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The City of LaGrange is considering giving an extension to the 2021 agreement that turned over the former Dawson Street School property to an Atlanta-based developer for a housing redevelopment project. 

In 2021, developer Tammy Finley agreed to purchase the former school property for $10,000 and rehabilitate it by converting the school into housing.

At the time, the former school building was in a dire state. Vagrants were living in the building, the roof was caving in and it was generally a liability for the city. People had expressed interest in purchasing the property but not without the city tearing down the school, which was expected to cost around $500,000.

Finley agreed to purchase the former school for $10,000, with the caveat that it be renovated within three years, otherwise, she would have to pay an additional $50,000 for the property.

City Manager Patrick Bowie said that at the time it was considered a win-win for the city. The city didn’t want the school and needed housing. Plus it didn’t have to pay $500,000 to tear the building down.

Last Tuesday, Finley asked the council to extend the agreement for two additional years as COVID and inflation have delayed the project. She also asked the council to amend the agreement to allow her to seek historic tax credits to help pay for the redevelopment.

The council seemed amiable to give Finley the extension, but because it is a redevelopment project, a public hearing is required so a public hearing was called for on Sep. 10.

In other business, the council:

• Held a public hearing and first reading for a UDO text amendment regarding garage door widths and minimum porch sizes. 
• Held a public hearing and first reading for a UDO text amendment regarding minimum lot frontage.
• Authorized the mayor and clerk to execute a fourth amendment to a solar power purchase between the MEAG and the City of LaGrange.