South Greensboro Area Plan - Public Review Draft - 9.25.25

Negative Effects of Aging Roadside Motels There are four specific locations within the study area where aging, dilapidated roadside motels have been reported to cause issues such as crime, panhandling, negative visual appearance, and an unfavorable image of the area. Some ideas for these sites may include: » Close frontage roads where it is safe and legal to do so » Encourage private market to transition to other land uses as applicable given context » Address issues using some of the strategies listed below

Communities can reduce the negative impacts of low-budget motels—such as alleged prostitution, human trafficking, and drug use—through a combination of policy, enforcement, community engagement, and supportive services. Here are several effective strategies:

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1. Strengthen Regulations and Enforcement » Explore zoning tools that can require motels to meet higher operational standards. » Regular inspections: Conduct frequent health, safety, and code compliance checks. » Law enforcement partnerships: Increase police presence and collaborate with task forces focused on trafficking and drug crimes. 2. Community and Social Services » Outreach programs: Deploy social workers and nonprofits to provide services to vulnerable populations staying in motels. » Transitional housing support: Create pathways for long-term motel residents to access affordable housing. » Hotlines and reporting tools: Make it easy for community members and motel staff to report suspicious activity anonymously.

3. Environmental Design and Visibility » Improve lighting and surveillance: Install cameras and lighting to deter illicit activity. » Limit access points: Redesign properties to reduce hidden areas and improve visibility. » Neighborhood watch programs: Engage local residents in monitoring and reporting concerns. » Offer CPTED analysis to properties to encourage safer design by reducing hidden areas. 4. Promote Responsible Ownership » Motel accountability programs: Offer owners to participate in crime prevention training and maintain guest records.

Drone Aerial Photo of Seneca Road and Firestone Drive area. (Source: Bolton & Menk)

SOUTH GREENSBORO AREA PLAN / 169

Housing & Economy

PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT - 9/25/25