A Message from the Mayor of Edenton, W. Hackney High Jr:
As Mayor of the Town of Edenton, I would like to speak on a matter of significance: the future of the historic Hotel Hinton. I am aware that its current state has been a source of frustration and concern for many residents. I want to assure you that the Town’s commitment to revitalizing the hotel has never once wavered.
In recent months, there has been a positive development. SAGA has returned to the table with renewed plans for the hotel's restoration, by way of an application to our Planning Board. The hearing of these plans are set for the next Planning Board meeting on July 1, followed by the consideration of a Major Special Use Permit (with set conditions) and a public hearing on either July 9 or July 22 by the Town Council. These meetings will, as always, include public input, ensuring that your voices continue to be heard throughout this process. Leadership will meet with SAGA tomorrow to ensure that this proposed plan will benefit the community in all aspects.
It is important to clarify that, as a government entity, the Town of Edenton must respect the legal process and engage with all property owners who bring forward plans for development. SAGA, as the rightful owner of Hotel Hinton, has complied with all of our requests throughout this renewed process and completed everything that we have asked of them as they prepared to submit a new plan. We hope to see their revived commitment to the proposal take shape as a reality.
To our residents and to all those affected, we hear you. We see you. We sympathize with your frustration. We have been tirelessly working towards this goal for quite some time now, and we will continue to do so until we achieve a solution that honors our town’s history and its residents, while also serving its future. As Mayor, I personally thank everyone involved for their passion, dedication, and commitment to making Edenton a better place.