Fort Worth Demolition: Central Motel Comes Down

Crews have begun dismantling the Central Motel on East Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth. This marks the first structural removal under the city's NET Force program, an initiative designed to address properties with persistent criminal activity and code issues.

The property faced years of complaints from nearby businesses and residents regarding its condition. Fort Worth police documented hundreds of reports tied to the site, including prostitution, illegal drug use, and one murder. Officer Jentry Cotton noted that officers responded to the location weekly, coordinating with patrol, narcotics, and vice units.

City code enforcement officials recorded 123 violations across the motel's three buildings. Cotton described the site as a gathering spot for criminal activity, noting that the owner lacked control over the premises. "The owner was not in control of the property; the criminals were on the property selling drugs out of the room," Cotton said.

The city filed a lawsuit against the property owners this summer. The owners subsequently agreed to cover the costs of the demolition, prompting the city to drop the suit. A spokesperson for the motel declined to comment on the process.

Fourkan Ubaid, who owns Metro Car Service next door, reported an immediate improvement in the area. He cited damaged vehicles and broken windows at nearby offices as previous issues linked to the motel's condition. "Right now, we feel way safer and better," Ubaid said.

Officials plan to target at least six more properties in the next phase of NET Force, including motels, shopping centers, and apartment complexes. Signs have already been posted at some of these locations, warning owners to fix ongoing problems or face further enforcement. Oscar Reyes, the city's code enforcement superintendent, stated that the goal is to force owners to take the lead on maintenance and repairs.

Some properties initially flagged by the program have since come into compliance, while others have closed. Reyes said the city will use all available tools to bring properties through to demolition if owners fail to resolve violations. "We'll come in and use all the tools that are afforded to us to bring it through to demolition, if we need to," Reyes said.