From Staff Reports

LAKE LURE, N.C. — Lured Market & Grill here faces a summary ejectment and eviction hearing scheduled for Sept. 3, as the Town of Lake Lure pushes forward with terminating its lease.

Following is the current status of the case:

• Eviction hearing: The legal eviction proceeding (summary ejectment) is set for Sept. 3.

• Rent payments: A spokesperson for Lured Market & Grill stated that the town has refused to accept their most recent rent checks.

• Town stance: Town officials noted during recent public meetings that the legal process will continue and they plan to move forward with the eviction.

Following is a summary of the background of the dispute:

• The boathouse conflict: The legal battle began when the town found that the market’s owners had changed locks and stored items in a town-owned police boathouse.

• Lease arguments: The business claims the boathouse was included under the terms of their lease for the town-owned building. The town maintains that the market is trespassing and violated the agreement.

• Failed mediation: Mediation efforts between the town and the business’s parent company, Second Mountain LLC, broke down after a seven-hour session without an agreement.

Following is a summary of the community reaction:

• Local residents packed a town meeting on Aug. 26 to support the market.

• Supporters emphasized the business’s vital role in feeding the community following Tropical Storm Helene.

• Town leadership stated that while they appreciate the business’s community support, they must protect town property and keep police operations running smoothly

Below is the town’s full statement that appeared online:

“The Town of Lake Lure is aware that information and commentary regarding pending litigation with Second Mountain, LLC is circulating publicly. In order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process, the Town does not comment on pending litigation and directs you to the Motion to Dismiss, Answer, and Counterclaim filed on August 5th and are available for review here.

“The narrative on pages 1-3 summarizes our position, and Paragraphs 17-21 of the Counterclaim provide further context, as do Paragraphs 4-6. There are also illustrative images starting on Page 14.

“For details regarding Second Mountain’s historic failure to pay rent, please see pages 19 and 21.

“We encourage interested members of the public to review the filings directly for the most complete understanding of the Town’s position.”

Meanwhile, the “Comment Bubble” appearing after a story on the case by Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) included the following assertion: 

• Ummagumma — “I do not understand why this is play-by-play news. Was The boathouse in the lease or was it not? Was there any provisions in the lease agreement? 

“You cannot withhold your rent because you’re mad. If the lease specifically says that 5 days or 10 days past the due date is a breach of contract, then that’s that...”