Hannibal takes control of former motel off Mark Twain Ave

HANNIBAL (WGEM) — The city of Hannibal is targeting an abandoned property that city officials said has occupied the time of city workers and police.

City council voted for the city to take ownership of a former motel at 612 Mark Twain Avenue.

This property has been a common spot for squatters and break-ins, city officials said with the previous owners unable to do anything, now the city hopes to do something about that.

“I can hear them breaking the doors down or open, often there will be doors that are left open,” said Owner of the Opened Book Deborah Wise.

Wise said since the property at has become vacant, it’s become a concern.

“Understandably homeless people have been making use of the shelter, but there have been, already, two fires on the property at least I’m thinking which is a concern,” said Wise.

Hannibal Mayor James Hark said that’s part of why the city council voted to take control of the property Tuesday.

“In recent months it has become a habitat for illegal activity, criminal activity, and it has become a public health hazard,” said Hark.

Mayor Hark said some concerns about funding for demolition and the long term plans for the development of the building were brought up before the vote.

Source: Hannibal takes control of former motel off Mark Twain Ave

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