BEAR, DE — New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer has initiated a multipronged approach to address the deteriorating conditions at The Fairwinds Motel in Bear, Delaware. The motel, operated by Jade Mountain Inc, has been served notice to cease operations until it meets county building code requirements.
The County’s Code Enforcement Division cited the motel for numerous violations, including lack of hot water, electrical safety issues, a collapsing roof, and various rodent and pest infestations. The property, located at 767 Pulaski Highway, is currently home to long-term tenants.
“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.”
County officials have already visited the site several times and spoken with every tenant about the building’s uninhabitable conditions. Efforts are also underway to assist tenants with relocation options.
State Representative Sophie Phillips praised the county’s swift response to the crisis. “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,” she said. “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 up to code.
In this initiative, New Castle County is working closely with the Department of Health and Social Services, Community Legal Aid Society, Legal Services Corporation of Delaware, and Friendship House to provide support and resources to the motel’s residents.
The owners of The Fairwinds Motel have until Friday, March 1, to bring the building back into compliance with county codes.
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