DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — Rabbit Hole Books received a public nuisance order from the city of Dayton on Monday after what the bookstore’s executive director said was expected to be an inspection of a new fire exit, continuing an ongoing dispute that previously closed the store for 70 days earlier this year.
Larkin Vonalt, executive director of the Dayton Book Fair, said the city raised concerns last week about fire exits at the bookstore. In response, she said a new door was built over the weekend into the parking garage and was ready for a city inspection Monday morning. Vonalt said an inspector did not arrive. Instead, the store received a public nuisance order from the city, effective immediately, saying no one was to occupy the property. The order says violations are punishable by a $500 fine or up to 60 days in jail.
“We’ve had the inspector here twice to look at the building,” Vonalt said. “He’s indicated that everything was, you know, in good shape. Why are they doing this? What is the purpose of this? We are not a safety hazard to anybody. We obviously, we love our customers. We love our staff. We wouldn’t be here if this building was unsafe. Do you want to come and arrest me for having this door open? Well bring it on,” she added. “You know, it’s just ridiculous. This is ridiculous. This is a constitutional affront. We have to protect our existence here.”…