Cleaning Up Central: City Closes Another Crime-Ridden Motel

ALBUQUERQUE - Central Avenue now has one less problematic motel. The City ordered the Bow and Arrow Lodge to shut its doors following an inspection on Wednesday, February 19 that revealed numerous violations and serious risks to the safety of tenants and the surrounding area. The Bow and Arrow Lodge had become overridden by crime, with APD and AFR responding to over 100 calls for service at the motel in 2024. During the inspection, APD cleared 4 felony warrants and made 1 arrest. The City is now shutting down this neighborhood nuisance.

“Businesses that willingly engage in criminal activity will not be tolerated in this city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Let me be clear: If you endanger our community, we will take decisive action to hold you accountable.”

Bow and Arrow Lodge was previously in the ADAPT (Abandoned and Dilapidated Abatement Property Team) program from June 2022 to September 2023. While there was a reduction in crime while they were in the program, the lodge has fallen back into negative cycles of disrepair and illicit activity.

Since January 2024 APD has responded to the Bow and Arrow Lodge for:

• 2 aggravated assault and battery
• 2 armed robberies
• 4 recovered stolen vehicles
• 2 shootings
• 29 ShotSpotter calls for service totaling 52 rounds fired

Violations at the Bow and Arrow Lodge included:

• Exposed wiring, electrical hazards, inadequate heating, and missing electrical covers.
• Fire hazards such as missing and disabled smoke alarms and blocked exits.
• Hazardous plumbing, major plumbing issues in units, broken bathroom fixtures, and inadequate hot water.
• Dangerous disrepair including a leaking roof, water damage, and evidence of a roach infestation.
• Drug paraphernalia, including needles, was found throughout the complex grounds.

The tenants of the Bow and Arrow Lodge included elderly, long-term residents, and families paying between $80 and $120 per night to stay in dangerous living conditions. Many units lacked necessities and safety features, as noted above.

“Public safety is our top priority. This is another example of a good property that was allowed to decline instead of being properly maintained,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “We will continue to take action against problematic properties to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

To support those who were staying at the motel, Albuquerque Community Safety helped connect tenants to other, safe living arrangements and provided transportation to get there. ACS will continue to support the tenants to get into long-term, stable housing.

There were also companion animals living at the motel, and Animal Welfare has the pets in protective custody. If the owners choose to reclaim their pets, we will ensure that the pets are in compliance with the HEART ordinance upon reclaim. All the pets were healthy.