He claims the move was based at least partly on his ethnic and religious background. Amir says he is of Pakistani origin and is Muslim. He also says the city wants the property redeveloped and is trying to get his business out of the way to do so.

A hearing on the motion is set for 2 p.m. Thursday.

Sterman said the city can fine the operator as much as $1,000 each day. The city code prohibits businesses from operating without a license. “I expect that this will end up in court,” he said.

Sterman said Amir was among speakers at the public hearing Tuesday evening. Alderman Dee Baebler said Wednesday that the city had given Amir enough chances to improve his business.

“We scolded him three years ago when there was a meth lab that blew up in one of the rooms,” Baebler said. “We had a list of things to correct. But, in fact, it only got worse.”

She said nearby residents and business operators long have complained about goings-on at the motel. Noting that police had written 349 reports about activities at the Econo Lodge in a 12-month period, Baebler said, “We have to protect our police and our residents.”

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