In August, Dan Bell, who has a Youtube Series called “Another Dirty Room,” exposed the conditions inside the Royal Inn Motel in Royal Oak Township.
Township leaders say it came as they worked to get the owner of the motel to fix numerous problems, from bed bugs and rodent infestations, to filth and fire hazards.
“It was sickening, you know, the bed bugs, the roaches, the smell, the drugs, everything going on in this building and the owners just don’t seem to care,” said Donna Squalls, Royal Oak Township Supervisor.
The township posted notice this week. The building is being condemned. 7 Action News wanted to know what the owner of the motel had to say for himself.
“That is totally illegal action,” said Chandresh Shaw, who says he is the owner of the building.
He says the township is being unfair. He says he maintains the building.
7 Action News pointed out we could see wires hanging from the ceiling, and an area where the ceiling appeared to be falling down. He said he is working to fix issues, but needs more time.
Some residents back him up. They say he lives here, too, and has let them stay when they had no money.
Shaw said more than 100 residents are behind on their rent in the building with 400 rooms.
“I am here 24/7 for people. If someone has no food at night, they knock on my door and ask for food. Who is not asking money from me?” said Shaw.
Other residents are grateful the township took action - bringing in social service agencies today to help them build a new future for them and in many cases- their children.
“It is stressful, but it is a fresh start,” said Tamara Dale-Washington, who says she is tired of checking her one-month-old daughter for bed bug bites.
The township says residents will have a few days to figure out what to do. The plan is to padlock the building on Tuesday. Shaw says he plans to fight that in court.
