Covington's Colonial Inn to close permanently

After years of drug and prostitution complaints, a Covington motel has been forced closed its doors for good after a November sale deadline passed, according to city officials on Monday.

Last year, City Manager Larry Klein said the Colonial Inn, located at 1515 Madison Road, was a public nuisance and brought charges against it. This followed an undercover investigation by the Covington Police Narcotics Unit from August through November 2013 that police say led to nine suspects identified and charged with drug trafficking.

Former Covington Police Chief Spike Jones said the motel and the immediate area surrounding it, about 50 feet around it, has been a hub of criminal activity including "prostitution and narcotics trafficking" for years.

The Board of Commissioners came to an agreement with the owner of the property, Jason Mardis, allowing him to continue operating the Colonial Inn for one year while he attempted to sell the business.

Edward Lanter, the attorney representing Mardis during last year's hearing, said he was unaware of the history of complaints that surrounded the property when he purchased it in 2004.

A Tripadvisor review of the motel from September of this year said, "This place is a complete dump. Should have been torn down years ago. Sometimes you get what you pay for, this is one of those times."

Since the Nov. 30 deadline has now passed, the Colonial Inn's business regulatory license was automatically revoked and it has ceased operations, officials said.

"Property owners who allow criminal activities and nuisances place a huge burden on our public safety services and resources," Klein said. "That has a negative effect on neighborhoods and property values."

The property remains for sale.

"We want this property to be maintained properly, be successful, and be utilized for legitimate purposes and that contribute to the community," Klein said.