The City of Kinston is moving forward with plans to demolish the condemned Super 8 Motel located on Highway 70 East, a major entryway into the city.

The motel sustained significant damage from Hurricane Matthew in 2017 and was condemned in 2020. The building is currently open, posing a public safety hazard and blighting the community. The property owner, Kinston NC Hospitality, LLC, has been notified multiple times about the building's condition but has not addressed the issues.

The City Council is expected to vote on awarding a bid for the demolition at its upcoming meeting. The lowest responsive bid is $128,474, with Lenoir County offering to cover half the cost. The City's portion would be $64,237, with $40,000 allocated from last year's demolition budget.

"The current condition of the building is a public nuisance and hazard," said Elizabeth Blount, Kinston Planning Director, in the agenda for the city’s meeting. "By demolishing the structure, the city and county can join forces to eradicate this eyesore and create a more positive image for our community."

The demolition will also address environmental concerns as asbestos was found in some samples collected during an inspection. The winning bidder will be responsible for proper abatement of asbestos material before demolition commences.

In addition to demolishing the structure, the City Council will consider placing a lien on the property for the total cost of the demolition.

The demolition project is expected to take 120 days to complete once a bid is awarded. The removal of the motel will open up a desirable view of the river and potentially allow for future development at the site.