City Council members on Wednesday gave initial approval for the pursuit of up to $500,000 in federal grant money to tear down the Ramada Inn on Kahn Drive to make way for new commerce. The City Council gave unanimous voice approval to the Planning Department’s request to begin the application process for a Community Development Block Grant of up to $500,000. The money would be used to demolish the Ramada Inn at 3608 Kahn Drive and redevelop the property that has been unused Hurricane Matthew roared through the county in 2016. The property is owned by Harry Jhala, said Bob Moore, director of the Small Business Center at Robeson Community College. Jhala’s initial plans are to build a motel and a restaurant. Jhala plans to expand to two motels, three restaurants and, eventually, a convention center.