A potential humanitarian crisis. That's how Lansing's Mayor is describing the Magnuson Hotel's decision earlier this week to evict nearly 100 homeless people.
The hotel wants everyone out by September 12 so it can start renovations.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero declared a housing emergency on Tuesday in an effort to stop the eviction. He says the residents have more rights than just being visitors at the hotel and should have received more than a two week eviction notice.
"If you're a guest in the hotel, your rights are limited. If you're a tenant in an apartment or a boarding house, then your rights are different," said Mayor Bernero. "And you have greater rights and the right to greater notice."
The emergency declaration will help residents at the Magnuson be eligible for priority placement at federally funded public housing managed by the city.
The mayor also asked the city attorney to look into legal options that could help delay the hotel's closing.
