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Residents discuss both sides of issue during hearing

In front of a packed Rooster Hall, The Demopolis Planning Commission voted down a recommend to rezone the old school on Main Street.

Since the vote was 4-4, the request failed and will not be recommended for the city council for approval. The council will have the final say on the zoning. The request was to zone the property located at 601 South Main Street from R-2 single family to R-4 multifamily. 

During the public hearing portion of the planning commission meeting, Mayor Woody Collins responded to a paid advertisement on The Demopolis Times’ social media feed, which was titled “Save the old school.”

Collins said the plan would have done and would not have been a burden to the city.

“We’ve got a developer, we’ve got a contractor, we’ve got an architect, we’ve got funding, but we’ve also got complete approval from the Alabama Historic Commission,” Collins said. “That’s just about what it takes to do something to a historic building such as that.”

Collins said that the City of Demopolis took over ownership of the old school building. But he said that putting more money into the building as it is would be “throwing money into a black hole.” He said they secured a $6 million grant, and the developer has agreed to spend $2 million out of pocket to renovate the building, which would allow Canebrake Players to keep its auditorium while converting other parts of the building into small apartments.

Jennifer Roeman with the Canebrake Players she is grateful for the city allowing them to use the building, but she is concerned that the development might cause issues for them holding performances at the auditorium.

“We have tried to take care and be a good steward of the building, as we’ve been allowed to use it,” Roeman said. “I’m afraid that our patrons might not be able to come if they have to park way down the street. They might not be able to come back up here.

“I feel like maybe this is an opportunity for our city to embrace the arts and help bring it up to a next level — much like the Sportsplex is — to help the arts department.”

Another resident was concerned about how the parking situation would be affected by having this development. The plans call for around 20 apartments to be housed in the old school building. He was concerned that the parking would spill onto South Main Street, especially during performances.

Canebrake’s home

Kelly Mullins, current president of Canebrake Players, said she has appreciated that Collins had tried to take care of them when they first learned of the sale of the building. She took issue with the fact that commissioners had called the theater “a hobby.”

“We produce four shows a year. We buy local everything we can and eat out in the community countless times during rehearsal in production. The audiences that attend our shows typically grab a meal before the show and if they have a drive back home, they’re most likely going to fill up their car, grab a snack before they end back,” Mullins said. “Simply put, we bring revenue to his school. Hobbies don’t do that. As tenants and caretakers of this building, we have put our own money, resources, blood, sweat and tears into ensuring that this building continues to stand.”

Mullins does understand the importance of this development, and it could help keep the building around. 

“The reality of the old school building is apparent. The building is in desperate need of novation. We will reach a point where the love and care we have given the building for 43 years will no longer sustain it,” Mullins said. “Please take into consideration everyone’s opinion, not just some, and make the best decision. “

Laurie Willingham said she is in support of the plan to save the building through the development. She believes that having doctors, nurses, consultants, professionals and others living in the restored building would add to the value of the community.

“I know that many want a cultural art center, and that would be fabulous. But I believe it’s too late for that considering the present condition of the building,” Willingham said. “Right now we have an opportunity to save our school. I don’t live in the neighborhood but if I did I would be elated. How could a six plus million dollar project not improve your neighborhood and increase your property values?”

District 3 Councilman David McCants said he has talked with residents in the area, and he said that the people he’s talked to do not want the residential complex in their neighborhood.

“What we’re asking you to do is to treat us like you would treat yourself. Do you want it in your neighborhood?” McCants said. “The zoning is already there. Follow the zoning.”