Concerned Resident Addresses Tacoma City Council Over Holiday Inn ADA Violations

During a recent meeting of the Tacoma Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, a significant public comment highlighted ongoing concerns about safety and compliance at a local hotel. Resident Harvest Davidson addressed the committee, sharing her experience as a federal plaintiff following an injury at the Holiday Inn Express on South Ossemer Street. Davidson criticized the hotel for operating under unsafe conditions for over a decade, despite holding an expired permit related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

Davidson's testimony raised alarms about the lack of oversight from the city, which she claimed allowed the hotel to continue serving guests without proper accountability. She emphasized that the hotel had failed to complete necessary upgrades, amounting to $500,000, which were mandated years ago. Her call for an audit of the hotel’s operations underscored a broader concern about the city’s enforcement of safety regulations.

In her remarks, Davidson expressed frustration over her attempts to obtain building records from the city, which she claimed resulted in no documentation being found for a property that has been in operation for 40 years. She described her struggles to advocate for herself, facing delays and obstacles from both the city and the hotel’s management.

The committee listened attentively to Davidson's concerns, which reflect a growing need for improved regulatory oversight in Tacoma. As the meeting progressed, the committee moved on to other agenda items, but Davidson's testimony served as a poignant reminder of the challenges residents face in ensuring their safety and rights are upheld.

This public comment session not only spotlighted individual grievances but also raised critical questions about the city’s commitment to maintaining safe and compliant facilities for its residents. The committee's response to these issues will be crucial in addressing community concerns and ensuring accountability moving forward.