Citing public health and safety issues, the Town of Dolores forced The Rio Grande Southern Hotel to close its doors on Friday.
Six residents and the owner, Susie Sieber, were told they had to be out by 7 p.m.
Dolores town attorney Mike Green stated electrical and building code violations threatened the health and safety of residents, and forced the business to be shut down immediately.
“Based on our inspection, and an evaluation by the state electrical inspector, the problems were deemed serious,” he said. “We had to close the building until the issues can be addressed.”
A complaint triggered a two-week investigation, resulting in a building and electrical inspection that took place on March 5, town officials said.
Green and interim town manager Lana Hancock said they tried to give residents more time to move. However, they were advised by state regulators that the building was unsafe for habitation, triggering an immediate closure.
“This is not a fun process, but we are protecting lives,” Hancock said. “We erred on the side of public safety.”
Residents learned last Friday they had just hours to move out.
“It was a total surprise,” said resident Nik Melchionda. “I’ve lived here a year and enjoyed it. I’ll be moving into my RV.”
Sieber said she disagrees with the violations.
“I had a licensed electrician come through, and he said there were no violations,” she said. “I’m devastated, and feel it is unfair. This is my only source of income.”
Residents were informed of alternative housing options, including the Bridge Emergency Shelter in Cortez.
Contact information for Red Cross, United Way, and Housing Solutions were distributed, and the county health department assisted in relocating residents, town officials said.
“I’m staying in a hotel tonight,” said Gary Webb, 74, a two-year resident. “Susie has taken good care of me.”
“I hope to come back,” said resident Hilary Swortwood. “The owner has a heart of gold, and this hotel is the heartbeat of Dolores.”
A restaurant in the hotel is also part of the closure. The hotel is on the state register of historic places.
Locks were to be put on the doors by the town and sheriff’s office, who were stationed as a civil standby while residents packed up their belongings. Entrance into the building is possible by appointment only with the town and sheriff.
“I feel bad for my residents,” Sieber said. “I’ve refunded their rent money.”
Sieber and her lawyer, Jon Kelly, have indicated a challenge to the closure order, according to Green. Three town board members were appointed to be part of the appeals board, Santiago Lopez, Ginger McClellan-Swope, and Sandy Lauzon.
Green said they want to work with Sieber to establish a building permit for the hotel and resolve the code violations.
“Our main focus is to work with the owner, get her back in there and back in business,” Green said.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com