Crime-Laden Motel 6 Latest in Problematic Property Closures

ALBUQUERQUE - Residents in Albuquerque’s West Bluff neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief as the City has ordered the Motel 6 at 6015 Iliff Rd NW to shutter its doors.  An inspection on Tuesday, March 11 revealed numerous violations and serious risks to the safety of tenants and neighbors.

This particular Motel 6 location had become an alarming hub for criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking, assault and theft. In the course of only one year, APD logged nearly 600 calls for service at the motel.

These service calls included:

• 16 calls for aggravated assault and battery
• 26 incidents of stolen vehicles or auto theft
• 2 shootings
• 3 rapes
• 6 narcotics-related offenses
• Additionally, 10 ShotSpotter alerts (indicating gun shots fired) were recorded in the vicinity of the motel, totaling 35 rounds

The inspection, led by the City’s Code Enforcement Division, uncovered numerous code and safety at the location. Violations at the Motel 6 included:

• Exposed wiring, electrical hazards, inadequate heating and cooling, and missing electrical covers.
• Fire hazards such as missing and disabled smoke alarms and missing fire extinguishers.
• Hazardous plumbing, major plumbing issues in units, broken bathroom fixtures, and inoperative sewer systems causing backups throughout the complex.
• The gas-fueled boiler system for the entire motel is out of compliance and lacking the required certifications and inspections.
• Dangerous disrepair including a leaking roof, water damage, and evidence of roach infestation.
• Unpermitted new construction.
• Drug paraphernalia, including needles, was found throughout the complex grounds.

“These operations are about the safety of our City, and that’s something we won’t compromise on,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Make no mistake, we will not hesitate to take decisive measures against anyone, or any business, that puts our community at risk.”

The tenants of the Motel 6 included elderly, long-term residents, and families paying between $800 and $1,400 per month to stay in dangerous living conditions. Many units lacked necessities and safety features, as noted above.

“Protecting our neighborhoods means holding neglectful property owners accountable,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “We will continue taking actions to ensure that problematic properties do not endanger the safety of the community.”

Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) was on the scene today to help connect tenants to safer living arrangements. ACS will continue to support any tenants who express the need for help getting into long-term, stable housing. 31 individuals were contacted and offered resources by Albuquerque Community Safety:

• 15 individuals were connected to long-term housing solutions
• 7 individuals were transitioned to temporary housing services
• 9 individuals had alternative means for housing and support
• 13 individuals were transported by Albuquerque Community Safety to the temporary/long-term housing solutions.

Several pets were also found living at the motel. The City’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD) 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.