Residents of the Bel-Aire Motel learned this week they have fewer than 60 days to find new homes. Mayor Mike Houston estimated there were 15 to 20 residents, but property manager Dominic Marando said Friday the number was more like 50 to 60. Some residents appeared to be removing their belongings on Friday. Many of the others have no idea where they will go.
Karen Fliger works as a front desk clerk at the the Bel-Aire Motel. She and her husband, Franklin Fite, who have been residents for nearly eight years, learned from media reports this week the building will be demolished. "Nobody knows what's going on."
Janice Rose Konetski has been a Bel-Aire resident for close to 20 years.
Robert Ringo has lived on and off at the motel for the past eight years.
Chad Stickler says he has lived at the Bel-Aire for several years.
Ken Ward moved into the motel in May.
Franklin Fite and his wife Karen Fliger have lived in a room at the Bel-Aire for nearly eight years. Everything they own is there with them. "The only thing that belongs to the hotel is the bed," Fite says.
Chris Telkamp has lived at the Bel-Aire on and off for seven years. He works at a Springfield fast food restaurant.
John Hanson moved in to the Bel-Aire in June. A military veteran and retired truck driver, he has been working as a maintenance man at the motel.
