The historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel and restaurant is pictured in this file photo from November 2010. The building is also shown in a undated photo. (File photos)
By HEATHER C. COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
City officials recently contemplated closing the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel due to unspecified code violations.
The San Benito Fire Department, City of San Benito Code Enforcement as well as Assistant City Manager Arturo Rodriguez are investigating what’s being reported as a number of code violations at Stonewall Jackson after being discovered during an early morning fire reported at the building on August 27.
Upon entrance into the hotel, “a variety of violations were discovered,” said Rodriguez. The question was then posed by city officials as to whether or not to close Stonewall’s doors.
The topic was addressed on Tuesday, September 4, at the regularly scheduled San Benito City Commission meeting. There, it was decided that commissioners will not be taking action to close Stonewall Jackson and that the matter will be handled administratively. “In layman’s terms, the City of San Benito has to follow international building code and fire code,” said Rodriguez.
Erected in 1927 and located at 220 E. Stenger St., Stonewall Jackson is considered a landmark in San Benito and was once the toast of the town during its heyday; that is before criminal activity escalated there in its later years. Recently, however, $175,000 worth of renovations was invested in the building by owner Rick Partida, who purchased the hotel in 2009.
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3 comments
Why was this item even on the city commission agenda?
The city commission only sets city policy, not micromanage. Sounds like the assistant city manager Senor Arturo Rodriguez is just trying to cover his you know what. He gets paid very well to do a job, just do it!
I believe it was on the agenda because the city commission tipped its hand into its interest in the Stonewall and was planning to oversee the investigation. My guess is, once the city attorney saw this agenda item, told them it was not a matter for the commission.
Is it just me, or is it a coincidence that ACM Rodriguez oversees the PD (Benavides) and the FD (Stonewall)? Indeed, he does get paid very well to do a job.
Sounds like this must have been the first inspection conducted by code enfordement department? Whatever you do don’nt close the code enforcement offices.