Alexandria city and law enforcement officials said they are aware of problems surrounding a North Washington Street Travelodge motel and are taking steps to crack down on them in response to concerns from nearby residents.
Residential Police Officer Gerald Ford, who is coordinating the Alexandria police efforts around the Travelodge, said individuals behind drug and prostitution activity near the motel have been identified and removed.
“We were able to pretty much pinpoint who was doing what and told them they had to go,” he said. “I check in at least once every day. There are some minor issues left, but I’m working at one problem at a time.”
He said reports from residents have been instrumental in identifying trouble areas around the motel. Ford said residents were expected to be briefed Thursday night on steps police have made to improve conditions.
Ford said motel manager Ray Mahood has cooperated with police since drug and prostitution reports started.
“As it stands right now, he’s done everything that’s been suggested to him,” Ford said of Mahood. “I don’t have any complaints.”
Mahood said he has no control over what happens on the streets and alleys around the motel. He said he instructs night managers to make hourly checks around the facility to make sure no illegal activity is taking place.
“If we see somebody, we tell them to get off the property,” he said. “We are interested in keeping this place going in a profitable way, not with the trash.”
“We’ll do everything we can” to keep crime away from the motel, Mahood added. “It’s my livelihood. We’re not going to make trouble.”
City spokesman Brian Hannigan said code enforcement and the health department have conducted recent inspections at the motel, but have only uncovered minor infractions.
“We are aware that this is a location that the residents have had a great many concerns about,” Hannigan said. “We have been doing a very responsible job of interacting with the community.”
