Negotiations Underway for King’s Inn Site Cleanup

(KNSI) — Negotiations are underway between the Benton County Board of Commissioners and the owner of the property of the former King’s Inn site.

King’s Inn burned down in September, leaving behind the charred remains of the building.

The board has obtained quotes from two companies on a cleanup. They range from $62,000 to $70,000 but may eventually be higher due to additional fuel cost surcharges. The County says if they can reach an agreement with the property owner, the County will arrange for the cleanup by a contractor and then assess the cost back to the property.

A Benton County Commissioner tells KSNI that the pile of rubble where the building once stood is a concern for County Board members, who agree it is both a safety concern and an “eyesore” on a heavily traveled highway through Benton County.

The County is aware that people often fish in the Spring from the lakeshore on this property, stressing that the land is private property.

There is no official timeline for when an agreement will be reached or when the property will be cleaned up.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal said in the days after the blaze that it was suspicious in nature and tell KNSI that the investigation into the cause is still open.

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