URGENT UPDATE: The closure of the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains Township continues with no timeline for reopening, as safety concerns and unresolved power issues persist. The popular venue was shut down after an inspection revealed serious safety violations, prompting authorities to act swiftly.
The township’s building inspector, Jason Humenanski, stated that he identified multiple “life-safety issues” during his recent inspection. These included open junction boxes, electrical hazards, and malfunctioning sprinkler systems. Humenanski emphasized, “I cannot establish a timeline without talking to the owner,” who is currently out of the country.
The sudden shutdown occurred after PPL Electric Utilities cut power to the establishment on Monday, November 20, 2025, due to unpaid bills. This closure comes just days before one of the busiest times of the year for the Woodlands, as Thanksgiving Eve typically sees a surge in patronage. The venue was forced to cancel a highly anticipated performance by the ’80s cover band, M80, along with its annual Thanksgiving buffet dinner.
Humenanski confirmed that while power has been restored, it does not address the critical safety issues that must be resolved before reopening. “Power restoration is irrelevant to the code issues that need to be fixed,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The closure has deeply impacted local businesses and guests. Shogun Japanese Restaurant, a tenant of the Woodlands, issued an apology on social media, urging customers to visit their sister location in Fairview Township. The restaurant expressed, “We are anxiously waiting for more information to pass along as we navigate through this situation.”
The emotional toll is evident as well; a local couple celebrating their engagement found themselves evacuated just two days into their week-long stay. In another instance, the Swoyersville Sailors mini-football program, which planned its annual banquet at the Woodlands, now faces the disappointment of scrambling for an alternative venue just days before the event.
Local hotels are stepping in to help. Jerry Mitchell, general manager of the Holiday Inn East Mountain, reported that they have already begun accommodating some of the displaced events from the Woodlands. “We are here to support the community during this challenging time,” he said.
As the situation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for a resolution. The owner of the Woodlands is expected to return soon, and a meeting with authorities could pave the way for addressing the safety violations. Until then, the fate of one of the region’s most beloved venues hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops.
