Roswell issues emergency vacate order for Old Dogwood Road hotel after inspections and trafficking arrests

Roswell Mayor Wilson and city officials announced an emergency order to vacate the Economy Hotel on Old Dogwood Road at a news briefing after inspections found extensive life‑safety violations and recent arrests connected to human trafficking.

The order affects residents who had been using the hotel for temporary housing; city officials said they are coordinating with community partners and emergency management to provide relocation assistance and other supports while the city completes its response.

"These are not minor infractions," Mayor Wilson said, describing the findings as "serious threats to human" safety and saying the decision "was not made lightly." He said the city attorney, the fire chief and the chief building official determined that "continued occupancy of this facility is simply not safe."

City Administrator Randy Knighton said the vacate order follows a multi‑year, targeted campaign against human trafficking in Roswell. "Over the past 2 and a half years, the city of Roswell has been very focused in a strategic, directed, and disciplined manner to address human trafficking in this city. The city has shut down over 23 spa massage establishments and have rescued 50 women from human trafficking," Knighton said.

Fire Chief Pavel Troche, who led building and fire inspections, said inspectors found multiple hazards that posed immediate risks. "There's an elevator that's not functioning. ... there are staircases that are rusted to the point that they can fail," Troche said, adding that both residents and first responders would face danger in an emergency.

Officials said they do not yet have a definitive count of people living at the hotel and are conducting door‑to‑door checks. Knighton asked for time to complete the count and described an initial estimate of about 20 rooms potentially occupied, but officials cautioned that an exact number is "not specified" until teams finish on‑site work.

City leaders said they are allowing several days for relocation work to proceed before full closure; Mayor Wilson said the city was "allowing ourselves 4 days" to place families and that, under normal circumstances without residents present, the facility would be shut immediately. The city is bringing in a facilitator to coordinate communications with schools, charitable organizations and other resources, and officials said they have arranged contacts with Fulton County and other partners.

When asked about the property owner, officials said the owner had been contacted and "is collaborating with us," but that it is unclear whether the owner is a Roswell resident. Mayor Wilson said that, at this time, the owner will not face criminal charges related to the vacate order: "No. Not at this time. ... Obviously, can't accuse the owner of any criminal activity." The mayor added that the pattern of criminal incidents at the property, and the recent exploitation of "the 2 young girls," prompted immediate action.

Officials framed the evacuation as part of broader enforcement work. Knighton said the city will continue to develop policies and application processes aimed at preventing trafficking and unsafe conditions, and Mayor Wilson urged other jurisdictions to take similar steps.

The city's immediate directions are to complete a resident count, provide relocation assistance, coordinate with schools and charities for families and children affected, and keep open communication with the owner while the building remains under an emergency vacate order. The city did not record a council vote during the briefing; officials described the action as an administrative emergency order.

City leaders said they will continue to provide updates as relocation work and any further investigations proceed.