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By James Phillips

After a public hearing on Thursday at which residents expressed their concerns over a proposal to rezone the property known as “the Old School,” the Demopolis City Council voted to table a decision on the matter, which could come back up for a vote as early as the Thursday, Oct. 17 council meeting. 

Mayor Woody Collins read a statement before the public hearing, addressing accusations that his dealings on the proposal have not been transparent.

This deal was no different than any other,” he said. “The mayor collects information about the project and all parties involved, and once all this information is put together, I bring it to the council for approval or denial. This is the same process that has been followed by countless mayors before me and will be followed long after.”

Collins said some have posted on social media that he “jumped on the first opportunity” to do something with the Old School. 

“Guilty as charged,” he said. “This was a developer wanting to put $6 to $10 million in a building that no one else has had a proposal about in over 40 years.”

Collins also urged citizens to remember “the mayor’s role and my personal opinions are different.”

The proposal by Lathan Development would include rezoning and converting the historic building into efficiency apartments. During the public hearing, 14 residents spoke against the rezoning with most citing the apartments as the reason for disagreeing with the proposal. Many also did not agree with the historic piece of property being sold to an outside developer. 

Two residents did speak in favor of the Lathan Development proposal. 

There has been a second proposal presented in recent weeks by the Marengo County Historical Society and Two Rivers Arts Council that would see the city retain ownership of the building and it be used as an arts and cultural center. 

Collins said tabling the vote would allow for other proposals to be considered. Councilman Charles Jones Jr., who made the motion to table the vote, also volunteered to review any proposals brought in.

“I want to be fair about this guys. I want fair proposals or no proposals,” Jones said. “I can guarantee it will not be a shame, because I’m the middle of the road guy. I don’t care either way. I hate to say it like that. I care about Demopolis, but I think we need to do something about that building. I just need a plan that is going to be sustainable.”