Residents ignore Manitou complex eviction deadline
Manitou Springs police said they hope they won’t have to forcefully evict four residents from a troubled apartment complex after they were supposed to move out a day earlier.
On Saturday, Lisa White said her husband, son, and manager June Hopkins continued to live at Beckers Lane Lodge after police posted a Friday 5 p.m. eviction deadline.
A fifth man said he, too, might remain after plans to move in with a relative fell through.
Police asked residents to leave after the city shut off water to the complex because its owner hadn’t paid the water bill.
“It’s unsafe and unsanitary,” Police Chief Joe Ribiero said earlier in the week.
White said she and her husband spent the last of their money on temporary shelter for their two daughters and one of their three dogs.
“I finally found a place, a motel, that accepts pit bulls,” White said. “But now I can’t afford it. As soon as I get some money — if I do — I’ll move.”
City Councilman Sarge MacDonald, who was unavailable for comment Saturday, said on Friday that he had found places to live for all residents. It’s unclear why Hopkins apparently hasn’t found alternate housing.
White said she and her husband are fine because they have containers of water and an electric heater to stay warm.
When asked earlier in the week whether he would cite, arrest or forcibly evict residents who refused to leave, Ribiero said, “I certainly hope not. We’re really concerned about helping these folks find a place to stay. I don’t want it to reach an enforcement action. I want to do everything we can to help them. But we’re at a point of no return, it seems.”
Saturday evening, police said they were investigating the situation and had made no decision about how to deal with remaining residents.
With most residents in the 22-unit complex gone to stay with friends, relatives or to other housing, the atmosphere around the complex is quiet. Doors have been sealed with caution tape and “unsafe to occupy” notices are posted. Windows are partially boarded up.
White said she’s worried about security at the complex, and that transients may try to break into the units. MacDonald previously said he would ask police to patrol the area but White said she had seen no patrols.
White also said three potential buyers visited the complex Saturday and a deal for one of them to acquire the complex could be finalized as early as Monday.
“That would be wonderful,” she said.
