(WSBT) Just a day before the primary, South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke announced the Wooden Indian Motel will either conform to new standards or be shut down.

It's good news for IUSB. The university plans to build student housing near the motel.

“Certainly you want the area to be safe and secure,” commented Ken Baierl, IUSB’s Director of Communication and Marketing.

Two South Bend police officers were shot at the motel last month.

In the past year, police have been called to the Wooden Indian more than 100 times.

City officials are also concerned about the motel's physical attributes.

“To me, it was disgusting to see the trash that had been thrown over the fence,” exclaimed South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke.

He says the city will target the Wooden Indian as a “residence hotel” due to the amount of time most people stay there.

Mayor Luecke says the city is looking into stricter regulations.

“I've asked our police department and prosecutor's office that any and all illegal activities will be flagged for special attention and will be prosecuted to the highest level,” said Mayor Luecke.

If talks with the owner go as planned, the mayor says the city will buy the motel and tear it down.

“This property on Lincolnway East is so critical because it is so visible,” he added.

The mayor says that’s especially true with IUSB’s construction almost ready to start.

“We're concerned about the matter and the situation at the Wooden Indian, but that is a matter the city is addressing and we're happy to help in whatever way we can,” said Baierl

Baierl hopes IUSB's development on the south side of the river spurs other improvements.

“I think the fact that we're over there already is a big boost and then hopefully other partners in the area will join us,” added Baierl.

The Wooden Indian has become a last resort for many people who can't afford to live elsewhere. They say if the motel is torn down, they'll have no place to live.

Mayor Luecke said the city is dedicated to helping them find housing.

Bill Davis, who faces the mayor in the primary Tuesday, told WSBT he too believes the motel is a problem that needs to be taken care of.

Davis says the city has to be tougher. He says it has to make the owner pay for the problems, as well as the tenants.