A violent assault at a Bath motel has intensified criticism of how Steuben County handles emergency housing placements, according to WENY. Local leaders say the Super 8 Motel has become a growing public safety concern after police responded there 159 times since January 2025.
The backlash followed a May 20 assault that sent one person to the hospital and led to three arrests. Bath Mayor Michael Sweet warned the village could condemn the property if county officials fail to create a stronger safety plan for the motel.
County leaders say they’re now working on broader housing standards and welfare check programs tied to DSS placements. Officials also defended placing people in larger communities like Bath because of easier access to transportation, medical care, and mental health services.
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