Andi Phipps

––––––––––

Staff Writer

Community leaders and concerned residents turned out for a meeting at the Old Armory to discuss the future of Mt. Zion.

A presentation was given by members of Red Clay Development, LLC, who offered up their vision for the school and ideas for growing the community a well.

Red Clay has reportedly been in negotiations with Winnsboro Town Council for several months regarding the property and are excited at the prospects for the restoration of the school.

Part of the plans by Red Clay include the possibility of having an art school, small businesses, a wellness center and a theater in the buildings once restored.

Local attorney John Fantry served as the moderator for the event and, following the presentation, opened the floor for questions from the community.

Members of Town Council, County Council and Town Manager Don Wood were on hand to hear the concerns of the community before proceeding with their decision.

The repeated concerns from residents living near the school were parking and traffic if the building is turned into some type of commercial property.

Red Clay was quick to respond to those concerns, offering possibilities for parking spaces on the grounds and have offered to have plans drawn up to submit to the town.

“We are happy to be able to open up and include the community in our plans,” said Frank Warlick of Red Clay Development.

The Winnsboro Town Council has already held the first reading of an ordinance regarding the authorization for the future of the building.

A second reading is planned for their meeting tnight followed by a public hearing to be announced.

One concerned resident raised the question of a possible future Town Council overturning the agreement that the current Council might come to.

The response was that through the ordinance and hearing process, changes to whatever agreement is reached would be extremely difficult.

Warlick wanted to relay to the community that it costs less to tear a building down than to restore it. His primary hope is to keep the building standing and return it to it’s previous splendor as well as turning it into a viable tax paying entity that will draw businesses and jobs into the town.