We commend Lee Smyth for repurposing the former Budget Inn motel into a needed and useful business. In just a few short months the former motel at 519 Main Street in Kenbridge will reopen as Willow Oak Living apartments. The apartments are designed and intended for those 55 years or older, and all units are to be ADA compliant (wheelchair accessible). As previously reported in the Dispatch, Smyth, a real estate professional with Long & Foster Realty in Victoria, purchased the property from former owners Tony and Dimple Hansa Mistry. In July of 2017, the Kenbridge Town Council, following a public hearing with no participation from the pubic, unanimously approved a rezoning proposal that allowed the conversion of the motel on the town’s main street into apartments. Rezoning allowed the project to move forward and will serve the citizens of Kenbridge for years to come. Kenbridge Mayor Emory Hodges previously stated, “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 town.” We think repurposing the motel will provide additional housing options, additional revenue for the town and enhance the overall look of the area. A win-win situation for all concerned. We commend everyone involved in this project and we hope to see more like it.