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Residents urge city action after families placed in Motel 6 report infestations, safety concerns
Summary
Multiple residents testified about poor conditions, mice, mold, and alleged drug and prostitution activity at a local motel where Montgomery County places families in emergency housing; neighborhood services and police said they will increase coordination and investigation.
Several Gaithersburg residents used the public‑comment period Monday to press the city and county to take action after families placed by Montgomery County emergency housing programs were temporarily housed at a local motel, which speakers said is unsafe and unsanitary.
Residents described infestations, mold, inadequate cooking facilities and safety problems at the motel. “We have families that live there with disability children… We have families that live there with disability children. The Montgomery County culture being violated,” said LaShawn Crenshaw, identifying herself as a Gaithersburg resident. She described disabled children living in rooms without stoves and reported retaliation against residents who complain.
Other residents gave specific accounts: Elizabeth Velasquez said a man who was later arrested had harassed her family; “This is a daily thing,” she said. Tiffany Kelly, who also identified herself as a Gaithersburg resident, said: “I’ve caught over 20 mice. I’ve caught mice on the bed with my son, in my food, in my fridge. Roaches are in my microwave. I’ve had to go to the hospital 3 times because of my asthma due to mice droppings.”
What officials said City staff and the police department said they are aware of complaints. Tom Mayers of neighborhood services (code enforcement) said the division has been investigating the motel and will step up coordination with other agencies. “This is an issue that neighborhood services has been looking into. But based on this, we will work even closer with them to see what can be done,” he said.
Chief of Police (representative) noted the police department is also involved in investigations of reported drug and prostitution activity and that officers will continue to work with neighborhood services and county partners.
Where responsibility lies Commenters identified Montgomery County emergency services (DHHS/Department of Emergency Services and other county programs) as the placing agencies for families. City officials repeatedly noted that while placement decisions originate with the county, the motel and its conditions are in the city and therefore within the city’s purview for building, health and code enforcement.
Next steps City staff said they will pursue closer coordination with county partners and the police department and follow up with complainants. No formal city action or vote was recorded; staff said they will investigate reported code and public‑safety issues and report back as investigations proceed.
Ending Speakers urged officials to inspect conditions and relocate families to habitable housing; city staff asked residents to submit written complaints and said they will follow up with county partners and law enforcement.
