, 2008
5:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
skippy71 writes:
To earlbowden... you can search the Colorado Secretary of State website for information on businesses within the state. Go to the following website and type in Clearview Motel in the "business name" field.
http://www.sos.state.co.us/biz/Busine...
November 25, 2008
5:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
Darwin writes:
spyder, while I generally agree with your comments and the fact that some may have a pc/laptop, I would be surprised, however, if many (if any) have an internet connection - but who knows.
November 25, 2008
5:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
V_twinMan writes:
22 of the 27 units were occupied! Thats almost an 82% occupancy rate,that they willingly paid. Now how is the owner supposed to make his mortgage payment?
November 25, 2008
5:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Garip writes:
THE OWNER OF THIS DISGUSTING ESTABLISHMENT IS SANG HWA CHOI. (that's not a typo, that's the guy's name.)
November 25, 2008
6:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
NeilT writes:
Yeah, Hank, you missed something...
Decent credit!
Many, many people losing their homes no longer qualify for an apartment. These are middle-class folk I'm talking about, not your weekly rent paying motel folk.
November 25, 2008
6:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
leigh303 writes:
I think if people are willing to put a bit of effort into it they could find better housing. I pay $400/ mo for a studio, the one beds in my bldg are $500. I paid a $200 deposit + first months to move in, this with having really poor credit. Heat is included, accomodations are decent. I'm not trying to criticize, just saying that it's doable.
November 25, 2008
6:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
V_twinMan writes:
Ever see an episode of "cops"?
The people that choose to habitate here are people that know there is no credit check, no questions asked, cash only. Drunks, druggies, etc., etc., etc.
November 25, 2008
7:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
saveourplanet writes:
D'OHbama would never have let this happen. I can't wait until he's in office. This will never happen again!
November 25, 2008
7:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
spyder writes:
Darwin - Ever heard of dial-up- slow as molasses, but it gets you on line. Libraries and colleges have pc's on hand for free, but getting to them can be a hassle and a long way, without good transportation. Also, sometimes the wait for a pc to be open, can be a long.long time.
November 25, 2008
8:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
Scott writes:
This dirtbag, Sang Hwa Choi, should be made to live in one of his Hell holes for a couple of years. THAT would be an appropriate punishment.
What I don't understand is why people that are in these Hell holes don't go to places such as, Samaritan Shelter, Denver Rescue Mission, etc.. These organizations have facilities for families, e.g. apartments.
BTW, the Denver Rescue Mission still needs turkeys. The wife and I swung by tonight.
Scott
November 25, 2008
10:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
iggypuppet writes:
The arrogance and inhumanity of some of these posters is appalling. Where would they be if Daddy (or mommy) didn't pay their college tuition?
What if their health insurance didn't cover their alcoholism or substance abuse?
What if their Lexus was repossessed?
What if their cellphone was shut off?
Those who criticize or mock the residents of this hotel fail to realize is that while a lot of them have put themselves in difficult positions, they are still human beings with basic human needs.
Now, we know that means little in Highlands Ranch, but to ignore the plight of the desperately poor (whether by their own hand or circumstance) is the among the worst traits of humanity... give me bedbugs before I'll take arrogant entitlement without compassion... any day.
You don't have to help them, just don't mock and ridicule them. There but for the grace of God go YOU.
November 25, 2008
10:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
InEssence writes:
Hi Darwin and Spyder,
These days poor folks just connect to the Internet at any hot-spot. For example, I asked a guy who made less than $40 / week in Kenya if had Internet. He said that he did because he rented a room next to an Internet cafe. Wireless LANs are the nerds gift to the poor.
November 26, 2008
6:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
denverrose15 writes:
SAVEOURPLANET... OBAMA will do nothing. He wouldn't willingly part with anything that is his only what is yours (more taxes). I don't know if that is sarcasm or not on your part but the truth is that his supporters actually believe he's going to do something about things like this. He won't. Not because he can't but the problem is too big because of people's belief in the government to solve all their problems.
November 26, 2008
6:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
Mandos writes:
Bless you iggypuppet.
There are some truly ignorant people spouting off here, as if they have all of life's answers.
No one should look down their nose at the less fortunate, because that view could be you someday.
Having destroyed the nation's economy, our POTUS and his followers may be laughing now, but when the crows come home to roost, and that cushie position gets outsourced to someplace that pays 35 cents a day, they'll be wishing for someplace warm, bedbugs or not.
The difference will be, those they look down upon now aready have a head start on how to survive the mean streets.
