Warren County board authorizes research into 7.73-acre lot next to middle school

The Warren County Schools Board of Education on Tuesday voted to authorize staff to research a 7.73-acre parcel at 204 Bonner Street, a property across from Nunley Stadium that the district says could ease a chronic parking shortage at events.

Chair (unnamed) told the board the lot is listed with Kirby Realty and includes a house built in 1929 that appears to be unoccupied and in poor condition. He said the listing price appeared high and asked for authority to contact the realty firm to gather more information; the board approved the request to research the property by voice vote after a motion from Mister Caldwell and a second from Mister Judkins.

Board members discussed potential benefits and constraints. A board member said a rough calculation suggested an acre of parking laid out with aisles and landscaping would yield about 100–115 spaces per acre; the chair estimated that the district could expect roughly 75–85 additional spaces from the 3/4-acre equivalent area under typical layouts. Board members emphasized that the vote authorized only research and outreach to the listing agent, not a property purchase or budget commitment.

The packet that accompanied the agenda includes a photo and listing information for 204 Bonner Street; the chair noted the listing price in that packet as about $1.75 million and said he believed that price was likely negotiable. The board asked staff to determine ownership, confirm the asking price and parcel details with Kirby Realty, and explore demolition or relocation options for the existing house and the cost implications of converting the lot for parking.

No formal purchase decision was made. The board directed staff to return with findings and options at a future meeting before any acquisition or budgetary action would be considered.