By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Viral Patel of KSP, Inc., new owner of the Econolodge located at 380 Southwest Cutoff, appeared before the Board of Selectmen Feb. 13. Patel and his architect, Dario Dimare of Dario Designs, Inc., addressed issues and concerns over Patel’s application for Inn Holder, Victualler and Entertainment Licenses.
During an annual inspection Nov. 7, 2016 by the town’s building inspector, police chief and fire chief, they noticed modifications to the premises were in progress without proper permits. As a result, Patel was ordered to cease all future work to the property until issues and concerns could be addressed.
At the Feb, 13 meeting, Selectman Dawn Rand asked Patel if the building was open during the renovations and if any of the issues were life threatening. Patel said it was but Fire Chief David L. Parenti assured the board that no life threatening issues had been found.
Selectman Jason Perreault inquired, “How was it that the work was undertaken without getting the proper permits in the first place?”
“From what I understand, the previous owners had done mostly cosmetic upgrades to 79 of the 89 units prior to Patel’s purchase of the facility,” Dimare said.
The issues were with cheek walls being installed in the units to convert coat racks into coat closets which altered the floor plans and were not in code compliance, and electrical work not up to standard. The previous owner did not pull the necessary permits, the men said.
In January, town staff met with DiMare and, with Patel’s cooperation, a number of items were agreed to be provided to the town by Saturday, March 18. Those items included a history of what transpired since purchase and a CAD version of the 2012 facility plan as well as an existing plan. Patel would provide a schematic of AAB compliances illustrating the required number of handicap accessible rooms and electrical work to be done by a licensed electrician.
Upon successful transfer of licensing and completed alterations, satisfactory re-inspections would be conducted by the building, fire and health Departments. Town Administrator John Coderre recommended the approval of the transfer at this time and then the requisite permits could be acquired in the new owner’s name. The board granted its approval.