We’re excited for what’s to come at the Budget Inn motel on Main Street in Kenbridge.

Following a public hearing with no participation from the public, members of the Kenbridge Town Council recently approved a rezoning proposal allowing the conversion of a motel on the town’s main street into apartments.

The unanimous decision came July 18.

According to Kenbridge Mayor Emory Hodges, the business’ future owner is set to convert the motel into single-occupant apartments, which could be rented for short- or long-term use.

Not only do we think this project will enhance the property and overall look of the area, we think it will serve as an economic driver and bring a much-needed increase to the tax base of the town.

“A local businessman is in the process of purchasing the existing motel,” Hodges said, noting the motel property includes all of its rooms and the innkeeper house on the premises, “and convert them into apartments.”

According to the rezoning application, Tony and Dimple Hansa Mistry, the motel owners, have granted Lee Smyth 60 days to purchase the property with intent to convert into an apartment complex.

Smyth is a real estate professional with Long & Foster Realty.

We applaud Smyth for the idea and wish him much success in the future.

According to Town Manager Robyn Fowler, the apartments could give people additional housing options in the area.

Said Fowler: “This gives people more options to choose from if they are looking for a place to live in Kenbridge.”

It’s our hope that the project will spark others in Kenbridge, bringing more residents and visitors to the community.