PLYMOUTH — Plymouth’s Town Council will once again take up the fate of one of the community’s most visible—and most troubled—properties when it meets Monday evening.

The two-story brick building, located in the center of the downtown business district at 108 W. Water Street, has stood empty for years. Decay has taken a visible toll, with crumbling masonry, water damage, and structural instability raising concerns about public safety.

During its July 14 meeting, Council voted to delay action on a $199,000 demolition bid for the long-vacant Roanoke Development Building following a tense, wide-ranging debate over the structure’s future, historical value, and the financial burden on the town.

Bridgeview Construction’s proposal would tear down the deteriorated structure and stabilize the walls of neighboring buildings to prevent damage. Supporters of demolition say the work is necessary to remove a hazard and clear the way for possible redevelopment.

But the cost and the loss of a downtown landmark have proven sticking points. Council members have expressed concern about spending nearly $200,000 of public funds on demolition, but instead may consider using those funds as seed money to attract grants to rehabilitate the structure.

Cate Harrison, a staunch supporter of saving the building, offered a proposal that could eliminate immediate safety concerns while saving the building’s exterior, buying time for the town or a private investor to explore full restoration.

With the demolition bid tabled at July’s meeting for at least 30 days, the issue will return Monday under “Open Session,” where council members are expected to hear additional information before deciding on next steps.

The Plymouth Town Council meets at 7 p.m. Monday, August 11, in the council chambers at Town Hall.

Full agenda extends beyond downtown building debate

Council’s agenda also covers a range of operational, infrastructure, and public safety items. Full agenda for download appears at the end of the story.

The consent agenda includes:

• Approval of the July 14 meeting minutes.
• Budget Amendment 2026-01 for wastewater treatment plant sludge blowers.
• Budget Amendment 2026-02 for fire department equipment purchases.
• Use of promotion funds to buy an advertisement in Washington County Magazine.
• Requests to release real estate and personal property taxes and interest for five residents: Elliot Keith Ambrose, John Edward Equils, Clinton Freeman, Alex Bradford Pierre.

Old business focuses on engineering contracts

Four projects previously awarded to engineering firms are up for final contract authorization:

• G3 Engineering and Surveying for professional services on the RCCP Stormwater Action Plan, awarded in May.
• Harvin Engineering for inventory of lead and copper service lines, awarded in June.
• Harvin Engineering again for a separate lead and copper “find and replace” project, also awarded in June.
• The Wooten Company for administrative services on two CDBG-I lift station projects, awarded in July.

These items are primarily procedural, authorizing the mayor or manager to sign formal agreements so work can proceed.

New business addresses utilities, scheduling, and security

Under New Business, the council will consider:

• Renewal of a HydroCorp contract for cross-connection and backflow prevention, ensuring the town’s water system remains compliant with state safety standards.
• Changing the Planning Board’s monthly meeting schedule, potentially impacting timelines for development reviews.
• Purchasing a backup garbage truck to maintain collection service during breakdowns.
• Executing an agreement with Encore Technology Group for the purchase and installation of public safety cameras. The project will be funded by a grant secured with help from U.S. Congressman Don Davis’s office.

Reports and closed session

The meeting will also include reports from the Town Manager and Town Attorney.

Two closed session items are on the agenda:

• Consultation with the town’s attorney under NCGS 143.318.11(a)(3), a provision that allows for private discussions to protect attorney-client privilege.
• Consideration of personnel matters under NCGS 143.318.11(a)(6), which may involve evaluating an employee’s performance, qualifications, or fitness for a role.