BEALES—H.P. Beale and Sons is coming down – eventually. After standing unused since the late 1980s, the former meat-packing plant will face the wrecking ball sometime in the new year.

The office of Community Development stated Monday that a $25 demolition permit had been issued Dec. 12; an administrator’s fee and state levy bring the total to $50.50. There’s a six-month expiration date for work to begin.

Old Dominion Demolition on Ivor Road also confirmed it has been hired for the demolition. Metal parts that can be salvaged and recycled are being stripped from the site.

The meat packing plant, located at the corner of Ivor and Trinity Church roads, began operating in the mid-1930s, prospered for decades before shuttering in 1987 or 1988.

Gene Beale, who owns the place, could not be reached for comment.

Southampton County Commissioner of Revenue Amy Carr said that Beale paid $1,032 in property taxes on the facility’s four parcels. In 2011, the county treasurer stated that Beale had paid $411 in property taxes.