The future of the Robert Morris Inn dominated the Oxford Commissioners meeting as a citizens’ group urged the town to take a more active role in preserving the historic property while it remains in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Al Sikes, speaking for the Friends of the RMI group, urged Oxford to “assert itself in the bankruptcy proceeding” and emphasize the importance of preserving the inn. The group consists of Sikes, Dick Deerin, Steve Tull and Cameron MacTavish, according to its September 8 letter to the commissioners. That letter argued that the bankruptcy should not become “a demolition event” and that the town should work to preserve the property while a change in ownership is pursued.
MacTavish told commissioners that despite being vacant, unconditioned and suffering from a leaking roof, the historic wing remains in surprisingly good condition. “It is not too late to save this building,” he said, warning that “another winter with a leaky roof and no heat” could allow mold to spread and deterioration to accelerate.
The discussion became more pointed over plans for a temporary roof repair. Tull, a Maryland-licensed contractor who said he had been retained by the owner and lender, maintained that the proposed work did not require a permit. Town Manager Holly Wahl said the town needed specifications so its building inspector could determine whether structural work was involved. MacTavish described the repair as “totally non structural” and intended to stop water intrusion through the winter.
Deerin also urged commissioners to adopt a resolution formally recognizing the importance of the Robert Morris Inn and supporting its successful redevelopment. The discussion referenced a separate proposal submitted by Oxford resident Karen Wayland, who recommended a resolution of support, expedited town review for a qualified buyer and a citizen-led preservation effort. Commissioners expressed support for developing appropriate language while emphasizing that the town cannot favor a particular buyer.
The other major discussion involved the Oxford Community Center and the town’s continuing effort to revise insurance and lease provisions. OCC Board President Molly Sause said the center had already agreed to substantial changes involving insurance and indemnification and argued that additional requirements could make community use of the facility more difficult. By the end of the discussion, the principal unresolved issue was insurance requirements for certain outside vendors. The town plans to seek further guidance from its insurer before revised documents return for approval.
Commissioners also approved returning escrow funds to the two homeowners remaining in Oxford’s FEMA home-elevation program. Commissioner David Donovan sharply criticized the experience, saying the grant had been “so badly designed” that it was, in his view, “doomed to fail.” He said it consumed an “inordinate amount of time” and should be a lesson for the town when evaluating future grants.
Watch the full meeting here.
7 Responses
We need to set up a non profit whose single purpose is to acquire renovate and operate the Robert Morris Inn for the Community. I’m sure many in the Oxford community would support this endeavor. The commissioners should focus on making this happen. It is too important not to pursue.
Former long term resident here. Completely agree with this approach. Be happy to serve as At Large member. Too important not to pursue this.
Richard Steeg (former owner 221 South Morris St), now Lancaster, PA
Respectfully how do you propose the non profit be funded? Tax payer dollars?
The building needs over $1MM in repairs in addition to the cost the of returning the building to operational condition. It is not economically feasible to have the property return to its historic hospitality function. Every owner/operator off the property that has had a mortgage on the property, has failed.
If the town steps in and buys the property it will become a white elephant and tax albatross for the community of Oxford .
Trying to insert the Town of Oxford into the bankruptcy proceedings in the name of public interest is an easy way create a liability. Where is the town’s legal counsel on these actions?
What about Talbot Historical Society or similar? We recently attended a wedding at William Paca House and Gardens in Annapolis. See what I found on the web: The local community and regional organizations in Annapolis support the William Paca House and Garden primarily through fundraising events, memberships, and local preservation efforts organized by Historic Annapolis.
Seems like angels and grants could be found for purchase and repairs, then it could be run something like the Paca House going forward. Naive, perhaps . . .
This kind of rescue has been done before in Princess Anne, Maryland and the building now houses a delightful restaurant. After falling into disrepair, the Washington Inn and Tavern was rehabilitated through a major public-private partnership beginning around 2012–2013 to restore the 18th-century landmark and spark downtown economic revitalization. The Town of Princess Anne purchased the building for $308,000, serving as the legal owner to enable public grant applications. The town obtained a $500,000 state Community Development Block Grant. Somerset County, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Maryland Department of Commerce backed the grant. Private partners and local investors loaned up to $500,000 to further finance the renovation. Surely Oxford and Talbot County can mount the same sort of effort.
What is the amount of debt secured by the Inn? Who is the debt holder?
Is it a bank?
Is the debt holder willing to be part of the solution?
PERHAPS restoration might be, in part, funded by recreating the restaurant function first- with an annual subscription for free dining for the year. All others clientele would pay a normal menu cost.