Those new to hardship will sink like rocks, when their layer of McBlubber wears off, and skin and bone is all that's left.
"How does it feel to be on your own, with no direction home..."
November 26, 2008
7:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
ruffryde997 writes:
I work at a motel/hotel, people complain about our rooms all the time! But they are relatively small complaints like "The hot water took 15 minutes to warm up" or "There was no ice bucket in my room", nothing like in the article!I think we are only 2 stars, and we have reasonable prices too, we do weeklies for like 200 a week, 30 more than the place in the article, but we dont have any of those problems! I cant believe that the tenants didnt complain or act faster - you notice if theres bed bugs and cockroaches in your room!!! EWWWWW!!!!!
November 26, 2008
7:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
INC writes:
Definition of slumlord... probably someone associated with Doug Bruce... Or the same political party (R) anyway.
I just love how those like Cowboy63 seem to think everyone can afford mc-mansions and drive Lexus. not everyone can or wants to live in Douglas or ElPaso counties. somehow these people chose to live there. when real life dictates bad credit, criminal record, alcoholism, low wages and inadequate education forced these people to tolerate uninhabitable, filthy conditions. many of them obviously never knew to alert the authorities. The one who did should be commended.
November 26, 2008
7:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
gregu710 writes:
"denverrose writes
but the truth is that his supporters actually believe he's going to do something about things like this. He won't. Not because he can't but the problem is too big because of people's belief in the government to solve all their problems."
Not that I'm a staunch Obama supporter Rose, but I don't think most of his supporters think he will magically wave a wand over our problems and make them go away, because as you state, the problem is now too big. It is NOT too big though because of our belief that the Gov't will solve all of our problems, it is too big because people got greedy and there was not sufficient oversight to keep banks from making really bad investments. Truly a "House of Cards" upon which our economy has been built. From talking to many of his supporters, it is not that they believe he is the "messiah", but that he brings a message of not only hope, but of pragmatism about our problems. He also speaks of a multi-faceted approach, investing in new technology, pulling in players from both sides of the aisle, healing old wounds, approaching problems from more than one direction (such as our current energy issues), etc… A lot of people seem to appreciate that. I'm sure there are also many out there that believe he is Superman, but many more just like the direction he is trying to take this country. I am willing to give him that chance with my vote, but I also give him enough rope to hang himself. He has 4 years to try to make a difference, to at least get this country headed in the right direction (notice I didn't say solve all of our problems, I just want us to be at least making progress), and if I don't see that, I will pull my support, and will be just as hard on him as I was on the current president.
As to the many posters on here who deride those who are poor or can't afford better, I hope you sleep well at night in your smug arrogance. As they say, pride goeth before the fall! I'm sure there are a fair number of people in these places who just don't WANT to try, who are lazy, "on the dole", etc..., but there are probably just as many who have been caught down on their luck and are just trying to put a roof over their heads or their families heads, rather than sleeping under a bridge! The level of callousness right before Thanksgiving (or at any time for that matter) is deeply saddening for a country that prides itself on how much it gives to the world and charity, yet speaks of the less fortunate with such disgust! YES, there are better places out there, but better places typically require references, a good credit history, etc… that someone who has lost everything might not have. Also shelters are typically overflowing during the winter. I'm pretty sure that with the increasing joblessness, financial despair, etc..., there will be many more people desparate for any place to live, even dump like this place was. Will you be so quick to judge these people too?
November 26, 2008
8:35 a.m.
Suggest removal
RocsDiva writes:
I'm so glad none of you have had to struggle live in poverty or go without.. its un believable what people will do to S U R V I V E !!! and keep a roof over there heads no matter how rat roach & bed bug infested !!!! you miss a few meals and sleep on the sidewalk or in your car (if you happen to have one !).. and see how fast you snatch up a $170 a week room.. ya think maybe some of these people may not be able to get out from under .. some of us are only a paycheck away from living this way .. be glad that all of you that are so high and mighty and judgmental aren't living this way .. some of us like myself are only one paycheck or illness away from missing a rent payment or groceries from being on the sidewalk... I used to live out in Denver for 15 years ... and now am back eat with family.. I was amazed how different it was.. I read this paper every day and am appalled at how rude crude unsympathetic and un caring even the sarcasm can be some days.. I'm so glad that on judgment day it wont be any of you who have a heaven to keep me out of or a H E L L to put me in !!!! I used to say how mice and friendly people were after being born and raised here and how nice a change it was.. Im wondering what happened since left 5 years ago ...
November 26, 2008
8:47 a.m.
