Read Canton's Offer to Swap Land With School Board

The city of Canton has formally approached the Cherokee County School Board with a proposal designed to save two historic buildings in its central business district.

The city on Thursday released a letter written and signed by Mayor Gene Hogbood and the six members of the Council, the contents of which was made public during the board’s Feb. 5 meeting.

School board members during that meeting voted to postpone action on demolishing Building A, the former cotton mill offices, and Building B, the former grammar school, so they can review alternative proposals and options for plans to build a new administrative complex.

In the meantime, Canton is proposing “an option which we believe may serve the best interests of both the BOE and the city while preserving historical properties,” its letter states.

The city’s full letter to the school board can be viewed in the .PDF in the document below, or by clicking here.

At its meeting, the school board also directed Cherokee County School District staff to enter into negotiations with the city on the possible land swap and to report back with those results on March 19 during an executive session that will be held before the regular meeting.

Board members also directed Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo and staff to schedule a design impact meeting with the project’s architect and one representative each from the Canton City Council, the Canton Downtown Development Authority and the Cherokee County Historical Society.

Any suggested ideas could be incorporated into future design plans as long as they do not increase the project’s cost or draw out the project’s time frame. 

Additionally, board members authorized Petruzielo to advertise and accept sealed bids for the purchase of Buildings A and B and the property they sit on. Building A sits at the corner of West Main and Academy Streets while Building B sits at the corner of Academy and Archer streets.

District spokesperson Barbara Jacoby said the historical society’s offer to purchase the buildings for $300,000 will not be considered, but the organization is encouraged to submit a sealed bid along with other interested parties.

While it’s offer to purchase the building has been initially rejected, the historical society praised the school board for its decision to delay action.

“We are hopeful that the additional time will allow them to find a resolution that will both protect these wonderful buildings and support our downtown merchants,” the organization wrote on its Facebook page. “We appreciate the Board and CCSD staff taking the time to listen to and consider public input.”

Tell us: what do you think of the city’s offer?