This week, when the Beverly Motel was surrounded by chain-link fence and forced to close for a month because of drugs and prostitution, Milliken smiled from ear to ear.
“I’m very excited. It’s going to be a good 30 days.”
One block away from the intersection where the motel sits, the residents of a seniors’ complex heard the news at a tenant meeting.
…
The closure was announced Wednesday by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team after a one-year investigation that uncovered drug-trafficking and prostitution among the 17 rooms.
…
Edmonton police Sgt. Jason Altmiks, a foot-patrol officer, said the area has become a vibrant one, though still with occasional blights. He isn’t sure where the dealers and prostitutes will go, but said disrupting their patterns is a good start.
…
For area businesses, there’s hope that the 30-day closure will give their customers and clients a break from the prostitution along the street.