Fort Worth officials are advancing a new approach to tackle properties that generate excessive criminal activity, utilizing a combination of inspections, citations, and legal pressure. As part of this pilot initiative, the city is pursuing a court order to demolish all six structures at the Eco Motel on East Lancaster Avenue.
The property has been the subject of heavy police activity and more than two decades of code violations.
Brian Daughtery, the city’s code compliance director, described the effort as a significant achievement, noting that the Nuisance Enforcement Task Force has secured orders requiring the owner to either bring the buildings into compliance or face demolition. District 11 Councilwoman Jeanette Martinez praised the multi-department collaboration for addressing egregious issues such as drug activity and prostitution that have plagued the neighborhood.
The program initially focused on three high-profile locations. While one Hemphill Street convenience store closed due to violations, the Sandy Oaks Apartments successfully remedied 859 identified issues. The future of the task force now depends on whether the city council approves permanent funding, with seven additional properties already identified for potential action.
