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The Kingston Motel in Ulster is set for another inspection in November after officials found numerous violations during a previous review. The Town of Ulster's Code Enforcement Officer, Warren Tutt, reported hundreds of issues related to sanitation, ventilation, and safety during a September 18 inspection. Many residents of the motel are placed there by the Ulster County Department of Social Services for emergency housing.
The violations include infestations of cockroaches and bedbugs, mold, broken smoke detectors, and missing flooring. Additionally, many rooms lack essential amenities like stoves and full-size refrigerators, which complicates living conditions for the families housed there. The Town of Ulster has issued a Notice of Violation to the motel's owner, Mukesh Patel, requiring corrections within 30 days.
According to the Daily Freeman, the motel's use has shifted from transient lodging to more permanent housing, which requires compliance with different regulations. "The current use by the occupants changes the classification," Tutt noted, pointing out that many residents prepare food in units not equipped for cooking.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger emphasized the importance of addressing these issues promptly. "Many of the families living at the Kingston Motel are facing difficult circumstances, and they deserve safe, clean temporary shelter," she said. The Times Union reported that the county and town officials are coordinating to ensure all violations are corrected to meet state housing standards.
The follow-up inspection will determine the progress made in addressing these concerns. If the violations are not resolved, the county may stop placing families at the motel. The motel owner, represented by Everest Hospitality LLC, has reportedly not responded to inquiries about the violations.