UPDATE: The Woodlands Inn and Resort remains closed with no timeline for reopening as urgent safety concerns persist. Officials from Plains Township have yet to meet with the owner to address multiple alleged safety infractions that led to this sudden shutdown.
The closure comes just before one of the venue’s busiest nights of the year, Thanksgiving Eve, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled performance by the band M80 and its popular Thanksgiving Day buffet dinner. Authorities confirmed that PPL Electric Utilities cut power to the property on Monday for unpaid bills, prompting the inspection that uncovered serious safety violations.
According to Jason Humenanski, owner of BHW Construction Consultation Services, who conducted the inspection, “life-safety issues” were discovered, including open junction boxes and significant electrical problems. Humenanski emphasized that the closure was a matter of safety, stating, “It would be irresponsible to establish a timeline without talking to the other party.” He noted that the owner was on vacation overseas and has not yet addressed these critical issues.
Shree Neelkanth Realty LLC acquired the property in January 2022, but it remains unclear if the original managing family, the Kornfelds, still plays a role in operations. Humenanski expressed concern over the lack of communication from the ownership during this crisis.
Guests, including a couple who were celebrating their engagement, were forced to evacuate the hotel during their second day of a seven-night booking. Local businesses are also feeling the impact; Shogun Japanese Restaurant, a tenant of the Woodlands, has directed customers to visit its sister location in Fairview Township.
Community members are voicing their frustrations as well. A representative from the Swoyersville Sailors mini-football program shared their disappointment after their annual banquet, scheduled for Saturday, was abruptly canceled. “Instead of celebrating our kids and their hard work, we’re now scrambling to find a new venue,” they lamented.
The recent developments have left many in the community anxious, not just about the immediate cancellations but also about the future of the Woodlands Inn as a cherished local venue.
As the situation unfolds, the Holiday Inn East Mountain has stepped in to accommodate some of the displaced events from the Woodlands. General Manager Jerry Mitchell confirmed that they have already booked several events and are ready to assist others in need.
With the owner reportedly out of the country, the timeline for resolving safety issues and reopening remains uncertain. The township will wait for a meeting with the owner to discuss the next steps.
Residents and guests are urged to stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
