Court-appointed receiver gains access to former Days Inn; city urges security and abatement options

The Elyria law director told council on May 5, 2025, that the Lorain County Court of Common Pleas has formally appointed a receiver for the former Days Inn property and that the receiver has posted bond, submitted an oath and completed a walk-through of the building.

Law Director Deary said the receiver is conducting due diligence to decide how to proceed, including exploring renovation or demolition. Deary and other city officials who joined the property walkthrough emphasized the need for security measures because unauthorized access and vandalism continue to occur at the site.

Deary said city staff discussed fencing and immediate security with the receiver; the receiver indicated he was amenable to measures intended to improve safety and to preserve what remains of the property. Deary said he will continue to update council as the receiver reports back to the court.

Council members asked clarifying questions during the reports section. Council member Schneider asked whether property taxes were current; Deary said that the last check indicated taxes were current. Council member Davis asked whether a time frame was set for the receiver to report back; Deary said the receiver is still in an information-gathering phase and had no firm deadline, and that any plan would ultimately require court approval.

City officials noted visible unauthorized entry by young people at the site during recent visits and reiterated public-safety concerns; the record shows the city pressed for fencing and security to reduce vandalism while the receiver evaluates abatement options. The transcript records no formal council action on the property that evening beyond the law director’s update; any abatement, demolition or redevelopment will proceed under the receiver’s court-directed authority and applicable court approvals.