Fire marshal shuts Gold Miner's Hotel

By Michael Rovito/Frontiersman
Published on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 4:42 PM AKST

PALMER -- The state’s fire marshal’s office has closed the Gold Miner’s Hotel in Palmer, making it the second time this year the establishment has been forced to shut its doors.

Megan Peters, the spokeswoman for the Alaska State Troopers, said the building was closed after officials found violations that proved unsafe.

“There were complaints made and we went and checked it out and we saw numerous safety violations,” Peters said.

Officials closed the Gold Miner’s Hotel in January after Deputy Fire Marshal John Bond found violations dealing with fire and life safety issues.

Bond did not immediately return calls seeking comment on the current closure Wednesday afternoon.

Peters said this week’s closure stems from many of the same violations that occurred in January.

“There were some violations we cited them for last time around and told them to fix and those repairs were never made,” Peters said.

Violations range from improperly utilized extension cords to unsecured compressed gas cylinders in the Karachi room. There is also sound-proofing material in the building that could pose a fire danger, Peters said.

Once the owners of the building remedy the violations, they can call the state for a new inspection and reopen if their obligations are satisfied, Peters said.

A message seeking comment left on the Gold Miner’s answering machine was not immediately returned.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.

Comments

8 comment(s)

    To Oops wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:08 PM:

    " You are exactly right.. there are other buildings on Alaska Street that are not up-to-code. However, if you actually understood this subject matter, you would know that older buildings are not required to meet the same level of compliance as new buildings as long as they do not perform large scale renovations as the Gold Miner did. Second, I don't post comments here based on rumors I have heard. I am both experienced in this field and this particular building. "

    Oops wrote on Dec 18, 2008 12:03 PM:

    " Oh yeah, you all are privy to the work at the hotel because some "worker" passed his opinion on to you or "I know the facts" Sounds like a busy gossipy bunch of women to me. Tag you're it "

    Oops wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:22 AM:

    " Personally there is some junk store B&B bargains right on Alaska st., upon entering the smell is overwhelming and talk about a fire hazard! I don't know how this crammed, dirty store is open. Now that's one place the fire marshall needs a good visit to. It's disgusting and unhealthy to even enter. "

    More Stupid Rumors... wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:39 AM:

    " Great...two comments on this page and both are "Sounds like" and "My gut". You people see corruption and intrigue in everything. What a horrible view of life you must have. I know the facts. When the hotel renovated they were required to bring the building up-to-code. Requirements were clearly spelled-out. They failed to make the changes and failed the first inspection. The Marshall offered to work with them and they refused. After a couple months they re-opened and are now in violation again. I know these safety requirments are expensive, but they must be done. "

    Oh Good Lord... wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:12 AM:

    " Too Oops and Paul Maguire...you are both either nuts or just enjoy trying to create conspiracy stories. "Oops", whenever I see your "name" on something I know that idiocy is about to ensue. The place was shut down in January for not having proper sprinkler systems (IE - NONE that worked), and for storing flamable gas containers near open fire. They're still doing the same things. Enough said. "

    brvak wrote on Dec 18, 2008 8:47 AM:

    " I work for a company that has opportunity to do service work in the Gold Miner. The techs always comment on the poor condition of the facility. That tends to tell me the place was shut down for cause and not for politics. "

    Oops wrote on Dec 18, 2008 7:03 AM:

    " Sounds like some rich pioneer offspring is eyeing to buy the hotel!. Keeping our city pristine and all. "

    Paul Maguire PhD wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:59 AM:

    " I have a feeling there's more to this story behind the scenes. My gut - there something about this place that someone in power doesn't like. How's the Valley Motel checking-out? Please post there safety check info. "

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