By Myra Bean

The Town of Sardis Mayor and Board of Aldermen put its collective foot down on the issue of the Gulf Travel Lodge – Lake Inn in its monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Owner Racksh Patel of Gulf Travel Lodge, 608 East Lee Street, Sardis, was in attendance and told he has until Dec. 2 to pull demolition permits for the rooms on the back of the hotel.

Code Enforcement Officer John McCollum reported black mold has been found in the rooms.

The rooms are unoccupied and locked for the most part. However, McCollum was able to open one of the room’s door and take photos.

Black mold was on the floor, walls and ceiling. The ceilings were broken and leaking.

McCollum recommended Patel demolish that back part of the building. Patel was also sent a letter on Sep. 19 which had a list of repairs the occupied portion of the hotel needs. Those repairs have to be done by Dec. 2. The demolition has to be completed in six months from the date of the permit. If the repairs are not made and permits pulled by Dec. 2, Patel will have to shut down the building.

“You will send me into bankruptcy,” Patel protested. “I have been in business in this town for 40 years and pay $30,000 in property taxes each year. If I shut down, I cannot pay that.”

McCollum stood his ground and told Patel that technically, the way the building was tied together, the structure could be considered as one building and he could demand the whole thing be torn down.

The demolition of the building was estimated to cost $103,000 three years ago when Patel was first told to clean up the structure.

“I know it will cost him money, but I am looking at the safety and health concerns of the occupants,” McCollum said.

Patel said he has made upgrades to the front part of the building as demanded in the past, but McCollum said some major renovations still need to take place.

Though it was discussed but was not voted upon, the board would have the authority to order the property demolished if Patel fails to do so.

Board member Bonnie Smith made the motion that the code inspector’s recommendation be followed and the motion passed unanimously.