Crisfield officials say they will enact new laws as a way to crackdown on alleged criminal activity at the Pines Motel.
Mayor Percey Purnell told a crowd of around 40 residents during a special meeting on Wednesday night that the town was determined to act after the stabbing death of a man at the motel three weeks ago.
It was Crisfield’s first murder in the last seven years.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that nearby residents have been complaining for years about suspected drug dealing and prostitution.
The motel’s owner since January Danny Surzi said he is trying to make a lot of improvements including high-tech security devices and better lighting.
He also plans to change the name and turn the motel into a family-oriented business.
Danny Smith, a motel resident, told the paper that he credited Surzi with getting rid of problem tenants.
