Evictions of Westside Inn Residents Stopped by the Court

Evictions of Westside Inn Residents Stopped by the Court

In an unexpected turn of events, the residents of Westside Inn, Kingsport, have been given till April 19 to vacate the premise before they could possibly face formal eviction proceedings. The decision was reached during a hearing in the Sullivan County General Sessions Court on Wednesday, putting a halt to the earlier proposed eviction notices.

The Unexpected Eviction Notices

The sudden eviction notices for residents of Westside Inn came about following inspections by the Tennessee Department of Health that found the hotel had numerous health concerns, deeming it unsafe for habitation. The initial eviction date as per the notices was April 5, causing panic and confusion among residents.

The Court Agreement

Attorney Nicholas Schaefer, representing the residents, clarified to Judge Ray Conkin that two notices were supposed to be given to residents, dividing them into weekly and month-to-month residents. The month-to-month residents, Schaefer informed, were meant to have until April 19 to vacate.
“We weren’t instituting any kind of eviction notice until April 19,” Schaefer stated.

Following this date, the owner, Mr. C.P. Patel, reserves the right to file an eviction notice. A hearing would be set 14 days after, during which the residents would be given an additional 10 days to vacate, essentially providing them with 24 days post-April 19 to vacate.

Residents Sigh With Relief

Attorney Jack Inman, representing four residents filing a suit against Patel, expressed optimism over the court’s decision. He stated that the agreement would apply solely to the four named plaintiffs in the suit. However, he added that Patel would likely tread carefully with future eviction proceedings due to the presence of Legal Aid, ready to assist any residents requiring help, giving a significant breather to the inhabitants.

Sea Change in Westside Inn’s Outlook

The decision to defer the evictions comes amidst Patel’s pending deal to sell the Westside Inn property for a car dealership enterprise. The impending sale has generated further confusion for the residents who are already grappling with eviction concerns.

The court’s decision to halt the eviction process has drawn significant relief from the residents, allowing them much-needed respite amid the ongoing health concerns and the looming eviction threat. As it stands, the agreed eviction postponement provides the residents a window to find alternate residence and safe accommodation, and the owner the avenue to proceed judiciously in close legal consultation.