Suggest removal
dawnn writes:
Iggypuppet - amen - been there, done that and only by the grace of God do I have nothing but a memory left of those days - to quote Chris Rice:
"You see, you had no choice which day you would be born, or the color of your skin, or what planet you'd be on, would your mind be strong? would your eyes be blue or brown? or whether daddy would be rich or if momma stuck around at all"
November 26, 2008
9 a.m.
Suggest removal
MsValeriah writes:
Well spoken, Gregu710.
November 26, 2008
9:14 a.m.
Suggest removal
opinionatedcolo writes:
A lot of commentators on here were born on third base and act like they hit a triple. Moreover, they love to look down on those who never even got a chance to get up to bat.
November 26, 2008
9:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Diff writes:
Makes me even more Thankful for my situation and life.
But this is sad...
They do end up paying over $750 a month and has been pointed out that much money could rent at least a decent apartment. IF these people could get qualified and approved by some place. There in lies the part of the working poor difficulty -once you are down, our culture makes it VERY hard to climb back up - without some help!
But also consider if they could rent for say $700 and month - there is electricity and maybe heat as well - pushing the cost to near or over $850/mo, plus saving up a deposit and a months rent in advance - upwards of 1600 is not very realistic for them to do as well - again even if they could get approved.
This is where some help is due, and help is out there for those who want it and try to make it work for them. Many tho try as they might do not make it work - and just want someone to fix all their problems and do FOR them.
All that said - there will always be a bottom rung on the ladder of economic status in this country - but in the 'wealthiest' nation on earth it sad it is this low - this bad, for some.
Actually...
This is disgraceful!
I do hope those who own and run this place get fined - big time!
November 26, 2008
9:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
buffsblg writes:
Yes these hotels (and there are a number of them) have a large percentage of drug users and others there due to bad decisions. But they also have women and children who are fleeing abuse, people who are dealing with untreated mental illness, and people who have lost everything due to death or illness.
One of my first child protection cases involved a woman living in one of those hotels. She was developmentally disabled (I.Q. around 65) and had been forced into prostitution at 12 by her mother, where she suffered abuse that would shatter any of the judgmental jerks who post on here. She was trying to raise her kid, who had here own special needs, alone on what the mom could make as a part time janitor and what few governmental benefits she could obtain, as she lacked any of the skills needed to navigate the system. That hotel, one of many along Colfax, was all she could find that would allow her to pay weekly with no deposit and no credit check. A truly sad case with someone almost destroyed by actions beyond her control, but still trying to get by for herself and her kid.
These hotels are the only roof some decent people can afford and when they are closed people really do end up on the street. There are real victims here and those like Vtwinman who presume to judge them based upon what is shown on low rent reality shows demonstrate only their own ignorance.
November 26, 2008
9:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
toocool writes:
Those mysterious Clear View owners stopped by the bank, right after the raid, made a hasty final withdrawal took a fast cab to DIA and are now sunning themselves at their new international chicken coop overlooking the Panama Canal. Life is gooood!
November 26, 2008
10:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
ron65ron writes:
Not that I was born with a golden spoon in my mouth, but I had to work for EVERYTHING I have. I know the difference from right/wrong and know when Im being taken. If these people have been living in these conditions as descridbed in the article, then shame on them. There are MANY MANY apartments out there that they can try to get into. To say that someone would live in a 200sq ft box with no heat and water is beyond my understanding. Could these people be a bit lacking in the intelligence sence? There are many other slums in other cities like Aurora for instance, that would have been much better than this piece of crap 200 sz ft box. Demolition the site and charge the owners will the full force of the law. Maybe the city should do more inspections and close down some more places like this
November 26, 2008
11:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
gregu710 writes:
"Maybe the city should do more inspections and close down some more places like this"
That brings up a good point. Aren't apartments and hotels supposed to undergo at least annual health code inspections? Is there now a waiver in the health codes for defective heat, and assorted disease carrying vermin? I'm thinking maybe a review of the health code inspections (and inspector(s)!!!!) are in order.
November 26, 2008
11:30 a.m.
Suggest removal
SanctuaryCity writes:
A landmark hotel in Commerce City in now condemned. Now lets work on the town.
November 26, 2008
11:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
TheDenverB writes:
wow.
i have to agree. some of you are way to quick to judge people, many of whom aren't drug users, dealers or illegals.
i would suggest you all check out:
http://www.colfaxcommunitynetwork.org/
and see people who work with these kids and families who are just barely able to keep a roof over their head. Especially with Thanksgiving looming tomorrow, maybe some of these folks could use your help as opposed to your ignorance.
