City Shuts Down Roswell Hotel, Citing Safety Violations And Hazards

ROSWELL, GA — A Roswell hotel that is being shut down was once the site where six men were arrested on charges of sexual assault and human trafficking, city officials said Tuesday.

Citing several safety violations, Roswell city officials say they are shutting down The Economy Hotel as it "(poses) imminent threat to the safety of staff and occupants."

The city fire chief and chief building official served the Old Dogwood Road hotel with an order to vacate on Tuesday, and The Economy has until 5 p.m. Saturday to stop operations, city officials said.

"The City of Roswell is coordinating an effort to connect current occupants, especially those utilizing the hotel for short-term housing, with resources to help them find alternative accommodations. City representatives are delivering information door-to-door to occupants to make them aware of the situation and to offer support and resources," city officials said in a news release.

Aside from the multiple safety violations, city officials said several occupants at the hotel have been the focus of criminal investigations and public safety complaints.

Roswell Police arrested the six men accused of sexual assault and human trafficking at The Economy, city officials said.

The city shared multiple photos of what they said were conditions at The Economy.

The following code violations and hazards were cited, per city officials:

• Fire alarm system deficiencies, including non-operational smoke detectors.
• Blocked and obstructed egress (exit) routes.
• Lack of fire extinguishers.
• Malfunctioning emergency lighting.
• Exposed wiring in the interior and on the exterior, posing significant shock hazard to the occupants.
• Unpermitted electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work throughout the building.
• Deterioration of structural egress (exit) elements of the building, including stairs and stair treads.
• Non-functional elevator, with no other elevators provided.
• Signs of fungal growth due to moisture issues throughout the building and rooms.
• Damaged and non-functional fuel-burning boilers, as well as expired operating permit for boiler.
• Entry doors that are damaged and do not protect against unauthorized entry.
• Falling ceiling material and damaged walls, flooring, and ceiling materials.
• Non-functional toilets, faucets, and bathing areas.
• Exposed lighting fixtures in bathing/shower areas.
• Water leaks and active water intrusion into multiple units causing damage to the walls and ceilings.
• Dryers that are not properly vented, with potential to cause flammable material to accumulate.

“The health and safety violations identified by the City of Roswell’s fire marshal and chief building inspector are unacceptable anywhere—and certainly not in the City of Roswell. Our priority is the well-being of everyone who lives in, works in and visits Roswell, and we will not tolerate these deplorable conditions in our city,” Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said in the release.

“The City of Roswell is committed to working with every affected individual to assist with relocation and rehousing support. Our priority is their safety and ensuring they receive the help they need during this time.”

City officials said anyone presently staying at The Economy can call the city between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at (770) 767-0964 for housing options.

Patch is working to get comment from The Economy Hotel.