Authorities closed down the New Rome Motel on West Broad Street on Monday.
The Franklin County Prosecutor's Office said the motel had been a problem for the community for years. It had been the scene of violent incidents, including sexual assaults, as well as drug trafficking. Since January 2024, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office has responded to more than 80 calls at the Prairie Township motel.
"This business is operating like a crime scene with the front desk for a number of years," said Sgt. John Jodrey with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Monday, a spattering of sheriff's cars filled the parking lot at the one-story motel. Jodrey said the all rooms had to be vacated before officers arrived. He applauded the motel's ownership for getting everybody out, but noted that the building was in disrepair.
"It isn't in great physical condition," Jodrey said. "You know, it's delipidated. There's an odor to it."
Sarah Pomeroy, deputy director of nuisance abatement for the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, said the closure was the result of an agreed preliminary injunction, meaning the motel's owners cooperated.
"We just want this neighborhood to be safe," Pomeroy said. "We want this, you know, this corner to be a place where kids can walk by, where folks coming out of the hospital can feel safe in Prairie Township. And so I've stressed that to the ownership and they did come to the table pretty much immediately."
Neighbors who had long complained of drug activity at the property were excited to see it closed, Jodrey said.
"We had folks that actually came here today. They popped up seats to be able to see the closure," Jodrey said. "It was so important to them that they took time out of the day to come look."
The relatively new nuisance abatement unit with the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office previously worked with the city of Columbus to close down a house at 669 East Mithoff Street on the south side. The unit also brought a lawsuit against Herbert's Market on Sullivant Avenue, Pomeroy said.
New Rome Motel was the first property the nuisance abatement team closed with township partners, Pomeroy said.
"I think this is just the start of a great way to really bring a neighborhood-focused safety to all of Franklin County," Pomeroy said.
A hearing on a permanent injunction for New Rome Motel has been set for September 24.
Pomeroy said the nuisance abatement unit will work with the hotel owners to establish better practices and security to make the property safer. The motel could be given the opportunity to reopen, but only under terms set by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and state fire marshals.
