URGENT UPDATE: The Woodlands Inn and Resort remains closed with no timeline for reopening as safety violations have prompted local officials to act swiftly. The popular entertainment venue in Plains Township has been shuttered following an inspection that revealed multiple life-safety issues, including electrical hazards, just days before the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
Authorities confirm that the township’s building inspector, Jason Humenanski, has not yet met with the property’s owner, who is currently out of the country. “It would be irresponsible to establish a timeline without talking to the other party,” Humenanski stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing the critical safety concerns first.
The sudden closure was triggered when PPL Electric Utilities cut power to the property on November 25, 2025, due to unpaid bills. Humenanski remarked that the safety issues were unrelated to the power cut, emphasizing that “it didn’t have any relevance to my decision-making.”
The Woodlands Inn, acquired by Shree Neelkanth Realty LLC in January 2022, has been a cornerstone of regional entertainment since its inception in 1969 by the Kornfeld family. However, the recent ownership transition has left many questioning the venue’s management involvement. Humenanski believes that the Kornfeld family is no longer involved in the operations.
The closure has significant implications for the local community. Guests were evacuated just before one of the busiest nights of the year, Thanksgiving Eve, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled performance by the ’80s cover band M80 and the venue’s annual Thanksgiving buffet. A couple who was celebrating their engagement shared their frustration after being forced to leave just two days into their week-long stay.
Local businesses are feeling the impact as well. The Shogun Japanese Restaurant, a tenant of the Woodlands, expressed their regret on social media, urging patrons to visit their nearby sister location, Myst Mountain Top in Fairview Township. They stated, “We are anxiously waiting for more information to be able to pass along to you all as we navigate through this situation.”
The closure has also disrupted community events. The Swoyersville Sailors mini-football program announced on Facebook that their annual banquet, scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed. “It’s disappointing, especially during a time of year when it’s already hard to book anything last-minute,” a representative said.
In light of the Woodlands’ closure, nearby venues are stepping up to accommodate displaced events. Jerry Mitchell, general manager of the Holiday Inn East Mountain, confirmed that they have already booked some events previously scheduled at the Woodlands. He encouraged those affected to reach out for assistance in securing alternative arrangements.
As this situation develops, the community is left in uncertainty, waiting for updates on when the Woodlands Inn can reopen. The urgency of resolving safety issues is paramount, with Humenanski emphasizing that “power restoration is irrelevant to the code issues that need to be fixed.”
Stay tuned for more updates as officials work to address these pressing concerns.
