April 18, 2024

Newton Inn demo plans to be placed for bid

Council wants city staff, NDC to present more information before accepting contract

By Christopher Braunschweig

Plans and specifications to demolish Newton Inn were approved by the city council Monday night. The plans will be put out to bid. A public hearing will be held at a later date for council members to discuss the project and potentially award contract for the demolition. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Even though the city council agreed to put demolition plans of the Newton Inn up for bid, Monday night’s action does not mean the city is outright committing to the project just yet, staff said. Once bids are acquired, council will have the opportunity to discuss the demo during a public hearing.

Before the Newton City Council voted 6-0 to approve the plans, specifications, form of contract and notice to potential bidders, councilman Mark Hallam said he was concerned the city was moving too quickly, especially when elected officials opted to hold off on selling the property a few months ago.

Earlier this year, the city received an offer from a local salvage yard, but the $495,000 bid was rejected in order for Newton Development Corporation to market the property. This was the same price the council controversially agreed to pay for Newton Inn from BJM Hotels, Inc. in November 2019.

Hallam worried the council’s action would lock the city into the project demolition. However, Community Services Manager Brian Laube said that is not the case.

“We are not committing us to any contract or spending any money at this point in time,” Laube said. “We’re just solely going out for bids and publishing notices, starting the process if we were to award a contract.”

Plans submitted for bidding include the total demolition of the almost 49-year-old structure and the abatement of asbestos-containing materials inside the property. Staff estimate the project will cost the city a total of $700,000 and will be paid for using the proposed 2020 bond proceeds.

The former Newton Inn building, 2000 W. 18th St. S., has been identified as a nuisance of the city for some time. Newton Police Department reported a dramatic increase in criminal activity during the past few years. By November 2019, police were called to the hotel 139 times and made about 12 arrests.

By the time council members receive bids, Hallam also said it would be useful for them to see a report from the NDC on its marketing efforts.

“Most importantly, what was the interest in the property, if any, before the economic disruption that we’re going through now caused by the (COVID-19) pandemic,” Hallam said.

He also thought it would be worthwhile to hear from city staff regarding the former potential buyers — Daniel and Debra Cupples of Car Country, Inc. — and if they are interested or no longer interested in the property. Hallam said it would be prudent to find out that kind of information.

The bid opening for the Newton Inn demolition project will occur April 27. The public hearing to accept the bids and award the contract will take place during the city council meeting May 4. City staff expect the base project to be completed by August 15.

Councilwoman Evelyn George is also very concerned about the condition of the property and said it is important to have it removed. The real estate, she argued, may be more marketable when the structures are demolished. Councilman Craig Trotter agreed, but he also wants to see what Hallam is asking for.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or
cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com