Police, advocates, hotels partner for emergency housing

Motel 88 in Oneonta does not have a happy history.

Formerly known as the Oasis Motor Inn, the lodging saw drug busts and suicides, and carried a local reputation for a generally seedy atmosphere.

To add to its unhappiness, a fire broke out last week, and it remains under investigation.

But according to the Oneonta Police Department, the criminal element at Motel 88, and other motels like it, is related to the temporary housing they provide.