current owner purchased the property in 2012, with the intention of remodeling and expanding the motel. Shortly after, the unforeseen cost of the bridge expansion and other factors delayed the development, leaving the property in a deteriorating condition. Until 2019, the buildings had been boarded up to prevent entry and the property gated to prevent trespass. In late 2019, the impacts of trespassing and vandalism (including theft) had become readily apparent. An inspection of the remaining structures after the fire found them to be unsafe and in a very dilapidated condition. A collaborative effort was initiated by Code Compliance to bring together the property owner and several county departments to find long term solutions for the site.
On March 24, 2022, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the property located at 6833 Highway 140, Midpines, California. The meeting was attended by Rosemarie Smallcombe, District 1 Supervisor; Debbie Willis, Interim Building Director; Sarah Williams, Planning Director; Dave Conway, Environmental Unit Health Director; Gary Francisco, Chair of the Midpines Planning Advisory Committee; Corrina Miranda, Code Compliance; Russell Shaw, Real Estate Consultant for the property owner; and Aung Oo, property owner.
The meeting resulted in a positive plan to quickly move forward with the correction of the existing violations. The owner has expressed a willingness to cooperate with Mariposa County in mitigating the violations at the site. Staff is working on a compliance agreement with the owner, which includes a timeline for the required work. This work includes the demolition of the remaining buildings, removal of hazards on the property, and efforts to secure the site from further vandalism.
Furthermore, the property owner is looking forward to working with the Mariposa County Economic Development and Housing Development Specialists on the options for the future development of the property that can result in positive additions to the community.
Source: Mariposa County
