Western Motel in Bethany gets a reprieve

Several weeks ago, it appeared the historic Western Motel in Bethany, Okla., was in jeopardy. The manager was busted during a prostitution sting, and the city filed a notice to abate the nuisance — usually a first step that leads to a motel’s demolition.

But things have changed. The motel’s owner, Ken Patel, has taken the initiative to save his property and is doing a full-blown renovation, according to the Daily Oklahoman.

The Western Motel, 7600 NW 39 Expressway, is undergoing a remodeling job that will continue through August, Patel said Monday.

The 24 motel rooms are being painted, new carpet is being ordered and heating and air conditioning units and plumbing parts are being replaced if needed, Patel said. A stockade fence will soon separate the motel from property on the south side and the parking lot will be repaved, he said.

“I think this is a really good location and that’s why I’m putting money into it,” Patel said. “We want to get people to come back.”

As a result, the city has backed off from filing nuisance papers against the property.

City Attorney David Davis said Monday any further action that could lead to closing the motel has been put on hold since Ken Patel is fixing things up.

“He (Ken Patel) is trying to re-establish his business,” Davis said. “If he can do that, and since he is going to invest some money into it, I doubt it will go back to the way it was. That would be good for the city.”

Davis said he has not filed a civil motion in district court that could lead to closure of the motel.

“I was waiting to see some progress and it appears at this point they are going to remodel it,” Davis said.

Here’s an encouraging sign that Patel’s efforts are sincere.

Now, Ken Patel and his wife have moved from their home in Yukon to live on the motel grounds.

When a property owner actually resides on the property, that shows commitment.