INDIANAPOLIS — Some Indianapolis businesses are scrambling to try to get rid of inventory after receiving a letter telling them they have to leave their current location.
People lined up, waiting to take advantage of closing sales at King's Beauty and Fashions, a store that co-owners have called home for the last three years at 38th and North Rural streets.
"People are friendly. We like it here very much," Yooae Lim said.
But all of that is about to change. Their landlord sent a letter in March saying they have until May 28 to get out.
It shocked the business owners.
"We never think it would happen to us," Lim said.
According to the letter written by the attorney representing the landlord, the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County has lawfully purchased the property under eminent domain.
However, the Marion County Public Health Department said the corporation did not use eminent domain during the purchase.
The Marion County Public Health Department sent the following statement to 13News:
"HHC did not write or send the letter you're referring to. That was the existing property owner, preparing the sale to HHC. The Corporation purchased the property from the previous property owner and did not use eminent domain. As part of the sale, HHC has offered up to $25,000 in reimbursement of relocation expenses to each of the four tenants.
HHC is building campus improvements around our headquarters in Avondale Meadows, including a new public health laboratory for the Marion County Public Health Department. The corridor along East 38th Street is integral to our delivery of care and we look forward to serving Indianapolis residents at our new world-class facilities.
Construction on the campus improvements will begin this summer, but we cannot confirm a specific date when construction will begin. HHC has engaged businesses and community members at Avondale Meadows about the project and we will continue to heed their concerns."
However, customers like Angela Keita said no matter how the strip mall was purchased for, its closure is a loss for the community and local business owners.
"It's going to be really sad because there are a lot of people who don't have transportation like I do that walk here," Keita said.
Young Ko, the owner of Body Gear, has been at this location for more than 20 years. He said he hasn't given up hope and is looking into talking with a lawyer.
"If not eminent domain, I'm not going to leave. I'm going to fight," Ko said.
Neither business has been able to secure new locations and is unsure how they will move and store their merchandise. To help out, HHC has offered $25,000 in reimbursement of relocation expenses to each of the four tenants, but the tenants said it's not enough.
"We checked with a moving company. They checked the merchandise. They estimate $45,000," Ko said.
No matter where they go, they hope their customers come with them.
"I'm still here. We still have time to say goodbye, but I'm sure we will find space around you, so we are not going. We will be back to you guys," Lim said.
13News reached out to the attorney representing the landlord for a comment but has not heard back yet.