Welch Mayor Martha Moore says her former bustling coal town can't move forward unless it gets rid of dilapidated buildings that represent its past.

Moore says the McDowell County community has about 94 buildings that need to be removed before revitalization plans can move forward. Some of the plans include a riverfront park.

Last week, the city demolished a former apartment building and two other structures. The city expects to receive bids for additional demolition projects this week.

Moore says the construction of a new federal prison in Welch, plus a new movie theater and Division of Motor Vehicles building are helping to revitalize the town.

But, she says people won't want to come to Welch if it's full of eyesores.