Local

South Charlotte Days Inn evacuated after being declared ‘unsafe’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Everyone staying at a south Charlotte Days Inn was evacuated Thursday evening because the fire department said the hotel is not safe to live in.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police and the Charlotte Fire Department evacuated people staying at the Days Inn on Woodlawn Road. On Friday morning, Channel 9 could see barriers and caution tape up around the building.

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Channel 9 was told over the past three days that officials have tried to get some people staying at hotel to leave as a legal battle continues. A judge ruled in favor of the Days Inn, saying it can remove anyone not explicitly listed as a tenant.

Those who were not listed as tenants were also offered alternate housing after they vacated the premises. On Wednesday, the fire department declared the hotel unsafe to live in.

Authorities evacuated the remaining people from the building Thursday. Officials said those being evacuated were offered assistance. There were no incidents, injuries or arrests when people were being kicked out Thursday, authorities said.

Residents will be allowed back later Friday morning to retrieve the rest of their belongings.

The owners of the hotel tried to close it a month ago and have been in a legal battle with some of the residents who refused to leave. On Monday, a judge ruled the owners could remove some people who they said are there illegally.

The owner said there’s been at last $20,000 in damage caused.

The next court hearing is on June 9.