Several residents of Branson West face the daunting task of finding new housing during the cold winter months.
Long-term residents of two Branson West motels, Colonial Mountain Inn and Lakeview Inn, received letters recently telling them that they had to find a new place to live. According to the letters, the city had notified the properties that they were in violation, as the motels are not zoned for long-term rentals. Some were reportedly told they had 10 days in which to vacate their property. A letter, posted online by residents of one of the properties from the City of Branson West to the property owner said in part, "This letter is to advise you that you must take immediate steps within the next 10 business days of the date of this letter" (January 15).
The two properties house many extended-stay guests, including dozens of children.
Branson area agencies, including House of Hope and Anita Williams' Branson Outreach have been working diligently to help these families find suitable housing. Several Branson West and Kimberling City churches, and administration at the Reeds Spring Schools are also working to assist in the matter.
Branson West City Administrator Steve Dalton clarified some of the information for the residents of the two motels.
"It was never the city's intention to displace people," said Dalton. "The City did not. There was nothing. We had nothing to do with any evictions or them having to leave."
Dalton explained that a letter was sent to the owners of the two properties - Colonial Mountain Inn and Lakeview Inn explaining that the businesses were not in compliance with city codes, and that the motels, due to lack of amenities, are zoned for short-term stays, rather than extended-stay housing. He added that the discussion about the properties being out of compliance has been ongoing for some time, with no resolutions.
"This 10-day letter was a way to move it forward. As the letter states, they have 10 business days to come in and tell us what we're going to do to work toward getting back in compliance," explained Dalton.
Dalton added that the owners of the properties could appeal the city's Planning and Zoning commission, but would be required to make a number of renovations to the facilities and their parking.
Several residents of the motels, as well as their supporters, staged a peaceful protest outside the Branson West City Hall late last week.