The Ferndale City Council voted on Monday to deny a license for the Motorama Motel on 8 Mile Road to continue operating. Police said it has been a magnet for prostitution, drugs and other crime.

Ferndale Police Chief Timothy Collins, who attended a city council hearing on the issue Monday, said, according to Oakland Press coverage by Mike McConnell:

“Some of the more egregious incidents there (include) human trafficking, drug abuse, drug sales, threats with guns, threats with weapons. “It has become a nuisance to repeatedly have to go to the same location over and over again. I could not in good conscience recommend renewal of (their) license ... they really don’t care who or what goes on in their business.”

The owner, Phil Patel, did not attend the meeting, the paper reports. He could appeal the decision within five days and ask for a hearing before the council. If he fails to do that, police could move to close the motel for operating without a license, the paper reports. The owner could also go to court to fight the city's action.

The Oakland Press reports that police were called to the Motorama 161 times last year, an increase of nearly 60 percent over the 103 calls police made to the motel in 2013.

Police said they action also is possible against the nearby Eight Wood Motel, 330 W. Eight Mile Rd.