Mayor Emery Doughtie says he hopes Tuesday’s preliminary injunction hearing will bring closure to at least one part of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre saga.

Doughtie confirmed today the civil court hearing on the injunction, which is included in the city’s lawsuit against Lafayette Gatling, will be heard at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 1 in Halifax.

“I’m looking forward to it,” the mayor said this afternoon. “I know it won’t be closure. We’re just trying to get this preliminary hearing behind us. We want to be able to get it back. I’m optimistic we’ll get what we’re asking for. We’re looking for closure on this aspect.”

City Manager Paul Sabiston said he believes the city has a good case. “We will see how it goes. Sometimes the court system works with you to get what you should have.”

The seven page civil lawsuit contains four evidence exhibits which include the notice ending Gatling’s contract with the city, a letter demanding the property and past due rent back, the lease agreement with the city and the contract for Gatling and L&M Hospitality to buy the 8.822 acres of land on which the venue is located.

The city contends in the lawsuit it entered valid contracts with Gatling through the lease and agreement to buy the land. The city says it has complied with the terms of the documents and that Gatling has committed material breaches of the documents while the city has given notice they have not been corrected.