Hope for blighted property in N.Ky.

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. - Developers are eyeing a slice of Fort Mitchell that was once known for prostitution, drugs and violence.

Located just off I-75 along Dixie Highway the USA Hotel was a sore spot for nearby residents and members of the Fort Mitchell community.

Stephanie Shull just moved to the neighborhood. "Neighbors told me they had multiple strange cars parking on the street, people walking through their yards multiple illegal activities going on over there," she said.

According to Fort Mitchell's police chief, Jeff Eldridge, the hotel located next to the highway was a place his officers responded to often.

"We had prostitution runs. We'd have domestics, drug cases. Several times we'd walk the property and find hypodermic needles and what not lying in the parking lot," said Eldridge.

The owner Vijay Patel and Fort Mitchell LLC closed last December after the city issued a sixth nuisance ordinance there. Currently Patel owes Fort Mitchell roughly $75,000.

Patel also owes the former owner of the property roughly $200,000.

As the property sits and Patel tries to make payments or find a buyer, the city has entertained proposals by interested developers.

"There's been four groups that we've been discussing with regard to redeveloping the hotel," said Fort Mitchell's Mayor Chris Weist.

Weist says that discussions have included mentions of possible mixed use developments with office space, restaurant and even a smaller more luxury hotel.

"We've promised them(developers)we're not going to reveal their identities but you would know who they are," said Weist.

That sounds great news for Shull who expects the best from Fort Mitchell. "Overall, this area is known for its high standards on development and the way that people are expected to keep their property. So, yeah, we're just ecstatic that there's the possibility of something positive behind us," said Shull.

Should Patel be foreclosed on the property would likely be put up for auction. Weist says he would encourage the developers interested in the property to buy it outright if and when it goes up for sale.