GLOCESTER – A 14-unit motel on Putnam Pike must comply with town licensing laws or cease operations next month according to Building and Zoning Official Dennis Begin.
Glocester Motor Inn is operating without a current license from the town or state, according to a notice of violation sent to the owner on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The business is owned by GMI Investments, LLC, with communications sent to John Baffoni in Providence.
GMI purchased the property at 2392 Putnam Pike from OM Sharp for $385,000 in 2022, according to town property records. OM Sharp acquired the business from Lakeview Motor Inn, Inc. in 2002.
The notice of violation notes that multifamily buildings and apartment housing are not allowed in B-2 commercial/highway zones.
“We ask that you cease and desist this activity immediately of allowing residential residency at this location until you can become once again a motel with less than 30 day rentals or obtain a use variance from the Town Council,” it notes.
Licensing for either short or long term housing units, Begin notes, will require a water test, fire inspections, building department inspections of each unit and approvals from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.
The notice comes just weeks after two individuals reportedly staying at the property were arrested for child endangerment. Glocester officers found evidence of drug activity in a room where an 18-month-old child had been living, and toxicology testing later confirmed the child had cocaine and fentanyl exposure.
The motel manager reportedly called police after seeing the condition of the suspects’ room.
The notice states that GMI Investments has 30 days to comply with the violation before the matter is turned over to the town solicitor for legal action and subject to fines. The cost for violations is up to $100 a day according to the town’s Code of Ordinances.
I lived in the motel when the Indian people ran it. They weren’t easy to deal with but at least the but I had a nice warm bed to sleep in and it was always quiet there. Once the new owner took over. It was just complete Chaos every night. Traffic coming going all hours of the night. A lady 2 doors down overdosed in her room and died. Just so crazy! I used to come up to here to get away from the craziness and just relax. And it all changed when John took it over. The place is no longer a good place to get away to anymore.
The place is a SHOOTING gallery for JUNKIES
Sounds like you have lived there.
I have a summer house near this dump and can smell the the failing septic not to mention I had to put up 3 cameras on the property because one of the drugies stole my pots and pans to sell for scrap good riddance
The town of Glocester wouldn’t have this problem if they built low -income housing
here in Glocester. Just because they are low-income doesn’t make them bad people .
Keep raising the rents sky high all your doing is creating more people out into the streets.
instead of thinking of themselves think of the people you are suppose to represent, not
yourselves. stop deleting my comment
Glocester doesn’t need low income housing thank you very much!
This is long overdue. The poorly maintained property is not just an eyesore but very likely a health hazard. Neglected properties attract rodents and other pests, creating unsanitary living conditions and lowering all nearby property values.
I lived there for 10 months, despite the building being unbelievable roach and rodent infested, having plumbing problems, septic issues, sometimes no heat or hot water, I was absolutely grateful I had a bed to sleep in and in place to cook every night. Anything is better than nothing. The owner John is a real scum bag though and definitely takes advantage of people down on their luck and over charges for weekly rent for a place that he refuses to fix. After I secured a better job local and saving money I was finally were able to get an apartment, seriously just needed this place as a stepping stone after relocating back to the area. Was blessed to be able find a long term rental room like this but seriously $400 a week was painful to pay when the condition is unbelievable poor. Even still I woke up every morning thanking God for the place. I just wanted to say yes, there are drug addicts that live there they usually weren’t there for the long haul, paying that high rent wasn’t their priority – most of the tenants that were there for years actually weren’t addicts, but the revolving open units usually were trouble. My heart goes out to a two elderly people and single guy and a couple that live there really have nowhere else to go.
Glad you were able to move on from there.
This place is a hell hole. People have lived there for 6-15 years; no hot water, toilets do not work, no heat. John does not care. He has owned since 2022 with no inspections or license and now the town cares? $100 per day?!? It should be 1000?!?
Great, just put more people out in the streets. They’ve been using this property for long term rentals well before 2022 and now all of a sudden it is not in compliance? Typical red neck Republican town. How dare anyone rent to people who would otherwise be homeless. Racist ass town!
Man, your ignorance shines bright in you! Just because they did it for years illegally doesn’t make it ok to continue. Let them stay at your house! MAGA !!
I think the main goal here by town officials is to protect the child and any future children put in harm’s way. Hence no residents staying long term. I understand there is not enough shelters for men so I get why they would stay here but there are plenty of women’s shelters so I don’t get why any woman would stay in these conditions- it’s just not safe for women and children. Good job shutting it down!!
You’re an idiot