The state revoked the owner’s license after several shootings on the property. Councilman Reggie Gaffney of District 7 has been fighting to have the motel shut down for months.

He told Action News Jax that since September of 2019, there have been more than 800 calls for service and eight murders.

Councilman Gaffney said he’s now focused on finding a new home for displaced residents. The city is offering a voucher for permanent housing up to $1,200. He said there’s also funding to help residents pay for another short-term hotel or motel.

”Now my heart goes out to the individuals they’ve been displaced. Only because that’s what they believe. The good news is we have a solution for them.”

One of the residents in Timothy Harris. His fiancé is bedridden and he doesn’t know where he’s going next.

”She can’t sit up, she can’t roll on her side — we don’t know what we’re going to do,” he said.

Councilman Gaffney said starting at 9 a.m. Monday, social services and the homeless coalition will go door-to-door to make sure residents are aware of the available help. As of Sunday morning, the councilman said there were 59 families left at the property.

He’s now focused on the next step. Gaffney met with the property’s owner and are discussing possible ideas for revitalization. He said one idea would be short-term emergency housing at the property. He’s also looking to revamp the area of Hart’s Road.

”These kids can walk to school. Families can come home like now, you see, and don’t have to feel threatened by a bullet.”

Action News Jax told you last week when the council person announced new legislation that would be proposed next year.

It would create a task force to review nuisance properties and give the city power to shut them down. Previously, Gaffney said he had to go to the state.