A chain-link fence surrounding the former Budget Inn Motel on South Sixth Avenue might be a sign of economic development.
The two-story white motel right off of Interstate 10 abruptly closed last week, with the owner of the property opting to tear it down in the hopes of attracting a new business to the busy street corner.
South Tucson Police Chief Michael Ford applauded the decision, calling it the “best solution” for the site.
“That is a prime spot for development,” he said. “The community seems to welcome the change.”
Ford said his officers were called to the motel 138 times in 2014 and 107 times in 2015 for reports of such crimes as public intoxication, possession of illegal drugs, prostitution and violent crimes. Police went there as recently as Sunday, when an assault was reported, he said.
The city has been reaching out to a number of property owners in the area to discuss public safety issues for the last several months, Ford said.
In terms of the Budget Inn, Ford said city officials sat down with both the property management company as well as the motel business that was leasing the site.
The property owners were open to long-term suggestions from city officials. However, the tenant was more focused on the day-to-day operations.
Ford said he understands the motel was trying to run a legitimate business, but added that as police chief he was glad the owners stepped in because the overall community suffered from crime there.
Terri Marsh, a property manager with 4-D Properties, said the owners believe there is tremendous potential to redevelop the property.
No timetable is in place to tear down the business, but Ford said he thinks the old motel will come down in the next 45 days.
Until then, the South Tucson Police Department will patrol the vacant property for squatters, Ford said.
Community activist Raul Green said he has mixed emotions. “Any business that goes away is a shame because we need the money,” he said.
But, he conceded, the low-cost motel was bringing “the wrong element” into South Tucson. The demolition “might help with crime in the area,” he said.
For now, Green said he will be watching the corner lot, hoping to see a new business open next year.
