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The town of Warsaw has apparently had enough when it comes to problems surrounding the Relax Inn hotel near downtown on Pine Street. Drugs, crime, substandard conditions and a recent sewage spill have all plagued the motel over the years.
“There is not a lot I can tell you because it is part of an investigation,” Warsaw town manager Lea Turner told Duplin Journal. “I can say we have had multiple conversations with the owner, and they are cooperating with the town.”
When asked if she was optimistic that the problems will be resolved, Turner said, “I would like to hope so. As recently as today, there are some conversations about closing it down for some remodel work. I’m not sure exactly what that will bring, but we are hopeful that it will bring some positive changes.”
Warsaw town commissioner Ebony Wills-Wells has been advocating for improvements to the Relax Inn for some time, even posting photos on her Facebook page showing a serious sewage leak at the motel in February. That leak forced the closure of the facility for a few days, and occupants were able to stay in another motel while the leak was repaired.
“I just received an email yesterday about the hotel,” Wells told Duplin Journal during an interview last Friday. “It said there was no air conditioning there and they were concerned about the general living environment.”
Wells said she has spoken to residents at the hotel, and they are afraid to speak out for fear of losing a place to live.
“In my opinion, it’s become a homeless shelter. People who don’t have any place to stay, or can’t afford adequate living space, are staying there,” Wells said. “That’s a big concern for me. There are people who are marginalized who need support and don’t have the resources they should have.”
Duplin Journal spoke to two men outside of Relax Inn on Friday. One was a current resident. The other man moved out several months ago. Both men asked not to be identified.
“I really don’t want to complain,” the current resident said. “If it wasn’t for this place, I’d be homeless. I think the owner will make things better.”
The former resident obviously had bad memories of the motel.
“Last summer, I came home from work and found my lady dead in our room. Somebody had given her fentanyl,” he said, pointing to the room where it happened.
This incident involving drugs was not a unique occurrence. Police have responded to numerous calls regarding drugs at the motel.
One of those calls, in February, resulted in the arrest of 43-year-old Tyrone Watford on numerous felony drug charges at Relax Inn. The arrest included felony charges surrounding the possession of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine. Watford was placed in the Duplin County Jail with a bond of $80,000.
Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors said the crime aspect is something he asks the police department about often.
“Anytime there’s crime in Warsaw, or the general area, it is a concern for me,” Connors said, adding that he knows the Warsaw police department is patrolling the area around Relax Inn more frequently.
Conners expressed optimism that the town’s investigation and negotiations with the owner will lead to a resolution.
“We are hoping that things will improve there,” he said.
Both Connors and Wells said they hope the news surrounding Relax Inn is not how people perceive the town of Warsaw.
“We have lots of good news about Warsaw,” Connors said, emphasizing new businesses coming to the area, especially around the I-40 corridor, which the town annexed into the town limits.
Wells added, “We are a thriving community. I’m from a big city, and Warsaw reminds me of a Holly Springs or Apex (near Raleigh). We’re up and coming.”
