Board of Public Works & Safety affirms $2,500 fine on red Rock Inn owners

Nilesh and Deepka Patel, owners of the Red Rock Inn on Plymouth’s north side, appeared before the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety on Monday to appeal the $2,500 fine imposed at the July 14^th meeting.  The fine was imposed because work had not commenced on the property within the 30 days allowed.

Plymouth Building Inspector Dennis Manuwal informed the board that he had discussed the issues with Mr. Patel on June 2nd, when Mr. Patel was in town.  They discussed the second-story balcony cracks and railings that were not secure, the concrete steps to the second floor that were cracked, and additional railing issues.  An order from the city to vacate the second story was also issued on June 2nd due to the unsafe conditions for residents.   On June 10^th, Manuwal gave the owners a more detailed report of repairs needed.       

The Patels were given 30 days to hire a structural engineer to determine the work needed to make the motel safe and hire a contractor to begin the required work.

Two weeks ago, Manuwal reported that their time had expired without any substantial work being completed, and the Board of Public Works and Safety imposed the $2,500 fine.

The Red Rock Inn owners live in New Jersey and told the board they took immediate action by hiring the engineer in June and signing a contract with a contractor, so the fine should be waived. 

Their contractor didn’t apply for a permit until July 2^nd, 30 days after the initial notice.  He failed to provide proof of insurance, so the permit was put on hold.  The contractor finally provided proof of insurance on July 22^nd.

The Patels told the board that the work has started on the stairway on the north side this week.

Manuwal hasn’t been notified of work and hasn’t been called to do any inspections so far. 

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety felt the substantial work on the project hadn’t happened within the 30 days and affirmed the fine of $2,500.    

Mayor Listenberger told the Patels the fine stays in place and asked them to keep the city updated on the progress.