By Tom Callis
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — City Hall is inching closer toward evicting the owners of the condemned Chinook Motel, a step that could eventually lead to it seizing the property.
A letter sent to owners William and Awatef Younan on Tuesday gives them until Jan. 6 to begin addressing the health and safety violations that led to its closure in June 2009 or leave the property, Port Angeles City Planning Manager Sue Roberds said.
Occupancy restriction
The motel is zoned commercial, and the owners can use it as a residence only if they are operating a business, according to the city.
The city had recently given the Younans until Nov. 28 as a deadline, but Roberds said it is giving them one more chance to make sure they understand the situation.
No miscommunication
“We felt that it would be more reasonable to reinforce our previous statement at this point before moving forward to make sure there is no miscommunication,” she said.
The Younans, who have said they don’t have the money for the repairs, could not be reached for comment.
If they still can’t make the repairs after eviction, the city would cover the cost and then place a lien on the property, Roberds said.
The 53-room motel at 1414 E. First St. would be confiscated if the lien can’t be paid.
The city would expect the costs to be reimbursed through the sale of the property, she said.
Roberds said the city is still assessing how much the repairs would cost but added it’s expected to be cheaper than demolishing the motel.
“What we need to do is address the hazards,” she said.
“Button up, if you will.”
In its condemnation order, the city listed 29 building and property maintenance violations, including rodent droppings, dead bedbugs, signs of living bugs and extensive water damage.
The property was listed for sale last month by John L. Scott of Yakima for $1.5 million.
It is worth $582,600, according to the Clallam County Assessor’s Office.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
