The city has ended its contract with Lafayette Gatling to lease to buy the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.
On a unanimous vote today, council agreed to end the contract it had with Gatling and his company, L&M Hospitality. The vote to send the letter ending the contract was not unanimous, with Councilman Carl Ferebee voting against the measure.
In a press release, Mayor Emery Doughtie said, “After much careful thought and deliberation, the Roanoke Rapids City Council has decided to move towards ending its present relationship with L&M Hospitality.”
The press release continues, “We greatly appreciate the efforts L&M has made to ease the stress that our community has been subject to with regard to the Theater, especially during the past months of economic decline.
“I believe with the guidance of Mr. (Paul) Sabiston, our City Manager, and other experts that may be utilized in promoting the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, improvements can be made.
“Will it be an easy task? No. Will decisions that are made have a direct effect on citizens and services? Probably so. However, we must do what is necessary to be successful. I am confident this council and city can do just that.”
Doughtie says just as previous councils strived “to achieve the optimum results for their citizens, we too, will do the same. Decisions will be made carefully. The opportunity for reward will be weighed against the risks that will be encountered.
“The city will first move to stabilize the operations of the Theater in the short-term, including seeking immediate management of the facility, as we weigh our options for the longer term. We hope to provide and are working toward producing performances for the early summer to reestablish the Theater in our local market.”
The mayor in the press release called on support for the council “and every employee of this city as we work through this transition. Also, anyone that may become involved with Theatre operations will need whatever support we can offer. Please keep all of us in your prayers as we seek guidance and wisdom to solve the issues that face all of us and all of you every day.”
