Residents of Patty’s Lodge in Hopewell remained in their rooms Monday after a June 1 deadline to vacate the property came and went without occupants being removed, leaving the future of the motel and its residents uncertain.
The motel’s owner had notified residents last week that the long-term lodging facility would permanently close and that occupants would need to leave by June 1. The notices sparked concern among residents and housing advocates, who questioned whether the timeline complied with New York law and argued that many of those living at the motel may have rights that require a formal court process before they can be removed.
According to RochesterFirst, several residents were still living at the property Monday and utilities remained active. The outlet reported that no court-authorized removals had taken place as of Monday afternoon, despite the deadline having passed.
Questions remain about eviction process
The situation has drawn increasing scrutiny because Patty’s Lodge functions as more than a traditional motel for many of its occupants. Some residents have lived there for extended periods, raising questions about whether they qualify for tenant protections under state law.
Attorneys who reviewed the notices previously told local media that residents may be entitled to additional legal protections depending on their circumstances and length of stay. Those concerns prompted some residents to seek assistance from Legal Assistance of Western New York, which has been advising occupants about their rights.
While several residents remained at the motel Monday, others have begun making alternative housing arrangements.
The uncertainty comes amid an already challenging housing market in Ontario County, where affordable options remain limited and available units can be difficult to secure on short notice.
County offering assistance
Ontario County officials have emphasized that the county was not responsible for placing residents at the motel and was not involved in the decision to close the property.
In a statement issued Monday, the Ontario County Department of Social Services said none of the individuals who received closure notices were being housed at Patty’s Lodge through county placements. The department said it has nevertheless been in contact with affected residents, has helped some explore alternative housing options, and remains available to determine eligibility for housing assistance programs.
For now, the motel remains occupied, the deadline has passed, and residents continue waiting to learn what steps property owners may take next as the dispute increasingly shifts from a closure announcement to questions about how, and when, residents can legally be required to leave.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.