Jessie Stensland reports:
A recent death at Harbor Inn in Freeland is a point of contention in back-and-forth affidavits and responses in a lawsuit over the fate of the building.
It will be up to the judge, however, to decide whether the death of a 64-year-old former fishing captain with a history of heart issues is relevant to a request for a preliminary injunction seeking to undo the Low Income Housing Institute’s purchase of the motel.
They Said It
[Bellevue attorney Randal] Thiel [who represents the plaintiff, Freeland Concerned Citizens LLC] wrote that the unattended death is evidence that the preliminary injunction is “critical and necessary.”
“The unfortunate death at the Harbor Inn is real and LIHI [The Low-Income Housing Institute, who purchased the motel] is accountable,” Thiel wrote. “LIHI talks about a Code of Conduct, which it does not execute or enforce.”
Thiel added a request that the judge order the motel closed and vacated until “all fire, health, safety and change of use and occupancy issues are resolved.”
LIHI identified the man as Konrad Kennelly. He was one of six guests of the motel who had remained after the sale closed. He was not brought in by LIHI and has no connection to LIHI, beyond being allowed to stay, according to court documents filed by LIHI’s attorney.
