Owners of an inn in Newry that was the site of a triple murder in 2006 are seeking permission to convert the property into condos, saying its grisly history makes it difficult to operate as a commercial lodging.
Attorneys for Newry Redevelopment LLC are representing owners Jonathan and Karen Trudo of Kennebunkport in their attempt to convert the former Black Bear Bed and Breakfast from an eight-bedroom B&B into four condos, according to the Sun Journal. Three people were killed at the B&B by a boarder who was convicted in October 2007 of the slayings.
The Trudos tried to continue running the property as a B&B, but found it impossible due to its association with the murders, reported the newspaper. The couple’s attorneys said the large size of the residence makes it impractical to use as a single-family residence.
The Newry Planning Board denied a change of use permit to allow the conversion to condos last fall, a decision upheld on appeal. Newry Redevelopment recently filed a brief supporting a renewed appeal.
