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Council declines to rescind demolition vote for North City School after public pleas to preserve site
Summary
Athens City Council voted 2-2 on a motion to rescind its Dec. 17, 2024 decision to demolish North City School, leaving the earlier demolition authorization in place after residents urged the council to hold the property for future use.
The Athens City Council voted 2-2 Tuesday on a motion to rescind its Dec. 17, 2024 decision to demolish North City School, leaving the earlier authorization to proceed in effect.
The motion — to rescind the prior demolition vote and authorize staff to prepare a request for proposals to solicit parties interested in leasing and improving the building — received two yes votes from Council member John Dugan and Council member Pelley, and two no votes from Vice Mayor Curtis and Mayor Mary Eaton, and failed.
The vote followed public comment urging the council to preserve the parcel. Tyler Boyd, a resident of 2005 Cadbury Street, told the council he wanted the land held for future public uses and warned that Athens is growing. “Do not get rid of that land,” Boyd said, arguing the site could serve northside residents in future years. Glenn Whiting, of County Road 655, questioned technical reasons given previously to favor demolition, calling concern about lead in the building “an absolutely absurd thing to even talk about” and noting the building’s recent roof work and potential for reuse.
Supporters of preserving the building pointed to the site’s long history as a school and suggested lower-cost options such as keeping the building mothballed, converting it to storage or civic use, or repurposing it later. Opponents on the council expressed concerns about maintenance costs and the city’s stewardship responsibilities; Vice Mayor Curtis and Mayor Eaton voted no.
The council did not adopt any new direction for the property; the motion to rescind failed and no alternative action was passed. Council members and staff signaled interest in further work‑session discussion and continued community outreach on options for the site.
The item was listed on the council’s agenda as “consideration of rescinding the December 17, 2024 vote to demolish North City School and authorize staff to prepare a request for proposal to solicit interested parties to determine their interest in leasing the building and making improvements.”
