833 H Street. Outpost file photos by Ryan Burns.

City of Eureka press release: 

Today, City staff posted property owned by Floyd Squires located at 833 H Street in Eureka with a notice that the property is to be vacated and boarded against entry on January 22, 2018 pursuant to a warrant issued by the Superior Court.

This action comes after repeated notifications to the owners and Jeff Smith, the court appointed receiver, of their obligation to address the extremely hazardous electrical and other violations at the property.

Despite multiple notices and extensions, work on the property has been sporadic at best, and ceased altogether, with partial work performed on only three of the fourteen units. The City does not undertake this action lightly, or without considering the impact to the tenants.

The City has notified the Squireses and Mr. Smith that tenants must be provided relocation assistance benefits and is prepared to provide benefits should the property owner and/or receiver fail to do so. Additionally, City staff will be working with service providers to determine what housing options may be available to the displaced tenants.

The closure of this apartment complex is only necessary due to the failure on the part of the owners and receiver to correct the serious violations that place the residents and first responders at risk. Given the imminent threat posed by the landlord’s continuous and flagrant disregard for both state law and the safety of his tenants, the City has no choice but to take this action.

Floyd Squires outside 833 H Street.