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Resident presents petition urging county to pause demolition of Chesterfield Elementary
Summary
Kelly Michaels delivered a petition of roughly 200 signatures asking commissioners to pause demolition of Chesterfield Elementary and explore an interlocal property transfer to convert the site into a multigenerational community center and park instead of spending an estimated $250,000 on demolition.
Kelly Michaels, a Burke County resident, urged the board to pause the planned demolition of Chesterfield Elementary and consider an interlocal property transfer that would preserve the campus as a multigenerational community hub.
Michaels said she presented a packet containing about 200 petition signatures and examples of repurposed schools in western North Carolina. "Instead of spending a $250,000 taxpayer dollars to leave this neighborhood with a vacant, empty scar, Burke County has a rare opportunity to build a vibrant center for education, recreation, and local economy," she told commissioners, urging immediate dialogue with the local school board and a pause in demolition to explore a public‑park transition. She also flagged a legal concern the school board cites—risk of charter takeover if property is sold on the open market—and argued a county-managed transfer could legally protect public use.
Commissioners acknowledged receipt of the petition and the request; no motion to change demolition plans was recorded at the meeting. Michaels asked the board to open discussions with the school board; the transcript records her petition and the board’s acceptance of her comments during the public comment period.