November 26, 2008
12:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
RocsDiva writes:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...
take a look at this story in the Rocky... and be sure to play close attention to the first few lines.......
again........ glad none of you folks with your nose so far up in the air.. have never had it hard ... been laid off.. want to work and cant find work .. cold .. homeless .. hungry or alone... im glad God blessed some of his children ...shame they forget where those blessings came from..
November 26, 2008
12:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
opinionatedcolo writes:
milehigh and ron65ron are classic examples of those on here who love to judge without the slightest facts to support their unjustified arrogance. Tell me ron, were you beaten and raped as a kid or forced to live on the streets at 12? If you come from a home where you were fed and cared for and never had to worry about where to sleep next or when you were going to get to eat, then you have not the slightest clue what these people can or cannot do or what they have lived through. Maybe they are lacking in intelligence, or are mentally ill with no insurance for help. Those are genetic problems that they have no control over. You look down from your molehill of accomplishment, most of which you got from those who raised you and judge those who never had anything. That makes you a pompous jerk and as ignorant as they come.
November 26, 2008
12:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
Here's another glimpse into the life of a havenot:
If I go to five apartment buildings searching for an apartment for $500/mo, how much money will I need? Well, if each building asks for an application/background-search fee (non-refundable) of $20-30 (sometimes more$), I'll need $100-150 that day just to have myself checked out, and possibly denied. That's on top of the 1st month rent, last month rent and the deposit.
I'll need about $1,450 if I put the deposit at about $300.
I work for minmum wage. So, let's do the math...
$7.00/hr multiplied by 160 hours equals $1,120 for the month.
Are you getting it yet? Hard to get started, isn't it?
So, I'm $330 in the hole. I still have other bills like electricity, food, laundry soap etc. How am I doing? Not so good.
Oh yeah, and let's just hope I don't need any dental work anytime soon.
November 26, 2008
12:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
tashalouise writes:
DOESN'T SURPRISE ME AT ALL THAT A MOTEL IN COMMERCE CITY IS IN THIS CONDITION, ALTHOUGH USUALLY TWEEKERS (METH HEADS) ARE OBSESSED WITH CLEANING THEIR "HOMES." THEY'RE PROBABLY SO SPUN OUT OF THEIR MINDS THAT THEY JUST DON'T GIVE A S***. IT IS SICKENING HOW PEOPLE CAN ALLOW THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES TO LIVE IN SUCH SQUALOR.
November 26, 2008
12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
TMcna82298 writes:
You are right Hank, but have you really done your research? I use to be a renter, and I never had to pay that much. At least, not up front. I remember having to pay a security deposit, and then signing a lease agreement. I currently own a condo, and I pay 612.00 a month.
November 26, 2008
12:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
HankReardon writes:
Life is my research. I live paycheck to paycheck.
If you are still paying 612.00/mo, you don't actually own anything do you? The bank owns it and you, kinda.
November 26, 2008
1:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
LuckyMe writes:
Hank,
Great post. See the problem with engaging certain people especially on this tread, is that it is far too easy for them to paint a group on individuals with the same brush. Far be it for some people to think outside their cozy little boxes and actually step into another person's shoes. I'm sure the likes of vtwinman, ron65ron, & tashalouise have first hand knowledge of the people they are bashing. I know I can say with confidence that I personally do not know anyone that was living in this particular motel, but I'm sure they had their reasons for being there. This makes me very thankful that I am not in that position, but I would never belittle someone (especially someone I do not know) for being there. My heart goes out to the people of the motel and to vtwinman, ron65ron, & tashalouise, because it seems they do not have one of their own. I hope everyone involved in this ugly situation finds what they need in order to move forward with their lives. It must be great to sit behind a computer screen and talk down on people in a bad situation.
November 26, 2008
2:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
johnson writes:
How many of these renters are illegals?
November 26, 2008
3 p.m.
Suggest removal
rockymountainpost writes:
I have a friend that live at the Club Valencia Condos (corner of Parker Road and Mississippi) and the HOA just reported that approximately 30 units are infested with bed bugs. He wrote a letter to the property manager, and they scheduled an extermination for 2 weeks later. The bed bugs will be in the millions within 2 weeks. Pretty gross!
November 26, 2008
3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
5thgennative writes:
Had to throw that the dog was a pit bull in there, eh RMN? Lol.
