Yesterday, the Board of Health in Yarmouth, citing a year-old law that prohibits motel owners from renting units beyond 30 consecutive days to customers without a permanent address, voted to suspend the motel's license, potentially forcing 250 low-income people from the Cavalier and two other motels in town. Town officials acknowledged there had been no health violation at any of the three motels.Harry Miller, owner of the three properties, said his motels should be exempt from the new law, because he received town approval to renovate them in order to provide affordable housing to those who need a place to say for several months. He said that he has appeared before numerous town boards over the years and that everyone knew he was allowing guests to stay longer than 30 days.
"There should be a better place for us to live, but we can't afford the first month, last month, and security deposit to get in. Or the utilities. The rents we've seen are up to 2,000 a month," said motel resident Kerri Blackwell, 37, who works at a nearby Dunkin' Donuts shop and says she cannot find a more affordable apartment in the area.
Those who supported Miller said local officials were acting because they wanted to raise more money from the motels, which do not have to pay taxes for guests who stay longer than 90 days.
"What they're trying to do is unjust. It's all about money," said Ann Rebello, a Yarmouth resident at the meeting. "They would rather have tourists."
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