Bellingham take possession of meth-contaminated motel

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — The city of Bellingham is one step closer to razing the condemned Aloha Motel.

The Bellingham Herald reports that the city legally took possession of the motel Wednesday. Bellingham police officers went through the motel's 28 rooms to make sure everyone was out, and despite numerous posters and in-person warnings two people were still in their rooms when officers made their rounds.

The Aloha Motel has a reputation for criminal activity, and the Whatcom County Health Department found methamphetamine contamination in 11 rooms. The city purchased the property for $1.58 million.

The city's Homeless Outreach Team was on site Wednesday to help anyone left inside find a new place to stay.