Gov't

Is City Hall Property Deed Restricted?

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In 1906 Mr. Edwards and Dr. Harelson donated 4 acres for the construction of a school house at the intersection of Hooper and Sullivan Roads, and stated in the donation that if the property ceased to be used for school purposes, most of it would revert to the Edwards and Harelson heirs. “The Central School” was built on that site, bringing together all of the area one-room school houses under one roof, and giving birth to what became the Central Community School System, resulting in the city now being named “Central.”
Now, 112 years later, Central’s Mayor Junior Shelton is attempting to purchase two acres on that site to construct a $5 million City Hall. In early August, attorney and City Council candidate Briton Myer analyzed the property transactions, which caused him concern. There seems to be no evidence that Dr. Harelson ever removed the deed restriction on his interest in the property, and it is unclear whether the deed restriction itself is still in place, making the construction of a City Hall on that property problematic.
Briton Myer shared his concerns with both the School Board and the City, but no response has been issued by either. Central Speaks subsequently requested responses. School Board President David Walker only offered that the School Board attorneys have assured that the two acres can legally be sold. Mayor Shelton has declined to respond at all. 
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