Residents say eviction notice was wrongly posted to restaurant door; city pledges follow-up

Two residents who live on city-leased property told the council a notice to quit was improperly posted to the restaurant door and that the city did not return a prepaid year of rent.

Linda "Ellie" Lapidus — who said she was speaking for her husband, Norman Lapides — said the couple has lived at 300 South Alden Road for 34 years under a 99-year lease and that they had paid rent a year in advance through June 30, 2026. In April 2025 they said someone taped a notice to quit to the restaurant door (350 South Alden), which they described as humiliating. Lapidus said the city had previously told the couple staff would come to their home to deliver notice personally and that the couple had expected more time to relocate. "This whole situation has caused my wife and I considerable stress," Lapidus said, noting attorney fees and health impacts.

Norman Lapides and Lapidus described receiving an eviction summons late in the year and said the city had offered $5,000 if they vacated by April 1, a payment they said would not cover their attorney costs or the timing constraints for moving. The couple requested more time (to May 1 or until their prepaid term ends June 30) and assistance reconciling the prepaid rent that was not returned.

Mayor Putz and staff said Economic Development Director Kelly (staff) has been working on the matter and that staff would provide contact information and follow up directly with the residents to try to resolve the issue. The mayor asked staff to connect with the Lapides family after the meeting.

The remarks were recorded during public communications. No council action was taken at the meeting beyond staff follow-up.