Ken Incontro’s business, Incontro Closets, has been near 109th and M Street for five years. And in that time, he’s watched one neighboring business go from an eyesore to dangerous.
“It’s just horrible for the area. It’s bringing everyone’s values down. Kind of makes it scary sometimes to operate your business,” said Incontro.
He’s talking about the former Westmont Inn & Suites. It’s been abandoned for years, and people who live and work here said it has become a magnet for crime.
In fact, we’ve been reporting on the abandoned hotel for years. That’s why Incontro and other nearby business owners got an attorney involved and sent a letter to the city of Omaha.
The letter says in part:
“Either the property owner should re-establish control over the property, including sealing all doors and windows, clearing the weeds and trash, and removing the graffiti…”
“This thing keeps dragging on. It’s been going on for quite some time,” said Incontro.
Ryan Gradoville lives in an apartment building next to the abandoned hotel.