NET Force delivers major win with Central Motel demolition

NET Force delivers major win with Central Motel demolition

Published on October 28, 2026

The Central Motel on East Lancaster Avenue has become the first property targeted by Fort Worth's NET Force program to be demolished, marking a significant step toward addressing longstanding neighborhood concerns.

For years, the property was associated with recurring public safety issues. Fort Worth Police documented reports of prostitution, illegal drug activity, assaults and other violent crimes in the area.

"We're very glad to see this happen. It's a blessing for our neighborhood," said a longtime resident who stopped to watch the demolition this week. "We will not miss the many, many issues that it has caused us every night and day."

City pursues legal action

After years of reported problems and the owner's failure to address conditions at the property, the City filed a Chapter 125 nuisance abatement lawsuit this summer. The state law allows cities to pursue legal action against properties where illegal activities habitually occur and the owners knowingly tolerate it.

A Code Compliance inspection also documented significant substandard building conditions, property maintenance violations and safety concerns. The three structures, which contained a total of 22 rooms, had 123 code violations. These violations included damaged or missing brick and siding, exposed electrical wiring, missing doors, damaged windows, and missing sections of ceilings.

Collectively, these conditions raised potential safety concerns and demonstrated the extent of deterioration throughout the property.

In response to the lawsuit, the owner chose to work with the City on a long-term solution. They agreed to voluntarily demolish the property at their own expense. In exchange, the City agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, resolving the case through a cooperative approach.

Cross-functional approach

Fort Worth Police Officer Jentry Cotten played a key role in opening communication with the property owner and helping move the process forward. He credited the East Patrol Division, VICE Unit and Narcotics Division for years of investigative work that helped identify and document the issues leading to this outcome.

"For us, it's not just about deterring violent crime. It's also about improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods around these properties," Cotton said. We're excited to see a joint effort to tackle issues that have been going on for 30 to 40 years. We're solving problems that have affected generations, and we're excited to see the progress."

About NET Force

The Central Motel's demolition demonstrates how coordinated City efforts and cooperation from property owners can help address persistent neighborhood concerns.

NET Force has now identified six additional properties for its next phase of work. Conditions vary across the properties, with several facing significant substandard or hazardous conditions, including structural deterioration, unsafe electrical systems and property maintenance violations. Some also have documented criminal activity or other public safety concerns.

The goal of NET Force is to bring properties into compliance and address conditions that threaten neighborhood safety and quality of life.

By coordinating City resources and holding property owners accountable, NET Force is working to improve neighborhoods and address properties that have remained persistent concerns for residents.

View the most recent dashboard data.

Photo: The former Central Motel on Lancaster Avenue is being demolished as part of the City's ongoing NET Force enforcement.

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