Colonie, NY – The Town of Colonie announced Tuesday that its newly formed Hotel Safety Task Force has taken decisive action against unsafe motel rooms used to house families through county Departments of Social Services (DSS). The task force shut down a room at the Colonie Inn & Suites after a November 6 inspection found it unfit for human occupancy, and flagged at least 16 additional rooms at the Baymont Hotel as unsafe.

Immediate closures and safety findings

During the inspection, town officials discovered a range of violations, including plumbing leaks, non‑functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, evidence of rodents and insects, and a defective door latch that could trap children in a fire. In one Baymont room, inspectors found three children under age ten unsupervised, highlighting the urgent need for proper fire‑escape measures.

One alarming discovery at the Colonie Inn & Suites involved an individual with two active arrest warrants – one for a drug offense issued in January and another for a weapons offense issued in June – placed in a motel room by Albany County DSS.

Cost concerns raised by recent investigation

The town’s actions follow a CBS6 investigation that revealed Albany County DSS spent nearly $1.2 million of taxpayer money on temporary motel placements over seven months, paying nightly rates of $65 to $119. For a typical four‑week stay, costs can reach $2,000 to $3,570, sometimes exceeding the average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Albany.

One woman who stayed at the Colonie Inn & Suites in August described unsanitary conditions, including a stained mattress and a broken bathroom door, underscoring the human toll of inadequate temporary housing.

Town leadership stresses dignity and family needs

Town Supervisor Peter Crummey issued a statement expressing deep concern over the practice of transporting vulnerable families across county lines and placing them in “questionable conditions and temporary lodging facilities without adequate consideration for their safety, health, dignity, or well‑being.” He added that motel rooms lack essential features such as kitchens and proper food storage, making them unsuitable for extended family stays.

Crummey noted that the town’s hotel enforcement efforts have been ongoing since 2024, involving police, code enforcement, building and fire services. Dozens of violation notices have already been issued, and the town will hold an informational meeting for hotel owners and managers on November 13 to review recent changes to local hotel and motel law.

County perspective on motel placements

Albany County DSS officials maintain that motel placements are a last‑resort option when contracted shelters are full or when individuals cannot return to those shelters. State law requires local social‑services districts to provide temporary shelter to eligible homeless individuals and families, which can force counties to turn to motels when traditional shelters are unavailable.

County officials also argue that motel rooms are inspected every six months and are not used for placements until corrective actions are completed. They claim that motel placements cost less per night than contracted shelters, which provide additional services such as meals, staffing and case management.

Housing shortage and future funding worries

Liz Hitt, Executive Director of the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS), highlighted the broader affordable‑housing crisis that makes it difficult to move families out of temporary lodging. She warned that proposed federal funding changes could reduce support for permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs by about 25 percent next year.

Despite the challenges, Hitt praised Albany County DSS for its recent improvements, stating that the department has done “the best job, especially in the last three to four years.” She emphasized that expanding affordable housing options remains the key to solving the motel‑placement problem.

Next steps for Colonie

The town’s task force will continue monitoring the identified hotels, working with the Albany County Department of Health and Child Protective Services to ensure compliance. The upcoming November 13 meeting will give hotel owners a chance to learn about new safety standards and the town’s expectations for future DSS placements.

By confronting unsafe conditions head‑on, Colonie aims to protect the health, safety and dignity of the most vulnerable residents while urging county officials to pursue more permanent, family‑friendly housing solutions.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.