Demolition Begins On Vacant Property Near Airport

MEMPHIS, TN (localmemphis.com)Demolition is underway at a vacant hotel near Memphis International Airport.

For years, the Executive Inn at the corner of Brooks and Airways has been an eyesore.

After years of taking owners to environmental court, a judge ordered the property be demolished last week.

Friday, city crews began tearing it down.

Why did it take so long? City leaders said the former property owner played games to avoid taking responsibility for the property.

"We kept dealing with these shell companies that existed on paper. And each time we would get them into court and get ready to nail them and ask the judge to hold them in contempt for not cleaning this place up, they would come in and open their books and say judge guess whatwe are broke. We don't have any money," said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

The former owners owed more than $600,000 in unpaid taxes.

When the sight is clear it will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Those who live and work in the community are thrilled but want to make sure the next owner is legit so this doesn't happen again.

"We want to know designs, we want to know the plans. We want to know whats going to happen to it and even have it approved by the city council to ensure this property is developed with something everybody can be proud of, said Memphis Councilman Harold Collins.

Friday, the city also announced a new partnership with the University of Memphis Law School.

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Demolition Begins On Vacant Property Near Airport