Inside code enforcement violations at Rotterdam Super 8
ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) – We told you about volunteer firefighters who sounded alarms around fire safety at the Rotterdam Super 8. The town’s Department of Public Works provided NEWS10 those notices of violations and a first look at those violations inside of the hotel.
Violations were issued because of unsanitary conditions, infestations and accumulations of garbage, just to name a few. It is important to note that not all of the rooms were in an unsanitary condition.
Firefighters I talked to say many of the violations the town said are resolved, have not been. Under the Freedom of Information Act, NEWS10 filed a formal request with the town of Rotterdam and asked for all code enforcement violations at the Super 8 since May of last year.
According to Rotterdam Town Attorney Courtney Heinel most of those have been addressed.
“We have issued notices of violations to the hotel. The hotel has been compliant with us and working with us to address those violations. The fire safety code violations have all been addressed,” said Heinel.
However, not all fire safety code violations have not been fully addressed, according to Carman Fire Department Chief John Nuzback.
He said on more than one occasion, a gas alarm at the hotel has prompted a response from the fire department. The last time was on March 20. Each time they responded he said there was no gas leak.
Nuzback said the alarm system needs a thorough inspection and repair, however Heinel said that’s already been done.
“The alarm system has been inspected and repaired, to my knowledge, from the documentation we received from the hotel,” said Heinel.
Both said repairs have been made at the hotel, including repairs to an emergency exit door. Trash was also removed from the premises and prohibited items have been confiscated, such as hot plates and lithium ion batteries that were stored in rooms.
Heinel said there’s only one lingering violation, a bed bug infestation. She said the hotel has been granted an extension to address it.
“The hotel has been very compliant in discussions with the town and providing documentation to address all of the firefighters concerns related to the hotel and to address any outstanding items. They have gotten certifications and everything related to their fire alarm systems, including inspection and repair over there for anything that was necessary,” said Heinel.
Nuzback said they’ve taken the initiative into their own hands. Last week new policies were implemented for first responders, in response to health safety concerns at the hotel.
The Carman Fire Department has not officially gone back to the hotel with the town to do a final inspection. Heinel did not provide the next “comply by” date, as that has not yet been determined.