Living conditions “unacceptable” at Val U Stay in Pueblo
(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Val U Stay Inn & Suites in Pueblo has been shut down after police received information that the motel reportedly did not have a license to lodge people, and law enforcement found what the mayor is calling filthy living conditions.
The motel located off Highway 50 and North Hudson Avenue was served a cease and desist order by the City due to the poor living conditions.
“The conditions of the building are far worse than I could have imagined,” Mayor Heather Graham explained. “The way these people have been living for, we know, not just for days, for months, for probably years, it’s been unacceptable, unacceptable to me as a mayor for the citizens of Pueblo.”
The mayor added the motel has not had a license for lodging for the last four months, after it failed an inspection.
The city is working with nonprofits to find shelter for the people who have been displaced. Some FOX21 News spoke to said they were alerted the motel’s closure was happening and planned ahead, but others are now homeless.
“They had a big sign up that said you have until May 15 and then the building is going to be closed, so this came as a little bit of a surprise,” said Dale Rossell, a displaced Val U Stay resident.
“I’m going to maybe the Pueblo Rescue Mission or housing or something, but right now I’m on the streets, homeless,” said Ray Pfaffenhauser, another displaced Val U Stay resident.
It’s unclear how many people are displaced, but those who lived there described what it was like inside.
“It was a horrible manager, by the way,” Pfaffenhauser expaliend. “They ran the place to the ground more than anybody. They bear maced people and threw bleach on them.”
UPDATE: Val U Stay closed by city due to living conditions
The Pueblo Police Department (PPD) said the inspection started at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 25 and the police presence was for the safety of the people being displaced and for the inspectors entering the buildings.
PPD said the area is known for a high level of criminal activity. “There’s been murders here, there’s been drug dealing… there’s times where almost, most of the vehicles recovered that are stolen, are located here,” said Sergeant Frank Ortega of PPD.
There are four buildings at the motel. Multiple agencies are currently assessing the conditions of each room to identify what the owner of the building is going to need to do to get the motel brought back up to code, should that ever happen.
Mayor Graham said the Pueblo Rescue Mission currently has 50 beds available for those displaced. Other agencies like the United Way of Pueblo County have coordinated a crisis resource center, they are encouraging the community to visit their website.
“This is a cash cow for this business owner,” Mayor Graham explained. “I know he has several other properties all throughout Colorado and to allow my community members to live in the filth, it’s devastating. And, you know, as far as I’m concerned, this person should be thrown in federal prison.”
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