SEATTLE — Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes says a motel on Aurora Avenue North has been the scene of violent incidents, drug dealing, and human trafficking.
The declaration appears in a Seattle Police Department (SPD) blotter post.
In the post the Barnes says that the City of Seattle sent the chronic nuisance declaration letter to the owners of the Oaktree Motel located at 8900 Aurora Avenue North.
The announcement comes shortly after a person was shot on the 8700 block of Aurora Avenue on Tuesday.
SPD says its records show police were called to the motel at least 43 times this year.
The department has attempted to address the safety issues at the motel since February.
However, SPD says 911 calls began rising again in June.
“Time’s up for irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human suffering,” Barnes said. “For much of the past year, this motel owner has ignored requests to improve public safety at the Oaktree, putting the lives of employees, residents, visitors, passersby, and vulnerable populations in danger. By filing this chronic nuisance order, we can improve public safety along the Aurora North corridor.”
The motel’s owner, Madilyn Investments, has seven days to reach an agreement with the city.
Part of that agreement would be to address the crimes that SPD says have happened in and around the property.
If the owners do not comply within seven days, the City Attorney’s Office could file a civil lawsuit and impose fines.
SPD says that the crackdown on Oaktree Motel is part of a larger operation.
SPD says the crackdown on the Oaktree Motel is part of a larger operation.
The operation has targeted 12 motels along a couple of block stretch of Aurora Ave North between 85th St. and 145th St., known as a “prostitution hub” in the city.