The developer of the former Budget Inn site in Unicoi has now backed out of his plans, claiming residents and neighbors’ concerns are fueled by unnecessary fear. Shawn Miller had been trying to develop low-income housing at the former hotel, but had received much backlash from the community. The hotel closed back in 2019 due to high crime, and Miller said, to this day, he continues to have the building broken into and vandalized. Town officials have also not been very supportive of Miller’s plans, telling him they would prefer the building be kept a motel.