A Motel 6 on Morse Road in north Columbus must vacate its occupants by Oct. 13 and close until city officials determine that required repairs have been made, City Attorney Zach Klein announced Thursday, Oct. 1. The city’s Property Action Team said the property had become a focus of calls involving violence, drugs and prostitution. Columbus police and fire departments received more than 160 calls connected to the hotel from Jan. 1, 2025, through Aug. 25, 2026. Calls included reports of prostitution, overdoses, fights, rape or sexual assault, and kidnapping; the reported incidents are allegations, not findings of guilt. The city also cited outstanding health and safety problems, including unsanitary conditions, missing smoke alarms, damaged exterior areas, poorly maintained fire extinguishers, signs of rodents, electrical hazards and structural concerns. Police had warned the ownership that the volume of calls could lead to city sanctions if the problems were not addressed. Columbus filed a court complaint over the property in February 2020. The court declared it a public nuisance because of criminal activity, and the property was later sold to new owners. After 30 days of closure, officials plan to inspect the motel. Owners and operators must provide a report identifying structural issues, and a security assessment is scheduled for 60 days after the closure. The city has not said when the motel could reopen; it must address the violations first.