Sixteen individuals, including several young children, have been abruptly displaced from their residences at an Effingham motel after authorities declared the property dangerously unfit for human habitation due to severe motel health hazards and pervasive fire safety violations.
The dramatic turn of events follows the town of Effingham’s recent acquisition of the property, identified as the PK Motel, on July 22nd. This takeover occurred due to a prolonged failure by the previous owner to pay accumulated taxes, setting the stage for subsequent official scrutiny of the premises.
Upon a thorough inspection conducted by the Effingham fire department, officials uncovered a horrifying array of violations. Findings included widespread black mold infestations, extensive loose electrical wiring, and significant standing water suspected to contain raw sewage, indicating a profound neglect of basic living standards within the building.
Effingham fire Chief JT Harmon emphatically stated his concerns regarding the property’s condition, noting, “I felt the building was dangerous and it was posing an immediate life safety hazard and a health hazard to the occupants of the building.” This professional assessment underscored the urgency of the evacuation to protect the well-being of the residents.
Many of the displaced individuals, including the children aged between four and eight years old, had called the motel home for over a year, forming a close-knit community despite their challenging living circumstances. All but one resident were compelled to vacate immediately, highlighting the critical nature of the resident displacement.
Local business owner Donald Flanders Jr., whose establishment is situated near the PK Motel, expressed little surprise at the news, alluding to the property’s longstanding negative reputation. Attempts to contact the former owner proved futile, as the provided contact number had been disconnected, leaving unanswered questions regarding accountability for the deplorable conditions.
In response to this crisis, the Effingham Board of Selectmen is actively collaborating with the town’s welfare office to secure emergency housing for all those affected. The town aims to rectify the property’s blighted status, as the PK Motel now represents a “sore spot” for the community. The property is slated for auction in three months, offering a potential path forward for its future. This story underscores critical issues within New Hampshire news regarding housing safety and oversight.
Despite the grim circumstances and the impending property condemnation, the resilient spirit of the displaced residents, who reportedly “took care of each other” like a large family, served as a poignant reminder of human adaptability in the face of adversity. This collective resilience is a key takeaway from the Effingham incident.
