Martindale deadline extended

Residents of the Martindale Apartments have until May 16 to look for new homes after the city of Spokane and Avista announced on Tuesday an extension of the deadline for cutting off utilities to the Hillyard building.

Only four of the 41 units that were occupied last month have been vacated despite the efforts of a home-finders team composed of several social service agencies, said Ron Hardin, development director for Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs.

“It’s been a difficult task,” Hardin said. “Our team has been working tirelessly to get this done. It does take time given the very small amount of rental property available in this market.”

The city has a rental vacancy rate of 1.6 percent for one-bedroom units and 1.2 percent for studio apartments.

Nevertheless, four more Martindale households were expected to move out this week, and eight others have “solid plans” to relocate by the end of next week, Hardin said.

Last month Mayor Mary Verner asked SNAP to help relocate the Martindale residents who were told water, sewer, garbage, gas and electric services would be cut off by this Friday because of lack of payment by the building’s manager, REM Association.

At the time, there were 45 residents with an average monthly income of $500 to $600, according to a SNAP survey.

Tuesday’s announcement that the remaining residents have an extra week to find homes was welcome news to Hardin and others on the team.

“We still have some work to do,” Hardin said, adding that those who have not relocated by the deadline will be put up in motels until permanent housing can be found.

Representatives from several social service agencies have been meeting with the tenants two or three times a week, said Bob Peeler of SNAP’s homeless program. He said several of the tenants will receive federal housing vouchers.

In addition, Hardin said, the city has made some money available to relocate the residents, many of whom are disabled, but “we are looking for some help from the community.”

Built in 1912, the Martindale, 5313 N. Regal St., formerly Hillyard High School, was converted into apartments in 1946 to accommodate returning World War II veterans. The building, which is on the National Historic Register, had fallen on hard times before being acquired by Martindale Place LLC in cooperation with the Spokane Community Housing Association.

Last November, the principals in Martindale LLC advised the city that it was removing REM Association as manager of the Martindale Apartments.