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Goodland officials flag Oyo Hotel as public‑safety and blight concern; commission considers unfit‑structure action
Summary
Police and city staff described repeated break‑ins, structural collapse, infestation and ongoing ownership litigation at the Oyo Hotel (Howard Johnsons area). Staff recommended starting the unfit‑structure process and explored emergency securing and potential city possession for safety.
City staff and the Goodland Police Department described a deteriorating situation at the Oyo Hotel south of Walmart, saying the property is effectively abandoned and in active litigation between owners.
Police Chief Earhart reported multiple responses, including finding a transient with a violent criminal history hiding inside; officers documented repeated entry, broken windows, interior water damage, vermin infestation and collapsing ceilings on upper floors. Staff said owners and lienholders have not adequately maintained the property and recommended initiating the unfit‑structure process to notify owners and consider emergency measures to secure the site.
City staff described temporary measures already taken—additional lighting, evidence tape on doors, tying dressers to block doorways—and discussed the practical limits of fines when owners lack funds. Officials said emergency possession procedures could allow the city to secure the building (boarding windows/doors) but would not authorize comprehensive repairs or rehabilitation without further process. Commissioners discussed likely high demolition or remediation costs (estimated by one commissioner as potentially “hundreds of thousands of dollars”) and the potential need to prioritize this work in future budgets.
One staff member characterized the site as a likely locus for criminal activity, saying it could “invite trafficking.” That allegation was presented as the staff member’s assessment, not as a formal finding. The commission directed staff to investigate legal options, consider emergency securing where appropriate, and prepare for a potential unfit‑structure process to establish formal authority to act.
No demolition order or immediate acquisition was authorized at the meeting; follow‑up will include legal review and potential code/enforcement steps.
