Ferndale Officials 'Out of Patience' With Motorama Motel Owner

FERNDALE, MI – Motorama Motel owner Phil Patel was put on notice Monday by Ferndale city officials, who say the cheap room rates make the motel a magnet for drug and human trafficking, heroin overdose deaths, and violent crimes that tie up police resources.

The Ferndale City Council voted Monday to deny Patel’s application for a license to continue to operate the motel at 100 Eight Mile Road, The Daily Tribune reports. Patel didn’t attend the meeting.

Police calls — 161 in all in 2015 — to the motel increased nearly 60 percent from 2013 levels, and the fire and building inspection violations were reported as well.

“It has become a nuisance to repeatedly have to go to the same location over and over again,” Police Chief Timothy Collins said. “I could not in good conscience recommend renewal of (their) license ... they really don’t care who or what goes on in their business.”

Officials said they will work with social services agencies to find housing for about 10 low-income people who have been long-term guests at the Motorama.

“We have no intention of throwing people to the curb,” Collins said.

The owner of the Eight Wood Motel at 330 W. Eight Mile Road may face a similar fate. Shanna Nicole Santori, 25, of Detroit, who is awaiting trial on a charge of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, allegedly bought the heroin at the Eight Wood Motel.

The council gave Patel five days to request a hearing before officials take action to close the motel. The owner’s appeal options in Oakland County Circuit Court are unclear.

Councilman Dan Martin said action against the motel owner is “long overdue.”

“I’m out of patience with the owner,” he said.

» Patch file photo

» Read more about the discussion about motels on The Daily Tribune.