Auto Dealer Comes Closer to Westside Inn
In recent local news, a positive development for the commercial real estate scene has emerged in Kingsport. The Board of Mayor and Alderman of Kingsport unanimously voted on Tuesday night to allow the rezoning of two lots adjacent to the Westside Inn. This decision opens the doors for Friendship Family of Dealerships to establish a new car lot on the Sevier Terrace Drive property and the Westside Inn land on West Stone Drive.
A Boost for Kingsport’s Business Landscape
Currently, the two lots on Sevier Terrace Drive stand vacant and are owned by Mr. C.P Patel, the owner of the Westside Inn. There was no opposition or comment from board members during the voting process for the rezoning. The proposal will face a second and final reading at the board’s forthcoming regularly scheduled business gathering.
Last week Mitch Walters, owner and CEO of Friendship Family of Dealerships, confirmed that the site was indeed earmarked for a car dealership. While the zoning for the Westside Inn already accommodates the intended auto business, the two neighboring parcels had to be transitioned from residential to business zoning classification, thus requiring the approval of the Kingsport BMA.
From Dilapidated Hotel to Car Dealership
The Westside Inn is currently undergoing evacuation after a state health inspection declared the run-down structure a health hazard. The owner, Mr. Patel, faced numerous health violation citations as a result of the inspection. Residents were given a deadline until Friday to vacate the hotel premises. The introduction of a new car lot to the property hence promises a welcome change of scene and potential boost to the local economy.
Hawkins-Sullivan Agreement Clears the Way for a Safer Bays Mountain Park
In a related development, the Kingsport BMA gave an additional unanimous approval on Tuesday night for a 50-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hawkins County for a portion of Bays Mountain Park. Thanks to a $100,000 state tourism grant awarded to Hawkins County, plans are underway to build a bridge over the Laurel Run Creek.
Located within the western boundaries of the park, the proposed bridge will ensure safer access for hikers visiting the nearby Laurel Run Falls. Apart from hikers, park rangers frequently lead guided waterfall and wildflower hikes on the trail, further emphasizing the significance of this development.
Upcoming Key Decisions
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman will convene for its second and final voting on the rezoning of the lots adjacent to the Westside Inn. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 16, where members will make definitive decisions impacting future business and recreational developments in the region.
