45°
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Northborough Board of Selectmen decided not to take disciplinary action against the Motel 6 on Monday night after hearing owner Jayesh Patel explain the steps he has taken to improve security on his property.
The Route 9 motel has been the scene of several crimes over the past year, most notably a double stabbing and an alleged murder.
At the board's last meeting, Patel promised selectmen that he would work with the police department to address these issues. On Monday, he said, "almost 99 percent of recommendations have been implemented."
These include exterior lighting improvements and 16 new security cameras that Patel said would be installed by Jan. 20. The motel now has a set of secondary doors in the back that can only be accessed by guests with electronic key cards; all others must go through the front desk.
In addition, motel employees have begun to collect more information from guests and take copies of their IDs when they check in.
Patel said that they have not yet begun to issue parking permits, which might create a "headache" for guests who do not want to walk back and forth from the front desk to their car. He pointed out, however, that the new security cameras should monitor the parking lot.
"I think it's working out really good for the hotel," Patel said. "And I think it will cut the crimes as indicated."
Police Chief Mark Leahy told selectmen that Patel has done an "outstanding job" implementing the security improvements. "Life has certainly become much quieter at the Motel 6," he added.
Town Administrator John Coderre said that Patel has also been in close contact with his office during the renovation period. He advised the selectmen to close their hearing on the motel without pursuing disciplinary measures.
Comments