Code enforcement cites unsanitary and dangerous conditions, social media reacts
By Andrew Harris, photos from Cynthia Strouse-Calabrese
The Dollar General Store in Whitesville NY is now formally condemned and closed by the Town of Independence Cod Enforcement. The reason cited are shocking: No running water, no operating septic tank, and no working fire alarm. Being the main retail outlet for the small community makes this a very serious matter.
On social media, the outrage was obvious along with a deep concern for those employed at the store. One local woman posted earlier today:
“I’m not surprised. The workers have been suffering for awhile now, it’s about time someone shut it down to force corporate and/or building owner to fix things!”
With the ground still very frozen, one local man noted that jobs, grocery runs, and household shopping will all be on hold indefinitely:
“Now the employees are out of work until it gets fixed and right now doing a septic isn’t an option. So who knows how long the employees will be without a paycheck.“
Town Supervisor Jeri Reichman said the condemnation is being addressed by the town and store owners:
“It was brought to his attention that the DG was in violation of two property maintenance code violations. The DG is working diligently to remediate the situation and hopes to reopen soon.”
Reichman also confirmed that a “port-a-potty” was available to employees and customers on site.
According to code enforcement the owner will not be fined if the corrective action is completed, but the store can’t open without running water, a working septic system, and a functioning fire alarm.
The property, less than three years old, is owned by Prestige Real Estate Co. LLC of Bay Shore, NY 11706
Details from the Code Enforcement condemnation notice courtesy of Cynthia Strouse-Calabrese
The new Dollar General has become big part of the Whitesville Central School community, located right across Route 248 provides staff and students a convenient stop. John Anderson did a fun story back when the store opened and Mrs. Grimes turned it into a learning experience!
