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Council hears community-led reuse plan for Roy Elementary; members praise concept and note possible city support
Summary
Councilmembers discussed a proposal led by Cle (Cle Johnson) and described by council members as the Liberty Bill Foundation (transcript contains alternate renderings) to repurpose Roy Elementary for community uses including classrooms, a gym, a commercial kitchen, special-needs services, and training space; architects have prepared drawings and the city may be asked to provide limited assistance.
Councilmembers described a community-led effort to reimagine the former Roy Elementary School property for a mix of community uses, and asked staff to keep the council informed as plans develop.
Councilman Wilson summarized the group's early work, saying architects have prepared concept drawings and "we're just trying to imagine a new purpose for it and just not to let it sit vacant and deteriorate." He identified the lead organizer as Cle (Cle Johnson) and referenced a foundation name that appears in the record with inconsistent spellings (the transcript alternately renders the name as the "Liville project" and the "Liberty Bill Foundation"). The meeting record does not supply a founding document or a formal application for city funding.
Speakers noted parts of the property already in community use: Emanuel (identified in the record) is leasing part of the gym for archery; the campus includes a gym floor and a commercial kitchen that council members described as in "really good shape." Council members suggested potential future uses including programs for special-needs children, first-responder and police training exercises, recreational uses such as pickleball courts, and community events. They also noted some buildings will need roof repair as a first restorative step.
Council members emphasized the project's early stage and that further details — including any requests for city funding or formal leases — would be brought to the council when available. No motions or commitments of city funds were made at this meeting, and the council did not take formal action on the property during the session.
The meeting record includes no written plan or budget figures; minutes indicate the council will continue to receive updates as the community group advances its concept work.
