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Commissioners discuss Johnson School (IEJ) redevelopment; environmental study and parking cited as constraints
Summary
The board heard community interest in activating the former IE Johnson school building, discussed a possible advisory board to guide reuse, and identified an outstanding environmental study and parking-site issues as primary obstacles to further renovation and occupancy.
Scotland County commissioners discussed potential reuse and next steps for the former IE Johnson (IEJ) school at the June 2 meeting after a community meeting drew roughly 80 attendees to discuss reopening parts of the facility.
Commissioners and staff said the building’s classroom spaces are generally in good condition but that work remains to gain full occupancy: the county is awaiting the result of an environmental assessment tied to a plan for housing on the parcel behind the school, and parking/occupancy requirements must be resolved before additional space can receive certificates of occupancy. County staff said the environmental review — submitted by a partner organization to state agencies — is still under review by the state and has delayed encumbrance of the property for redevelopment.
Commissioners discussed forming a community advisory board to advise on programming and to work with potential nonprofit partners that have expressed interest in operating programs at the facility. One commissioner urged an approach that would include community members to guide use and fundraising; another urged the county to prioritize getting bathrooms and parking in working order because those items are prerequisites for expanded occupancy and for smaller nonprofit uses of parts of the building.
A representative of the county said funding previously allocated for the site (including a $500,000 appropriation from a state representative’s grant) has been largely committed to initial work and that remaining funds must be allocated carefully. Commissioners agreed to continue outreach to community partners, to pursue the outstanding environmental clearance and to examine options for making bathrooms and parking usable so the facility can host programs while longer-term redevelopment plans continue.
