Still Found ‘Unsafe,’
Hotel To Be Vacated
By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
ONEONTA – After finding “numerous violations” remaining at the former Oneonta Hotel, 195 Main St., City Hall has begun the process of evicting the remaining tenants following the passing of the April 30 deadline imposed for fixing building deficiencies.
“After review of all inspection reports, it is clear that numerous violations still exist,” said Mayor Gary Herzig. “To protect the safety of the residents, general public, and our first responders, the city attorney is moving forward with vacating the building.”
Last November, the city Commission of Public Service declared the building “unsafe” and the City gave the owner Melania Pervu six months to correct the violations, which were mostly electrical in nature.
In early April, the fire department was called to the building for a boiler fire, and following the April 30 deadline, city inspectors compiled their reports and found that the building was still not up to code.
Tenants who are served with eviction paperwork will be able to go before a judge at the City Court and appeal the eviction, who will make the final determination on whether or not the tenant can remain in their home.
The businesses on the first floor will remain open, having met all code requirements.