Motel One Ordered Closed By Friday

Franklin County Environmental Court Judge Harland Hale has ordered a neglected hotel on East Broad Street to be shut down by noon Friday. Motel One’s closure will be temporary. But Columbus City Attorney Rick Pfeiffer said his office will ask the judge next week to make that permanent. “We’ve proved by a clear and convincing standard that the place is a public nuisance because it has had drug dealing, prostitution and many police runs," Pfeiffer said. Neighbors have complained about the rundown motel for years. And in recent weeks have held protests against its operation. The state fire marshal’s office was set to have a hearing next month to consider revoking the motel license.