The DeSoto Motel on East Main Street is receiving improvements
and bringing life back to an area where revitalization is a top
priority.

Foster Township Supervisor Jim Connelly Jr. talked to The Era on
Tuesday and discussed some of his goals to help bring business to
the township. Among those possibilities were discussions of a
possible furniture store at the location of the DeSoto Motel and
Restaurant. However, while that possibility had been discussed, it
is not currently being pursued.

Also, contrary to information that was provided to The Era and
published in Wednesday’s article, which stated the DeSoto Motel had
shut down briefly, the motel was never closed. It was also never
leased to any individuals.

It was sold by the Rink family to Patel and Associates in
mid-2009. At that point, work to update the motel began.

The motel has remained open at all times while the rooms have
been renovated. At this point, the work is halfway completed.

The motel has also gotten a makeover on the outside, with a new
paint job. Landscaping will start with the onset of the nicer
weather.

Mr. Patel of Patel and Associates explained that the work
continues at the East Main Street location. Currently, however,
there are no plans for the restaurant building.

Patel, who declined to provide his first name, noted the
establishment will look completely different once the work is
completed.

“We will do as much as we can,” Patel said. “The rooms are now
in a lot better condition than before, and we are making sure that
what has been done is being done properly.”

Future plans for Patel and Associates include work at the
Holiday House on South Avenue, which the corporation also
purchased. The renovation of the restaurant and revitalization of
the sports complex at that location are on the to-do list.