Neglected city-owned property raises concerns in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A vacant school building in Selma continues to raise concerns from people who live in the neighborhood where it’s located.

Byrd School is a historic property owned by the city of Selma.

It’s been closed since 2019 and has sat neglected and in a state of disrepair for the past several years.

“It reverted back to the city several years ago and over time it has caused it to decay,” said Selma Mayor Johnny Moss, III.

“The damage first began in 2020 when Zeta came through,” said city councilman Clay Carmichael.

“The tornado came through and did more damage.”

Thayer Spencer owns property in the neighborhood.

“They just sat on it — and let it deteriorate,” said Spencer.

“This property’s neglected you wait and see Clark. When it closes the same things going to happen. I guarantee it.”

But city officials say they’re working to making sure that doesn’t happen.

“It’s just collaborations. Conversations, trying to develop a plan before they actually move out of those buildings,” Moss said.

“I want to fix this, I want to find solutions to this issue,” said Carmichael.

“A lot of us grew up here, went to school here, and we want to see it not look like this.”