NC city running out of patience with vacant hotel

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) — Fayetteville officials are running out of patience with the owner of a landmark hotel that’s now without tenants, electricity and running water.

The Fayetteville Observer reports that City Manager Dale Iman says the vacant Prince Charles Hotel is a safety hazard since two night spots recently moved out.

Iman says officials plan to seek a warrant to enter the building and start a fire watch until they can determine a further course of action.

The 86-year-old downtown hotel, directly across from city hall, is owned by John Chen of New York City. Chen bought the building for $1.9 million at a 2007 auction with plans to fix it up, but so far hasn’t followed through on them.

Chen did not return a phone call seeking comment.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)