KETTERING — A former Pepito’s restaurant will be torn down after sitting vacant for many years.
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The Kettering City Council is working with the owners of the decaying former Pepito’s on Wilmington Pike to demolish the building in the next month.
City officials said they agree to reimburse the property owners half the cost of demolishing the building and removing the parking lot.
Kettering’s Economic Development Manager Kyren Gantt said the city is making strides to improve the business corridor along Wilmington Pike.
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He said these improvements are made possible through the Facade and Site Improvement Program and the Demolition Grant Program.
The city’s Demolition Grant Program can pay up to $50,000 in the cost for demolition. The total cost for the project will be determined after the bid process.
Huber Heights resident Marsha Burton grew up in Kettering and said fewer restaurants could bring other businesses to the area.
“Well, Kettering could get some more shopping. They don’t have any shopping,” Burton said.
Burton said she sees the former Pepito’s demolition as a sign of stability for the area.
“The city has acquired a string of parcels along Wilmington Pike and has identified several other parcels to activate for economic development,” Gantt said.
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