Route 66 in the News

Wrecking Ball Can Be Indiscriminate

2008-05-11 19:41:53

ALBUQUERQUE, N. Mex. - Owners are finally cleaning up abandoned motels along Central Avenue in Northeast Albuquerque. The American Inn was attracting drug dealers and transients, forcing the city to condemn the building.

Now the surroundings at the American Inn are much different.

Instead of piles of trash and furniture, the building has been leveled, and people in the area are noticing a huge difference.

They say they feel much safer.

Lanier Rael has been living near the abandoned motel for months.

He said the quality of life has only improved since the demolition.

“Much better, people are happier, smiling. More people are out on their bikes walking around,” Rael said.

Now that the motel is gone, the nearby businesses along Route 66 are also seeing a difference.

Sarah Cordova owns Loyola's Family Restaurant, which is located across the street. She said she felt the effects of the abandoned building all the time.

“The drug dealing, the prostitution was happening right in our restaurant and that's why we started closing in the evenings,” Cordova said.

Cordova said she hopes a cleaner area will be the first step to improving the neighborhood.

“Maybe someday they'll bring in something that will bring business up for the area,” Cordova said. “Our area really needs it especially since Nob Hill is growing. It can grow up this way.”

Even though the city condemned the property, the property owner is fronting the bill for the demolition.

Other property owners are following suit, and have also taken care of their abandoned motels.

The owner of the [classic Route 66] De Anza Motor Lodge cleaned up the trash surrounding his building.

Down the street, the [equally-classic] Zia Motor Lodge has been demolished.

~KOAT.com