Crews have begun demolishing the Central Motel on East Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth. It is the city's first demolition under NET Force, a coordinated effort to address properties with crime and code violations. The demolition follows years of complaints from nearby businesses and residents.
Fort Worth police documented hundreds of reports tied to the motel, including prostitution, illegal drug activity and a murder, the city said. Officer Jentry Cotton said police worked with several specialized units at the property. City code enforcement officials identified 123 violations across the motel's three buildings. Cotton said the owner had little control over the property.
Fort Worth filed a lawsuit against the owners this summer. The owners later agreed to pay for the demolition in exchange for the city dropping the suit. A spokesperson for the motel declined to comment. Fourkan Ubaid of Metro Car Service, a nearby business, said, "Right now, we feel way safer and better."