NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- What to do with the old Kmart in Denbigh in Newport News?
That's the question the city has tried to answer for a while. The vacant store on Oriana Road and Warwick Boulevard closed several years ago.
Although there have been some ideas about filling the space, nothing has come to fruition.
Earlier this week in a city council meeting, Councilwoman Sharon Scott said the old Kmart is the hottest topic in Denbigh.
“It's on the corner and an eyesore,” Scott said.
Scott said not only is she concerned about what's happening, or not happening at the property, but so is the community.
“It gives people the impression we don't care what's going on in this area,” Scott said.
Scott says there was a proposal at one point to put a Walmart at this location, however, that didn't happen. Then there were plans to bring a Kroger.
13News Now spoke with Gator Investments who own the property. President of Gator Investments Jim Goldsmith tells 13News Now Kroger has already signed a lease and they have a period of a few years to move into the vacant building.
13News Now is now waiting for a response from Kroger.
Scott said city council has been trying to get the people who lease the building to let them know what they're going to do.
She said what they're doing now is including their economic development department to try and see if they can start some sort of dialogue.
“If they are not going to do business here we would like an opportunity for someone to get this building,” Scott said. “In a perfect world, this is perfect for an entertainment complex, skating rink, because we're always trying to find different entertainment outlets for the kids.”