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ECC member urges RFI to explore converting underused Potts Building into affordable housing
Summary
Trace Williams proposed that Fayette County Public Schools issue an RFI to explore selling or leasing the underused Potts Building for affordable housing, citing high maintenance costs; ECC members supported pursuing information from district operations and the Board of Education and recommended follow-up meetings and records requests.
Committee member Trace Williams proposed that the district issue a request for information (RFI) to solicit developer ideas for converting or redeveloping the Potts Building—an underused, district‑owned property on Main Street—into affordable housing in partnership with the city of Lexington.
Williams said the building is underutilized, that he understood it costs about $180,000 a year to operate, and that an RFI would be a low‑risk way for the district to solicit proposals without committing funds. Members discussed prior Board work groups and budget recommendations that suggested considering property sales to generate cash flow. Several members recommended a one‑on‑one meeting with the district’s chief officer of operations, Dr. Myron Thompson, to gather historic evaluations and committee findings.
The ECC voted to extend the meeting to 8:00 p.m. and later to 8:15 p.m. to complete discussion. Members suggested combining a formal open‑records request with direct meetings to ensure the committee and Board have documentation when considering the idea. The chair and others indicated willingness to carry the recommendation to the Board of Education and to participate in follow‑up meetings.
Why it matters: The idea could convert an underused district asset into housing that addresses local affordability needs while creating district cash flow, but it requires formal vetting, coordination with city officials and a review of prior committee findings and financial impacts.
Next steps identified in the meeting included arranging a meeting with Dr. Myron Thompson, preparing open‑records requests or shared records requests from the ECC, and potentially raising the matter at an upcoming planning meeting or with the Board of Education for consideration.
