Roanoke Rapids, NC still lacks funds to demolish building after $500,000 bid

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. officials remain without funding to demolish the deteriorating building at 201-203 Roanoke Ave. after receiving a $500,000 bid in April, up from an earlier estimate of about $250,000. City Manager Kelly Traynham said the city will seek new bids under state procurement rules, while the city attorney warned against buying the private property or spending fund-balance money without guaranteed outside funding. Officials confirmed asbestos contamination requires all debris to be treated and disposed of at an asbestos-receiving landfill, since unsafe conditions prevent a standard survey before demolition.