Another Moraine business shuts down, but city says there’s good news ahead

MORAINE — Another business is now shut down in Moraine, but this time local business owners are pleased.

The sign at the former Moraine Inn is falling down. It’s the only vacant business in the immediate area at the corner of Archer Boulevard and Dryden Road. But it only takes moments to see several more shut-down businesses.

However, there may be a glimmer of hope.

On Monday, rooms were being gutted and cleared out at a motel that recently was a Knights Inn on Dryden Road. News Center 7 has covered several stories there, including a recent standoff.

RELATED: Driver in fatal pursuit among men arrested in Moraine motel standoff

“Seen a lot come in and out of that place. ... Cars coming and going all the time, ambulances over there on the back side or front side all the time,” said Bill Patterson, a local business owner.

The now-vacant motel is across the street from the abandoned Moraine Inn and the now-vacant U-Haul business. They all surround a vacant carry-out.

Patterson, who owns and operates Southwest Ohio Spray Services next to the former Knights Inn said he’s dealt with Knights Inn customers.

“Come over and ask for cigarettes, or if I had any extra money. ‘Got a dollar or a couple dollars’ and I say ‘no,’” Patterson said.

Moraine city officials said there’s good news about the former Knights Inn.

The motel is being renovated and will open under a new chain.

Patterson said he’s pleased.

“Just keep updating the city like they have been lately,” he said.

As for the Moraine Inn, which already was abandoned when it was gutted by a fire in 2016, city officials said the owners have until January to demolish or sell the property. Otherwise, the city will take over and do just that.

RELATED: Fire damages abandoned Moraine Inn and Suites

At this point, the former U-Haul site is up for lease, and there’s no plan for the carry-out.

But Patterson said this change is a good start.

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