COLUMBUS, Ohio People who live and work near 2124 S. Hamilton Rd. say the old hotel is an eyesore, but one man in particular is worried about safety.
One side of the sign out front says Hamilton Plaza Hotel; the other side of the sign says Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel. It sits at 2124 S. Hamilton Rd. on the city's Southeast Side.
James Shoaf worries that children will get hurt in the abandoned building.
Shoaf showed me the closed hotel building in November 2009.
Four months later, the swimming pool is still full of water.
"All I want the city to do is drain this pool. Let's get the water out of it. Now there's a layer of ice across it, which could be very tempting for someone to try to walk across. There's a school right across the roadway," Shoaf said.
Robert McCoy works next door.
"It's a definite eyesore for not only myself but a lot of my guests," McCoy said.
The City of Columbus declared the building a public nuisance and hazardous in August of 2009.
The City Attorney's office filed a civil suit against the owner Jan. 12, 2010.
The owner has until March 19, 2010, to respond to the suit.
Assistant City Attorney Michelle Cox said the owner told the city that he's declared bankruptcy, although the city has not received any verification.
Vandals have destroyed guest rooms, hallways and the bar/restaurant area.
Glass windows have been shattered, and debris is everywhere.
Thieves have helped themselves to furniture and mattresses by day and night.
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