According to town clerk Drenda Ammons, the owner, Ransom Newkirk, has not followed through on any of his plans to improve his building.
“I am not aware of any improvements,” said Ammons in a recent interview, “He hasn’t done anything.”
In addition, she points out that Newkirk has not even picked up a certified letter that was mailed to inform him of the board’s move, if he chooses not to renovate the building.
The building in question, the old First Citizens Bank building, which is located on Roseboro St., has been a discussed by the town board for the last two years in regards to improvements.
At the board’s December meeting, the board issued an ultimatum, giving him three weeks to improve the building or the town will do it for him.
Newkirk was contacted in regards to his plans, but he did not return any calls.
However, in a previous interview, Newkirk stated that he has plans to put a mini-cinema up in the building. It was an idea that he felt would bring more people into the downtown area.
Newkirk, who is also the minister of a local church felt that the would also be an extension of his outreach ministry.
Also, he stated due to some financial problems, the progress on the improvements of the building, including repairs to the roof, were not feasible at the time.
However, he stated, “I am definitely not going to give up. (The building) will be something that people will like.”
While Newkirk has still not responded to the town’s request, the town is now having to contemplate its own plans for the facility. At the meeting earlier this month, the commissioners mentioned the prospects of tearing down the facility or repairing it. As to what the board will do is still up the air but will be decided once the board schedules its next meeting.
Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.
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