(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Leaders in a south suburb deny they are trying to force dozens of homeless people out of a hotel, despite the claims of the hotel's manager.
Amanda Chavez, general manager of the Travelodge near I-57 and U.S. 30, on Wednesday said the village of Matteson has repeatedly tried to shut down the hotel.
This week, she said, the fire department threatened to shut down the hotel within 24 hours, unless issues with fire alarms and sprinklers were fixed.
“I’m saying it, I’m sorry,” Chavez said of her claims authorities are harassing the owner.
Matteson Fire Chief Michael Bacon countered that his only concern is the safety of hotel guests.
Bacon said the village wants to help the homeless residents of the hotel. Arrangements have been made for them to stay in other local hotels if the fire alarm and sprinkler problems aren’t fixed in time.
“The intent was to never displace the residents, but understand, we cant take the risk,” he said.
WBBM Newsradio learned later Wednesday that the hotel had passed inspection.
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