'I have nowhere to go tonight.' Town of Hempstead condemns Coliseum Inn, residents moved out
According to the Department of Social Services, 16 people who still lived there had to be moved out.
May 30, 2023, 1:06 PM
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A Town of Hempstead representative tells News 12 that the Coliseum Inn, located in East Meadow, has been condemned.
According to the Department of Social Services, 16 people who still lived there had to move out.
People who were staying there say they are being moved to other hotels.
They say the motel wasn't in the best condition, and that there were things that needed to be fixed. Some say that rooms were moldy and leaky, but it was livable.
"It has issues, it needs repairs, the problems were the smoke detectors because people steal the batteries, but other than that, the place is in working order," said Christine Papola, who was living at the motel permanently.
About 40 people were placed elsewhere prior to Tuesday's events, the town representative said.
Those who were forced out say they received no warning before being told they had to pack up all their belongings and leave.
"Put yourself in their shoes, you wake up in the morning, this is your home," Papola says. "Twelve o'clock, someone tells you, 'You gotta leave.'"
The town released a statement saying in part, "Coliseum Motor Inn in East Meadow was closed due to unsafe and unsanitary living conditions."
There have also reportedly been drug issues at the Coliseum Inn. Two weeks ago, three men were arrested for allegedly having crack cocaine in their rooms.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin says the safety of neighbors and residents remains a primary concern for the Town of Hempstead.
The property is condemned until further notice, and no one will be able to stay there.
