The rear part of the motel that is to be demolished is dilapidated and has been abandoned for many years.
City code officials want to tear down the rear portion of the Dunkirk Motel, but the property owners will appeal the decision to the Common Council next month.
The issue came up Tuesday when nearby resident Jonathan Muscato complained about the motel for the second straight council meeting.
“Something has to be done. This has been going on for almost five years now and they just keep sweeping it under the rug,” Muscato said. “Building without permits, electrical stuff without permits, tenants that are there doing work on the structure, which I’m sure that’s probably not the best idea.”
Muscato noted the demolition order and the appeal. City Attorney Elliott Raimondo said, “There is a portion of our code that allows for an appeal by the property owner if they disagree with our housing inspectors. In this case, there was an order to demolish the back half of that building. An appeal has been made, (Dunkirk Motel’s) attorney was unable to have that appeal in front of this council tonight, so he asked for a brief adjournment until Sept. 17.”
The rear part of the motel that is to be demolished is dilapidated and has been abandoned for many years. The city Zoning Board of Appeals denied a Dunkirk Motel request to renovate and reopen the portion in May 2023. Neighbors of the motel, including Muscato, filled the meeting room to call for the denial.
The front portion facing Lake Shore Drive West is a popular spot for social services placement of homeless people.