NLR Leaders Want To Deep Six Motel 6

North Little Rock leaders say this Motel 6 at 400 W. 29th St. is leaving the light on for some undesirable activity. | (Photo by Tre Baker)

The city of North Little Rock is asking a Pulaski County court to declare a Motel 6 by the Laman Library a public nuisance.

The West 29th Street motel has been the site of drug activity, human trafficking and at least one murder, according to the complaint filed by Assistant City Attorney Paula Jones.

Jones argues in the complaint that the motel has disturbed the peace and quiet of neighboring properties and has been used to facilitate dozens of other crimes.

The property, less than a quarter mile from the public library, represents “a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens” of the city, the petition says.

The defendants, listed as Stone Hospitality Inc. and owners/principals Khetan Bhakta, Manoj Bhakta, Suresh Patel and Amrut Patel, responded to the filing by denying the allegations and arguing that there was insufficient cause for the complaint.

John Pesek, a Little Rock attorney for the defendants, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.