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Mecklenburg County board exercises option to buy 30-acre parcel for new elementary school, approves $800,000 appropriation
Summary
The Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors voted April 23 to exercise an option to purchase a 30-acre parcel for the Lacrosse Elementary School from James C. Newell and Geraldine K. Newell and appropriated $800,000 from fund balance to the new elementary school fund to cover the purchase and closing costs.
The Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors on April 23 approved a resolution exercising an option to purchase a 30-acre parcel for a new elementary school and appropriated $800,000 from fund balance to the county's new elementary school fund to cover the purchase and closing costs.
The resolution states the county acquired an option to purchase the 30-acre parcel by exclusive option contract dated May 13, 2025, and references a second option contract dated October 9, 2025 that the county may extend. The board authorized the county administrator, board chair, or vice chair (any of whom may act alone) to send written notice to the landowners, take all actions necessary to close on the purchase under the original option contract, sign a first addendum to the second option contract to extend option terms through December 31, 2027 (with additional extension rights into 2028), and record a memorandum of the second option contract and addendum in the circuit court clerk's office.
The resolution appropriated $800,000 from fund balance to Fund 115 (New Elementary School Fund) in the FY2025-26 Mecklenburg County budget for the land purchase and acquisition costs. Supervisors voted by roll call to approve the package of enactments and the appropriation.
Board members commented favorably about making progress on the school site and praised staff for the work securing the property. The board also discussed related matters including how the county will offer small parcels for sale (including options to deed property back to prior donors in limited cases), redirecting an available regional economic development contribution toward downtown infrastructure, and timing for upcoming zoning map and ordinance adoption slated for a May 11 vote.
Next steps: county administration will send the written notice to the landowners, complete closing steps, and return any further required documentation to the board. The first addendum and memorandum will be prepared in a form approved by the county attorney and recorded in the circuit court clerk's office as authorized by the board.
