Bill - It says that the poll is closed....

The technical glitch has been fixed and the poll is open.

I don't think the land should be seized, but I have to question the family's patience in dealing with the hassles of this property any longer -- it must be very tiring. It makes me wonder what the ultimate plan is for this family run business? A. Pass the land and motel on to younger generations to continue to run as is? B. Tear down the existing structures and use the location for something else? C. Sell the property or D. As Mr. Caswell gets older and wants to retire and can't run it any longer, board up the property and let it sit?
>> Is the family allowed to sell the property while the legal proceedings are in process? Bet they are regretful that they didn't sell back in the late 90's when values were really high and they could have rid themselves of all the headaches -- this must be stressful for everyone.

It may not be scientific but still an encouraging poll. Folks in Tewksbury understand the government has to be limited by laws of the land just like we do.

The poll is flawed, this is dumb. If you are negligent and its your property then it IS a crime, therefore "claiming he was aware of criminal activity on the property and took no action" is them accusing him. Really? This is news? This happens everyday.

Austin, I think there is some confusion. Mr. Caswell has not been accused of negligence. Rather, the accusation is that people renting rooms at the motel have committed crimes. The DOJ's position is that the owner of the motel, Mr. Caswell, can be held accountable for an alleged pattern of criminal activity by various motel guests over the years. I would contend that the government's attempt to seize a commercial property, in this case of motel, in a case where the owner has not been charged with criminal activity is not something that happens every day. In fact, the DOJ has admitted this happens rarely.

My personal thought is that Motel 6 and the other area hotels which have by far more crime are too big of a challenge for the police dept and DOJ. I will say what I have been saying all along, besides the authorities who plan on scoring extra cash on this miscarriage of justice. There is back room deals going somewhere, someone in town wants this property. it was better when the Sullivans were making the land deals in tewksbury no one actually got screwed. Stop this unneccesary persecution of a small business owner. You want property and you want to blame crime for it, go after Motel 6.