Old Demopolis High School at the center of new controversy

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A historic building in Demopolis is at the center of a growing controversy — over a development project under consideration by city leaders.

The old Demopolis High School building is in need of a lot of repairs.

But renovating old historic buildings is costly.

The city of Demopolis owns the building and is considering a plan that would turn the building into apartments.

However the residents who live near the old school are strongly opposed to the plan.

“You look at putting 150-something people in a half a block. It’s already parking issues already. That is going to be a major traffic issue,” said Andy Renner.

“And there are just so many changes that would come in when you introduce that many people all at once,” said John Hughes.

“We moved down here to retire. And quite frankly had there been an apartment building a block away from where we live we wouldn’t have bought this house.”

Residents are also concerned about a potential increase in misconduct.

But Mayor Woody Collins says there are four very good reasons the project is worth considering.

“Number one, that is a 110 year old-plus, very, very historical building that we get to save,” he said.

“Reason #2, we have a 43 year old theater group, the Canebreak Players, if this project goes through, they get to utilize the basement of that building and the auditorium free of charge for 99 years. Third reason being, this community is begging for apartments right now.”

The issue is set to go before the city council — before the project can move forward.