Fort Worth Announces Nuisance Abatement Lawsuit Against Central Motel

The City of Fort Worth said it filed a nuisance abatement lawsuit against the Central Motel on E. Lancaster Ave. on Tuesday.

In a news conference, city announced the lawsuit along with members of the Fort Worth Police Department.

Subscribe

The lawsuit was filed under Chapter 125 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. It seeks to have the motel, which is located at 5800 E. Lancaster Ave., declared a common nuisance based on allegations of persistent criminal activity.

According to the city, the lawsuit is intended to address chronic criminal behavior at the property. The city wants the court to issue a permanent injunction requiring measures designed to reduce criminal activity, improve management practices, and enhance security.

City Manager Jay Chapa said, "Chronic criminal activity that threatens our neighborhood will not be ignored. Property owners have a responsibility to operate their properties in a manner that does not allow persistent criminal activity. The city will use every lawful tool available to protect our residents, support our police officers, and hold property owners accountable."

In the suit, the city claims that the Fort Worth Police Department has responded to numerous reported incidents associated with the property over the past year. That alleged criminal activity includes prostitution, narcotics offenses, weapons violations, and a homicide investigation.

Chapter 125 authorizes municipalities to seek court intervention when qualifying criminal activity habitually occurs at a property and the owner fails to take responsible steps to reduce it. Under the law, the court can, in some cases, order closure of the property for up to one year.