I have to wonder, where are these bed bugs going to go now? Don't they travel on your clothes, blankets, towels etc? So are we going to have bed bugs running amok? Lol!
November 26, 2008
3:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
CANDICEB1 writes:
ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING DOWN THIER NOSE AT THESE PEOPLE SOUND UNBELIEVABLY MORE DISGUSTING THAN THE IDEA OF LIVING WITH ROACHES AND BEDBUGS. YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE HUMAN RACE. IF YOU HAVE NEVER STRUGGLED I AM OVERJOYED FOR YOU! MAYBE IF YOU LIVED THROUGH EVEN A MOMENT OF STRUGGLE YOU WOULD HAVE COMPASSION IN YOUR HEART FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ALL THAT YOU DO! MAYBE INSTEAD OF BIENG JUDGEMENTAL AND JUST OUTRIGHT REPULSIVE YOU SHOULD DONATE YOUR PRECIOUS TIME TO THE RESCUE MISSIONS TOMORROW THAT WILL BE FEEDING THOUSANDS OF HARDWORKING AMERICANS WHO HAVE FELL ON HARDTIMES IN OUR STRUGGLING ECONOMY. DO YOU REALIZE HOW MANY PEOPLE IN COLORADO ALONE HAVE BEFALLEN THE HARDEST TIMES IN THIER LIVES AT THIS MOMENT IN OUR COUNTRIES WORSE ECONOMIC DISASTER IN 80 YEARS?
WE AS AMERICANS ARE SPOILED AND SELFISH. WE LOOK DOWN ON OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE LESS THAN WE DO AND SAY HOW CAN THESE PEOPLE DO THAT OR LIVE LIKE THAT? HOW CAN YOU LIVE WITH YOURSELF AND NOT LOOK AT YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS AND OFFER A HELPING HAND? THERE MAY COME A TIME VERY SOON WHEN YOU TOO NEED HELP AND THERE MAY BE SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU LOOKING DOWN THIER NOSE INSTEAD OF OFFERING A HELPING HAND!
LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.....MY SUGGESTION PUT THE ROCKS DOWN AND HAVE A LITTLE COMPASSION. IT IS ALWAYS EASY TO JUDGE A PERSON BUT TRY WALKING A MILE IN THIER SHOES ....NOT SO EASY!
TRY LOOKING AT YOUR CHILDREN WITH NO PLACE TO LIVE AND NO WAY OF CONCEIVING HOW TO "FIX" THE SITUATION!
SO, TOMORROW WHILE YOU STUFF YOURSELF TO DAMN NEAR SICKNESS YOU SHOULD GIVE THANKS FOR NOT BIENG IN THE MIDDLE OF A CIVIL WAR, GENOCIDE, FAMINE, DROUGHT AND ANY OF A NUMBER OF OTHER INHUMANE SITUATIONS. AND RATHER THAN JUDGING OTHERS BE THE FIRST PERSON TO CHANGE THE SITUATION BY DOING SOMETHING FOR YOUR FELLOW HUMANBIENG!
November 26, 2008
5:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
5thgennative writes:
CANDICEB1 - It's funny because you're judging, drawing conclusions, and looking down your holier-than-thou nose at those that angered you with their comments.
I don't see you helping any of these people out, just preaching on a forum. Go donate. Go volunteer. Just stop preaching.
November 28, 2008
5:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
jakelong21 writes:
I personally know the owners. They don't have any money because of the dot com crash in 2001 and the recent economic downturn. They currently have no heat and no hot water because Xcel turned off their gas. The gas needed to be turned off because there were a lot of leaks. They haven't had heat or hot water since Monday the 24th. The owners have an 11 year old son who used to play with many of the kids that lived at their motel. The owners were friends with many of the residents and allowed them to pay their rent late or short rather than putting them on the street.
The local police also asked to have many registered sex offenders stay there because no one else would take them in. 7 in all stayed at this motel.
The owners paid many of the residences to work for them to fix the motel to help them get food.
The owner paid a pest control contractor to come once a week to spray the entire motel but you cannot stop infestation if the residences don't keep their rooms clean.
So why do people live in this type of motel instead of getting an apartment.
1. No background check (this is really important)
2. No deposit
3. Owners are willing to work with them on the rent
4. No proof of income is needed
Most residences that stayed here were Caucasians who worked odd jobs. Many of them have been living at this motel for several years and most of them can’t rent an apartment in their name.
The owners have been trying to sell this property for several years now because it’s just a money pit.
The owners did the best they could with the little money they had but now they have lost everything and they may become just as poor as the people they were trying to help.