Hamlet council declines to pursue purchase of 52 West Main Street

The Hamlet City Council voted to decline pursuing the purchase of a small commercial building at 52 West Main Street after members raised concerns about tenant and utility complications and limited financial upside.

Staff described the parcel as roughly 1,500 square feet on a B2 (general business) lot adjacent to the Opera House and estimated the total acquisition cost at “about 35,000 with closing,” while noting “there is currently a utility issue that has an estimated cost of about 2,400,” (speaker 10). Council members questioned the benefit to the city of owning a property that would likely require holding and maintenance rather than immediately generating revenue.

Mayor Pro Tem (speaker 4) pressed staff on tenant and sewer issues, asking whether the owner had subdivided the larger parcel and how repairs could be completed while tenants remained. Staff said the building’s tenants were using adjacent utilities and that resolving the sewer problem likely would require the occupant to vacate, a step the owner might not pursue. One council member calculated rough rental income at about $600 per month and said that rate would not amortize purchase and holding costs.

After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem (speaker 4) moved that the council not pursue purchasing the property; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council did not direct staff to pursue acquisition or further negotiations.

The decision leaves the building in private ownership and available to other prospective buyers; staff and council noted the matter could return to a future agenda if conditions change.