Hamilton County family has to move from garage used as home - The Southern
McLEANSBORO — A brown sofa divides the room, which has full-sized bed on one side, a queen on the other side. A few feet away, behind the open front door and behind closed curtains, are two self-contained portable toilets. For a year, this space — large enough to house two vehicles —has been home to Bonnie Willmore, her husband, Tommie, and her adult son. Her home is also the standalone garage behind a one-story house near the center of McLeansboro, which apparently views occupancy in the garage as a violation of city code. According to a letter addressed to the homeowner Theresa Robertson: "You need to direct that family to another residence that is suitable for living. The letter said the family had 15 days from July 28, 2015, the date of the letter, to leave. "Show me the same respect that I've shown them for 15 years," Willmore said. If they can just let me be. When I can get on my feet, I'll move on. ". That letter is from Steve Lapington, zoning administrator for the city of McLeansboro. Robertson said she has not spoken to Lapington. “They needed a place to live, they were homeless," Robertson said. Source: thesouthern.com
