ELMHURST, IL – Extended Stay America, 550 W. Grand Ave., told the city it would make changes to help avoid situations such as a robbery last month.
Click Here: Brisbane Broncos Team Jersey
On Jan. 9, 40-year-old Maria Velez, who was living at the hotel, and two boys were accused of attacking a man driving near the hotel. A few days later, the city issued a chronic nuisance warning to the business.
According to police, Velez stepped into traffic and stopped the 63-year-old man while he was driving. The trio then opened the driver’s side door, punched the man in his head and face, and stole his wallet, police said. The man was found bleeding from the head.
Find out what's happening in Elmhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Jan. 26, Sherri Foster, an executive with the hotel chain, responded to the warning, as a city ordinance requires. She said she understood that a hotel employee requested a subpoena before allowing an officer to review footage of guests.
She said the employee likely believed he was following policy, given the corporation requires a subpoena before producing video footage.
Find out what's happening in Elmhurstwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
However, in pressing situations such as the robbery, the hotel would allow officers to view the footage, Foster said. A subpoena is required only if the footage is taken off the property, she said.
“Please know that (Extended Stay America) management takes (the city’s) letter very seriously and does not wish to be considered a chronic nuisance property per Elmhurst City Ordinances,” Foster said.
The hotel, she said, would upgrade interior and exterior lighting in some areas and add door chimes and signs to exit doors to reduce the possibility of guests or visitors propping open doors.
The business confirmed its nine cameras are working and that all doors lock properly. The suspects have been banned from the property, Foster said.
“We believe that implementing the above measures, in addition to continuing the measures already in place, will reduce anti-social activity and increase our guest enjoyment at the property,” Foster said.
Under city regulations, a property owner may be charged with a chronic nuisance if at least three nuisance activities occur within 180 days.
If an administrative hearing officer determines the property is a nuisance, the owner will be charged a penalty of $500 to $1,000 for each violation of the ordinance.
Patch obtained the city’s letter and the company’s response through a public records request.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.