Officials threaten warning signs at Blake Hotel

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — County officials are threatening to post safety warning signs at an uptown Charlotte hotel because of serious code violations.

There have been continual violations at the Blake Hotel since June 2011.

In a new letter sent to the hotel's owner, George Dfouni, last week, county code officials warned him they are concerned that work and information sharing is not happening in an acceptable manner.

"Should the absence of attention to the ... concerns persist, the Department will consider other legal action, to include posting as ‘unsafe,’ the involved or affected interior areas of both buildings," county officials warned.

The letter outlines delays in inspections and documentation necessary to bring the hotel back up to code. Officials said they were particularly concerned about "structural failure" on one of the hotel buildings that may represent a safety concern.

Code officials also cite continued renovations on two buildings that continue without the proper permits.

Similar violations caused officials to levy a $21,000 fine against the Blake last year.

"The county would like to know what the owner's timetable is so the county can respond appropriately," said Charlotte Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh.

He has been sitting in the monthly meetings with code enforcement officials and the hotel's owner.

George Dfouni did not return calls seeking comment.

To read the letter sent to Dfouni, click here.

WSOC