A reader pointed out this article Thursday from the Daily Oklahoman in which the City of Bethany, Okla., is trying to shut down the Western Motel on Route 66.
The motel, which was built at 7600 NW 39th in 1953, was declared a public nuisance by the city council after complaints of prostitution there. According to the report, a motel manager was arrested in a prostitution sting operation.
Owner Ken Patel says the city has tried to buy the property from him before, and that he will fight the city’s action.
Here’s an old postcard image of the motel in its heyday. The neon sign is still there.
Call up the mayor and city council at 405-789-5005 (both are at the same number) and let them know that tearing down a historic motel is not an option. Politely urge the mayor and council to explore other options that keep this Route 66 landmark standing. Other contact numbers for the City of Bethany can be found here.
Tearing down a historic motel because its manager was arrested in a prostitution sting makes about as much sense as crushing a 1957 Chevy because its owner was arrested for DUI. If the owner is a problem, you need a new owner, not a new building.
I have a night-time shot on my site.