MARION - A surveyor from Clarida Engineering was busy on Tuesday, December 8, shooting elevations for a topography map of the Best Inns property in Marion near the intersection of Halfway Road and New Route 13.
According to numerous sources, the property has been sold, and a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) deal is in the works for the demolition of the run-down motel and the construction of a strip mall on the site.
The sources report that Cabaness and Zimbro have visited the motel, as well as officials from the City of Marion.
The owner, Neil Patel, confirmed that information but refused to name the buyer, saying that would be released in January.
The Best Inns motel is located directly across from the $1.5 million new Krispy Kreme (owned by Cabaness) and right next to the upscale Country Inn & Suites on “The Hill” in Marion. TIF deals have been very lucrative for local developers and heavily utilized by the City of Marion, often reimbursing the developer for the entire purchase price, along with architect and engineering and “remodeling” fees.
The city recently signed a $779,000.00 TIF redevelopment agreement with DLH of Marion LLC on October 15, 2015 for the commercial brick building on the south side of the same intersection which currently houses the Enterprise Auto Rental business. The Ordinance covers total reimbursement for the demolition of that building, land acquisition, renovation etc.
Neil Patel confirmed that he was in negotiations with DLH for the purchase of some of his other motel property on that side of 13 (located behind Enterprise Auto), but refused to give further details. Sources say that AT&T is coming to that location. Both of these properties are considered prime commercial real estate ... but apparently considered “blighted” by the City of Marion.