Brookhaven officials want action on astalled building project on Brookway Boulevard, and the developerhas stated he plans progress soon.

    The frame of an unfinished building sits behind the Lincoln Inn andSuites next to Exit 40. The city has sent a letter to the propertyowner requesting the partial building be completed, torn down, orsold.

    According to city officials, construction halted about three yearsago and the in-progress building has remained unattended tosince.

    “We don’t need an eyesore right on the interstate,” said Mayor LesBumgarner.

    The letter is the first step following the addition of the propertyto the city’s lot clean-up list. If the city continues to see noaction on the property, it could initiate a process to potentiallyhave the building torn down.

    Jackie’s International obtained a building permit for the site onJune 10, 2008 and planned to construct and operate a Holiday InnExpress. At the time, Jackie’s International Vice President SunnySethi hoped to complete and open the hotel in early 2009.

    Prior to beginning construction on the proposed Holiday InnExpress, Sethi’s company purchased and renovated the Lincoln Innand Suites. Part of the Lincoln Inn’s building was torn down tomake room for the Holiday Inn.

    Sethi cited the economic downturn as a major drag on the project.He said financing for building developments is currently difficultto obtain.

    When contacted this week, Sethi said he is close to gaining thefunding needed to complete the Brookhaven project.

    “Once that is done, we will probably be starting back within thenext 30 days,” Sethi said.

    City Attorney Joe Fernald explained that if no action follows thecity’s letter of notification, a hearing can be called at which theproperty owner must explain any plans for the property.

    Ultimately, if the city can prove a legitimate and compellingcomplaint against the property and nothing occurs to alleviate thecomplaint, the building could be condemned and torn down.

    Fernald said buildings are normally condemned because they havebecome a nuisance or a detriment to health.

    “You have to be careful about condemning eyesores,” Fernaldsaid.

    Bumgarner said that if the city did take action against theproperty, it would be worth the city’s effort.

    “The city wouldn’t mind doing something with that piece ofproperty,” Bumgarner said. “Many of the lots we have to clean upare not even worth the cost it takes to clean them.”