Bear, DE – Last week, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer announced that the County’s Code Enforcement Division served notice to Shu-Ching Kuo, owner of Jade Mountain Inc, operator of The Fairwinds Motel in Bear to cease operations until the building is brought up to code. The building was cited for lack of hot water, electrical safety issues, collapsing roof, various rodent and pest infestations and more. The property, located at 767 Pulaski Highway, is occupied with long term tenants.
County officials have visited the site multiple times and spoke with every tenant to discuss why the building was found uninhabitable and continues to work with tenants on relocation options.
“New Castle County residents deserve better,” said County Executive Meyer. “We will not tolerate slum lords operating in New Castle County, and we’ll do everything in our power to help these families find safe, decent, affordable housing before we shut down the property.”
“As soon as I notified county officials about these unsafe and unsanitary conditions, they arrived on the scene to hold the landlord accountable and help these soon-to-be displaced residents find shelter,” said State Representative Sophie Phillips. “I am grateful for New Castle County’s leadership and for the empathy they showed every resident at this neglected motel.”
Approximately a dozen residents of the 13-room motel will be relocated to the Hope Center, Delaware’s largest emergency shelter until the motel is brought back to code.
New Castle County collaborated with the Department of Health and Social Services, Community Legal Aid Society, Legal Services Corporation of Delaware and Friendship House to provide resources to residents of the Motel.
The property owners have until Thursday, February 8 to vacate the residents and secure the property. Owners have until Friday, March 1 to bring building back into code.
