Host Inn To Close After City Inspection
An emphasis of this year’s Toccoa City Commission is community beautification and code enforcement. Part of that process includes the elimination of unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Of specific concern are motels that have been converted to Extended Stay Facilities. The Stephens County Health Department has also established this as one of their goals and has asked for the city to assist in eliminating unhealthy conditions.
Earlier this month, Toccoa officials spent over four hours inspecting each room at the Host Inn on Big A Road. The entire facility was found to be unsafe and unsanitary and not compliant with the basic minimum housing standards as required by the State of Georgia and the City of Toccoa.
City Commissioner
Gail Fry says that this is just the start of an ongoing process. “Part of the vision of the City Commission is to continue with the beautification program. Within the vision lies the responsibility to make sure that our community is safe as well as appealing. We have an active code enforcement committee that works closely with the Health Department to address issues.” Commissioner Fry went on to say “we are committed to making sure the tourist accommodations as addressed in the Georgia Public Health rules are in compliance and if they aren’t we will take whatever steps are necessary to rectify or eradicate the problems.”
During the Host Inn inspection found were multiple violations in every room including lack of fire protection, no smoke detectors, exposed electrical wiring, and bugs and pests. The Host Inn was condemned as unfit for human habitation. Upon notification of the violations, the owner of Host Inn made the decision to close the facility effective May 4th.
Toccoa Mayor Terry Carter says “The commission is committed to addressing the blight issues within the city. Creation of green spaces and strict code enforcement has made an impact and there are more cleanup projects to be done. Hotels and motels that convert their rooms to permanent housing are required to meet minimum building codes for the safety of their residents. It is important for not only those people, but to our entire community, that any unsanitary and unsafe conditions be addressed immediately and forcefully.”