Omaha police meet with Motel 6 over ongoing problems near Westgate area

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Earlier this month, neighborhood reporter Molly Hudson told you about a Motel 6 that neighbors and police say has been a source of trouble in this neighborhood near 84th and Grover . We learned that the story led to a meeting between Motel 6 offices, local management and security, and Omaha police about what could be done to resolve the issues.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Westgate neighbors like Terry Anderson are seeing desired changes in their neighborhood.

“The police are more visible at Westgate,” Anderson said.

Officers patrolled the area around this Motel 6, more often after neighbors told police they wanted this property cleaned up.

Omaha Police Capt. John Sokolik confirmed by phone that he was part of that meeting with Motel 6 that included the local owner, motel security and two people from the chain’s headquarters.

Sokolik says several things were discussed, such as cleaning the exterior of the building, making sure all guests have to pay to stay and ways to reduce 911 calls to the motel.

This latter issue is one that neighbors and OPD have mentioned repeatedly.

So reporter Molly Hudson filed a records request to find out how often police are called here. And here’s what Hudson found, since 2021, hundreds of calls, 24 pages of logs. In just the first 5 months of this year? 130 calls.

The types of calls vary, from carjacking, 911 hang-up, theft and trespassing to wanted felon and others.

“It’s not new, but it’s going to take a multi-level effort to get the neighborhood back to a good place,” Anderson said.

Hudson reached out to the local franchise owner to ask about the meeting with police and what he plans to do, but has not received a response.

A Motel 6 spokesperson shared this statement:

“Our safety and security and brand performance teams continue to work closely with the Omaha Police Department and this Motel 6 franchise owner to ensure ongoing dialogue so that any concerns can be resolved quickly and the The hotel is a safe and welcoming place for all guests and the team. members and the community. We hold ourselves and our franchisees to the highest safety standards and are committed to being a partner with local law enforcement and helping to combat crime or community violence in any way we can. – A Motel 6 spokesperson

The exterior of the building has been discussed, neighbors want to see trash picked up and windows repaired.

“Repairing these issues would go a long way toward the overall improvement of the facility and therefore the neighborhood,” Anderson said.

Captain Sokolik told Hudson that Motel 6 was doing its part to be a good neighbor. But neighbors like Anderson know it will take time.

“I think it gives some hope to those who have really been, to put it in a way, on edge over the last couple of months,” Anderson said.