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Resident urges action as council votes to seek demolition quotes for city-owned Midway Motel
Summary
A Midway neighborhood resident told the Virginia City Council the city-owned Midway Motel has become unsafe and unsanitary; the council voted to seek demolition quotes and directed staff to return with cost and asbestos information. Residents cited smashed windows, open doors, animal waste and repeated trespass.
Rachel Strausser, a Midway neighborhood resident, told the Virginia City Council the city-owned Midway Motel has become “a big eyesore” and a public-safety hazard after years of neglect. She described kicked-in doors and smashed windows, boarded openings, infestation and “feces in there” in the motel basement, and repeated trespass that has left adjacent residents worried about vandalism and broken glass.
The council exchanged questions with staff and residents about zoning, past redevelopment plans and funding. Jenny (community planning staff) said demolition is cost-prohibitive without a redevelopment plan and that the city has pursued potential developers; she also encouraged neighbors to report safety incidents to 911 so police responses are documented. Mayor Larry Cuffee noted the city has been directed to monitor the site and that police have been checking it regularly.
Councilor Paulson characterized the condition as a public-safety concern and urged immediate action. “This is now a public safety issue,” the councilor said, noting the site’s animal infestation and structural damage. Councilors discussed prior attempts to pair demolition with redevelopment funding from programs such as the ITRB infrastructure grant and the constraints created by environmental issues like potential asbestos.
Following the public comment and staff discussion, Councilor Paulson moved to solicit quotes to demolish the Midway Motel property the city owns and to gather estimates for asbestos abatement and tipping fees. Councilor Motley supported the motion. The motion passed by voice vote; the mayor said staff will provide written history and follow‑up to the resident who spoke.
What happens next: Staff will collect demolition quotes and further information — including asbestos and abatement costs and potential funding avenues linked to redevelopment plans — and return with detailed estimates. The council discussed a preliminary ballpark demolition cost of roughly $75,000 but instructed staff to report precise quotes and constraints before committing funds.
Why it matters: The council’s action responds to sustained neighborhood complaints about blight and safety on a city‑owned property. If demolition proceeds it will require budgeting, possible remediation of hazardous materials and coordination with redevelopment plans that could affect future land use near Midway Drive.
