Plymouth Mayor's Office responds to Red Rock Inn report, future of Mi Camino Real

"The city is aware that multiple parties have expressed an interest in purchasing the property for future development. The city's role in this process is to provide information about zoning requirements, building codes, and any other regulations that might affect the development. As with the lease agreement, this would be a private transaction between the current owner and any potential purchaser. The city is not aware of any finalized purchase agreement."

ORIGINAL STORY: PLYMOUTH, Ind. -- The City of Plymouth released a statement Friday following ABC57's reporting, showing conditions at the now-shuttered Red Rock Inn. The property owners were ordered by Plymouth's building commissioner to either repair what he deemed an unsafe building or tear it down altogether, destroying not only the motel but the neighboring restaurant on the premises.

Rene Lopez, owner and manager of that restaurant, Mi Camino Real Mexican Grill, said his business has been in the community since 2006. He's now at the mercy of the New Jersey-based property owners, who have requested an extension until after the restaurant's lease expires to comply with the building commissioner's order.

"We're caught in the crossfire here, big time. We've been in business for almost 20 years now. We're a staple of the community," Lopez told ABC57. "We have a lot of our customers asking us, 'What are you going to do?' We don't know."

Likely in response to ABC57's report, the Plymouth Mayor's Office released the following statement:

"The City of Plymouth understands that the news surrounding the closure of the Red Rock Inn and its effect on the attached restaurant has caused frustration, sadness, and confusion for many in our community. Local businesses are part of the fabric of Plymouth, and when one faces uncertainty, it affects employees, customers, and neighbors alike. We recognize how deeply people care about this establishment and the memories tied to it.

Because of that, it’s important to share the facts clearly and compassionately.

The property where the Red Rock Inn operates is privately owned, and decisions about the restaurant space — including whether to renew or end a lease — rest solely with the property owner. The City does not have legal authority to intervene in private lease negotiations or require a landlord to extend a commercial agreement. While we understand how disappointing this situation is, it remains a private matter between the property owner and the tenant.

Even so, the City of Plymouth has not stood on the sidelines. When we learned of the challenges facing the business, we offered assistance in exploring relocation options within Plymouth and expressed a willingness to discuss potential support for renovation or redevelopment ideas if the business wished to pursue them. Our goal has always been to help local businesses remain part of our community whenever possible.

We know this outcome is not what many hoped for. Change like this is difficult, especially when it involves a long-standing local business. Plymouth remains committed to supporting small businesses, strengthening our local economy, and helping entrepreneurs find pathways to stay, grow, and succeed here.

We appreciate the community’s concern and encourage everyone to continue supporting the many small businesses that make Plymouth a place we’re proud to call home."

Meanwhile, Lopez released his own statement Thursday evening, posting the following statement on Facebook: