Whiteville City Hall building torn down despite objections

Whiteville city leaders and residents alike were shocked when the destruction of the city hall building began unexpectedly on Friday, May 8 and ran through until 8 p.m.
City alderman Aubrey Phillips said the decision of Whiteville Mayor James Bellar to destroy the building is not only an injustice and misuse of the building but a way to take a stand against those who could pose a threat to Bellar. Additionally, Phillips said he was unaware of the scheduled destruction until he came upon the demolition crew tearing the building down.
“I drove by and saw them tearing it down,” Phillips said.
However, Phillips said Bellar chose to destroy the building in order to prevent him and others who had offered to purchase the building for businesses the opportunity to obtain it.
“I went to him and told him I wanted to buy the building and put a real estate office in it,” Phillips said. “Most real estate offices also sell insurance and I guess he was afraid I would begin selling insurance out of the office and compete with him.”
Phillips said Bellar claimed the building was old and out of date, but Phillips said he offered to purchase the building and personally finance the repairs needed.

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