This comes days after a planned expansion of the Cordova Inn was announced, involving the demolition of both the Stanton Hotel and Stanton Apartments which contain 49 living spaces altogether. Along with the notice to vacate, residents of the Stanton Hotel were given a “list of resources”; a crude printout with a hyperlink to the Homeless Leadership Alliance and Catholic Charities.
According to an article published earlier this week by St. Pete Rising, the new buyers were reportedly aiding with relocation of tenants, however it appears the current owners, Old St. Pete Development LLC, are attempting to clear house before the sale is finalized. This corporation is linked to Clearwater-based TJM Properties and Key West-based New Moon Management.
Week to week rentals like those offered by the Stanton Hotel are a common living arrangement for those who cannot afford a first/last month rent payment and security deposit generally required for an annual lease, or for those with poor credit, history of eviction, criminal background or other circumstances preventative of acquiring a lease. This means “hotels” such as the Stanton become home to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and contain many long-term tenants. These living arrangements are incredibly exploitative in nature, with tenants oftentimes paying incredibly high rent for tiny living spaces not necessarily intended for long term habitation. Under Florida law, a landlord is only required to give a tenant 7 days notice to before terminating a week to week rental agreement.
In 2020, St. Pete City Council passed ordinance 419-H as part of the city’s tenant bill of rights, which requires a written 90 day notice of intent to develop in order to give displaced tenants extra time to secure new housing. However, it is unclear if this is applicable to residents of the Stanton considering it’s status as a “hotel”. It’s also unclear if the 90 day notice is required for residents of the 18 households at the Stanton Apartments, or if residents there were given notice to vacate as well.
The new owners of the Cordova Inn stands to generate massive profits from the new expansion of it’s facilities. The demolition of both the Stanton Hotel and Apartments will permanently remove 49 units of “affordable” housing from the downtown area and replace those with upscale units designed for short term visitors. With rents in Tampa Bay skyrocketing to unprecedented levels, it is likely that many residents of the Stanton will become homeless or displaced from the area entirely.
Housing is a fundamental human right that should be guaranteed to all, unconditionally.
The rising tide of downtown development continues to lift the boats of profiteers and affluent transplants while allowing our most vulnerable to drown.
Contact the owners of the Stanton and demand they halt the evictions!
TJM Properties
(727) 683-1200
New Moon Management
(305) 293-8888
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