Alex Patel accepts plea deal to demolish holdings
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: Alex Patel, owner of two Colonie, New York, motels that were shut down for more than 600 code violations, has accepted a plea deal that will see the Blu-Bell and Skylane motels demolished in order to avoid up to $750,000 in possible fines as well as jail time.
Local affiliate ABC News10 reported Patel made millions while housing local sex offenders in deplorable conditions, which ultimately caused them to be shut down more than a year ago.
“It’s a positive outcome for everyone,” Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan told Times Union. “It’s been a lot of frustration for a lot of different people for a long time, but I think with patience and working together and looking at all options, I think we’ve come to a very good resolution.”
Pending weather, the possible need for asbestos removal and working with National Grid, both motels need to be demolished within 90 days or all charges will be reinstated, said Town Attorney Michael Maggiulli.
Mahan said she believes Patel intends to work with the town in a constructive manner. “I’ve been told that there’s redevelopment in the works for that area.”
Nothing formal has been submitted to the town but it is believed that a retail center will go on the former Blu-Bell site and a storage facility will be at the Skylane site, Mahan said. “They have to go through the process and plans and permitting have to be done.”