EDENTON — In what the mayor is describing as "a positive development," the owner of the Hotel Hinton is seeking a "major" special use permit from the town of Edenton to perform restoration work on the long vacant structure.
According to a press release posted on the town's website Tuesday, Mayor Hackney High said SAGA Construction and Development "has returned to the table with renewed plans for the hotel's restoration," submitting an application for the permit to the town's Planning Board.
High said the Planning Board is set to consider SAGA's application for the permit on July 1, and that will be followed by a public hearing on the request by Edenton Council either on July 9 or July 22. He noted that the special use permit SAGA is seeking will include "set conditions" and that the meetings where the decisions made will be open to the public.
"These meetings will, as always, include public input, ensuring that your voices continue to be heard throughout this process," High said.
He said the town's leadership planned to meet with SAGA officials on Wednesday to ensure its plans "will benefit the community in all aspects."
The Hotel Hinton has been a source of contention since SAGA purchased the property in 2013. SAGA promised to turn the vacant former county office building into a tourist hotel. But the property has languished while SAGA sought tax credits and other incentives to help finance the project.
During that time, residents have complained that the building has become an eyesore, gang haven and safety hazard. Citizens have cited broken windows, infestations by birds and vermin, and fire hazards, saying the structure detracts from and endangers the historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse next door.
In the town's press release on Tuesday, High attempts to address those frustrations.
“To our residents and to all those affected, we hear you. We see you. We sympathize with your frustration," he said. "We have been tirelessly working towards this goal for quite some time now, and we will continue to do so until we achieve a solution that honors our town’s history and its residents while also serving its future."
High said the town's "commitment" to seeing the hotel revitalized "has never once wavered." But he noted that town officials "must respect the legal process" when it comes to dealing with property owners who have development plans.
"SAGA, as the rightful owner of Hotel Hinton, has complied with all of our requests throughout this renewed process and completed everything that we have asked of them as they prepared to submit a new (restoration) plan," he said. "We hope to see their revived commitment to the proposal take shape as a reality."
High said he thanked "everyone involved for their passion, dedication, and commitment to making Edenton a better place."
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