TOMS RIVER – There are online rumors about the Red Carpet Inn being demolished soon. The only thing that’s a rumor about this statement is the word “soon.”

People have spotted contents of the motel being removed, which prompted the online rumors. However, the township doesn’t even own it yet.

In May, the Township Council began the process of purchasing the hotel and property, located at 2 West Water Street, for $3.3 million.

“We believe we will be closing by month end,” business administrator Don Guardian said.

The town wanted to buy it because of a history of drug use and prostitution there. Officials once said that it had been visited by police 750 times over the course of two years. The town is trying to renovate the downtown area and that property is a big part of it.

The motel is apparently closed for business. Once the township takes possession of it, they will change the locks, and try to keep trespassers out, Guardian said.

“Because it is so close to both Water Street and Rt. 166, it becomes prudent for us to have an engineering firm determine that the building can be torn down without affecting the roadways or bridge,” he said.

Once the building is knocked down, the plan is for the property to be used as a parking lot for now, he said.