The bad news about Cobleskill’s closed motel isn’t getting any better.
After numerous break-ins, the Inn of Cobleskill––formerly Rodeway, the Best Western and years ago, Top of the Town––is boarded and barred to prevent further damage.
Also, the investigation into the December 23, 2018 arson is continuing, though leads are few.
Supported by police, Cobleskill Village Codes Office Mike Piccolo closed the motel for unresolved violations––fire protection, mold, electrical issues and more––in late November 2018.
That ended the building’s long run as a motel, bowling alley, gathering place and a site for weddings and banquets.
In late December 2018, Cobleskill firefighters stopped a blaze that was immediately labeled suspicious.
Since then, the Inn of Cobleskill has stood empty––except for break-ins.
“People were breaking in all the time. There was evidence of people sleeping in there,” said Mr. Piccolo, adding that little appeared to have been stolen, but there was much damage.
“It’s destroyed in there,” he added. “If someone couldn’t get into a room, they’d punch a hole in the wall and unlock the door from the inside.”
Cobleskill Police routinely checked the motel and would have to search it every time there was a break-in.
“The place is such a mess,” Police Chief Jeff Brown said. “It’s hard to tell what was damaged now and what was damaged previously.”
Mr. Piccolo ordered the first-floor windows covered with plywood and the doors barred shut last week.
“It’s not right for the police to take an hour out of their lives to check the place,” Mr. Piccolo said.
Meanwhile, the owner “is still fighting with the insurance company,” he said.
And also meanwhile, police are continuing the investigation. Chief Brown said there were two or three points of origin for the fire.
“It’s not electrical. There were no accelerants. That says arson right there,” he said.
Police interviewed employees and others but “were never able to develop viable leads,” Chief Brown added.
But the investigation isn’t over. Cobleskill Lieutenant Justin Manchester met with the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Thursday morning via Zoom to discuss the case.
“We have potential leads to follow up,” Lt. Manchester said afterwards. “It’s nothing eye-opening. It’s vague, but it’s something.”