By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — Plans for the dilapidated Dukane Motel have fallen through, and the building will come down, one way or another.
Ashtabula Common Pleas Court Judge Gary Yost issued an order Tuesday compelling motel owner Jitendra Kapasi to raze the building.
Yost also fined Kapasi $750,000 for failing to comply with the Nov. 6, 2007, State Fire Marshal order regarding two violations.
The Dukane Motel is located on Lake Road East, across the street from Geneva Township Park. The 23-room two-building motel was condemned, tax liens were assessed for tall grass, and two years ago an illegal methamphetamine laboratory was uncovered in one of the rooms, though the motel was not in operation.
Yost has demanded Kapasi demolish the building within 30 days of Tuesday, or the property will be sold at sheriff’s sale. If the property is sold, the proceeds of the sale will go toward demolition costs and other fees, the order states.
State fire inspector Sherry Maag inspected the property on Aug. 18, Yost said.
“Maag’s inspection revealed that (Kapasi) has done absolutely nothing to comply with either order and that the premises have fallen into further disrepair and continue to present an imminent danger of fire or explosion, that could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious physical harm,” Yost’s order reads.
Kapasi did not return calls asking for comment Wednesday.
Village Administrator Kevin Grippi said council is jumping for joy over the order.
“We are elated with Judge Yost’s rendering, which is a clear road map to the rehabilitation of that property,” Grippi said. “The place is a clear hazard and an eyesore, and it is a joy to know that it will be torn down, one way or another.”
The Dukane was the topic of much discussion at the beginning of the year when real estate investor Michael White expressed interest in purchasing the property and developing it into condominiums with luxury perks, including boating and clubhouse privileges.
“Those plans have fallen through,” Grippi said. “Mr. White had a genuine desire to develop that property, but there were some problems and roadblocks, and he has since decided to drop the project.”
With no prospects of construction and an order for demolition, the Dukane Motel isn’t long for this world, Grippi said.
“Everyone is just happy to close this unfortunate chapter in Geneva-on-the-Lake history. We hope to have this all worked out by the beginning of the next summer season,” he said.
