Florence officials at the site last month when it was shut down by the health department. The owner, Sridar Kadaba, says he plans to sell the property.(Photo by Mark Hansel)
By Mark Hansel
NkyTribune managing editor
In an exclusive interview with the NKyTribune, Florence Inn owner Sridar Kadaba, of the S&J Hospitality Group LLC, said he will put his land up for sale — but that he is still investigating possibilities related to an appeal.
“Whether I fight it or not,” Kadaba said, “my state of mind is suggesting we put it up for sale.”
He said his lawyer is still reviewing the board’s order.
The Florence Code Enforcement Board has ordered the beleaguered Florence Inn to be demolished, following a three-hour meeting Wednesday, attended by the NKyTribune.
The Dream Street motel was shut down by the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department after its permit to operate was suspended in September for ongoing critical violations.
Kadaba had requested the board to allow him to repair the buildings individually while the motel was unoccupied. He then hoped to open the buildings as they were brought up to code, to generate revenue.
Kaaba said there is 3.78 acres at 8049 Dream Street, with 600 feet of street frontage. There are five buildings. One is 4000 square feet and the other four are 8000 square feet each.
He said interested parties could reach him at 513.334.9821 for details.
Here’s the timeline of event events that led up to Wednesday’s decision to order the demolition of the Florence Inn:
* April 2 – Florence Inn owner Sridar Kadaba is given six weeks to submit a plan of action and begin making repairs on the property.
* May 26 – A subsequent inspection identified 12 violations, including 5 that were considered critical and the Health Department issued a notice of intent to suspend the facility’s operating permit. Kadaba asked for, and was granted, a hearing, which delayed the suspension.
* June 25 – A hearing that included officials from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services took place at which time Kadaba submitted a plan to make repairs at the motel.
* July 7 – The Cabinet issued a report indicating S&J Hospitality would be given two months to bring the facility into compliance with Health Department, City of Florence and Boone County codes.
* Sept. 9 – A re-inspection of the motel determined that satisfactory repairs had not been made and the Health Department suspended the facility’s permit to operate. Residents and guests at the inn were ordered to vacate the premises within five days.
* Sept. 14 – The last occupants leave and the Florence Inn ceases to operate.
* Oct. 7 – The Florence Code Enforcement Board approves the City’s request to order demolition of the inn.
Florence Attorney Donald Bollman represents Kadaba.
Kadaba has 30 days to appeal the decision or it becomes final and the inn’s mortgage holder must be given 45 days notice before demolition.
Contact Mark Hansel at mark.hansel@nkytrib.com
NKyTribune Editor Judy Clabes also contributed to this report.