Resident Concerned About Drug Activity at Value Place

An homeowner who lives in a subdivision across from Value Place says she's concerned about illegal drug activity and crime at the extended-stay hotel.

Kate Hegger, of the 1600 block of Trinity Circle, told Arnold City Council members at a recent meeting that she was especially upset over a recent crime report in which heroin was involved.

"There's some shady characters and transients living there," Hegger said. "I know the Arnold police worked there for a while and there was talk of shutting it down. I'd appreciate it if you could look into it again."

In April 2011, the city was considering shutting the hotel down after receiving over 200 complaints in a 22-month period. Instead, a 90-day agreement was reached that included more stringent background checks on renters and the 24-hour presence of an Arnold police officer at the hotel's expense.

Police Chief Bob Shockey said at the meeting, "We get a lot of arrests there compared to other hotels because it's a week-long stay. But we have half the calls that we used to."

Shockey said the hotel has its own security officers, and staff members are very open to working with the city and the police.

Mayor Ron Counts told Hegger he would have Shockey look into her concerns.

For related stories on Patch, please see the following articles:

• Drug Bust at Value Place Ends With Man Swallowing Heroin
• Fewer Complaints from Value Place Hotel
• Value Place Hotel To Pay for Police Officers at Arnold Location