City Council moves forward with ordinance putting crackdown on people living in hotels

New limitations preventing people from living in hotels is moving forward. At Rock Hill City Council last night, officials say they are having a problem that the city simply can’t ignore. However, residents and hotel owners spoke out against the proposed crackdown and had numerous concerns. The ordinance would prevent hotel stays longer than 30 days, preventing York County residents from renting rooms with exterior doors, and require renters to allow room inspections as well. Monday night, city council members voted to allow the proposed ordinance to move further along in the process, despite the city’s planning commission voting to reject it. City Council members did seem to agree that there could be changes or amendments made to the ordinance after speaking with members of the public and workshops. Staff and officials say the Cherry Road and Dave Lyle Boulevard areas have public safety issues which has led to over 200 calls for police. They ranged from drug overdoses to fights. Also in the proposal, it would give people without residences more time to stay as long as they are in some type of program. The next reading could be a couple of months away as leaders say they want more input and discussion with motel and hotel owners, as well as community advocates on how to make proper changes. Audio from the council meeting to come on today’s news plus tomorrow morning as well.