LAUREL, Md. — Families in Laurel are facing a difficult and uncertain start to the new year as they scramble to find temporary housing after being told they must leave their homes by January 10, 2025.
The order comes from the City of Laurel, which stepped in after years of warnings about dangerously unsafe stairwells at the Tiers of Laurel Lakes Condominiums that they say continue to pose serious risks to residents’ safety.
The safety concerns date back to December 2021, when inspectors identified 58 staircases in need of repair or replacement to meet safety standards. Despite repeated efforts by the City of Laurel to work with the Condominium Association, little progress has been made. By September 2024, inspections revealed that 49 staircases were still out of compliance, leaving residents at risk.
The City hired an independent structural engineering firm in October 2024, which confirmed that the stairwells violated critical safety codes, including the City’s Building Codes, Life Safety Codes, and National Fire Protection Codes.
Now, residents in 116 units have no choice but to vacate their homes, creating significant stress and uncertainty as they try to figure out their next steps as the go into the holiday season.
While residents are allowed to return once repairs are completed, inspections are passed, and the buildings are certified compliant ─ no timeline for this process has been provided.
The City of Laurel has taken several measures to help the Condominium Association address the structural issues, including:
- Providing $200,000 in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.
- Waiving $20,000 in permit fees.
- Offering multiple deadline extensions for completing the repairs.
Despite these efforts, the necessary work has not been completed, forcing the City to prioritize public safety by issuing the evacuation order.
“We understand the challenges and disruptions this situation creates for the families affected, and these actions were not taken lightly," said Mayor Keith Sydnor. "However, when structural issues jeopardize lives, we must act decisively to protect public safety and enforce compliance with critical safety codes. The safety of our community cannot be compromised.”
In response to the disruption, the City of Laurel is partnering with Maryland State District 21 and Prince George’s County to provide resources for displaced residents. Assistance includes access to housing programs and financial support, with detailed information available on the City’s website.
Residents are encouraged to work closely with the Tiers of Laurel Lakes Condominium Association for updates on repairs and next steps.
