Residents, commissioners press to preserve Latimer (Brown) House as commissioners debate ad hoc committee makeup

Public commenters and several commissioners pressed Sumner County officials to preserve a historic home on Hunters Lane that William and Martha Brown left to the county with a $500,000 restricted bequest, while the General Operations Committee debated whether to keep the existing ad hoc restoration committee or reconstitute it with additional members.

The house and the restricted $500,000 bequest were described repeatedly during public comment as the central legal and practical facts driving the debate. Cynthia McLeod, a neighbor who presented copies of the warranty deed and will, read language saying the bequest “shall be in a restricted fund held by the county in a separate account, and used solely for the purposes of the establishment, production, onboard support, and maintenance of the William And Martha Grama Park.”

Why it matters: the property sits adjacent to local schools, residents and descendants say the house has historic value tied to local and national history, the county accepted funds with preservation conditions, and speakers said the house is deteriorating and needs immediate attention to avoid further loss.

Speakers at the committee meeting gave consistent accounts that the building is in poor condition and urged action. Tommy Laban, who identified himself from Jackal Island, said, “Right is right, and, we need to do right on this and preserve this house. Honor Mister Brown’s wishes.” Michael Clark, another nearby resident, described boarded windows, vegetation growth inside the yard and said the county…