KBMT-12 Move to stop South Park demolition rejected by court Posted: Apr 05, 2010 1:38 PM CDT Updated: Apr 05, 2010 7:25 PM CDT Move to stop South Park demolition rejected by court UPDATE: A motion for emergency stay requested by the attorney for the Beaumont Heritage Society has been denied. Demolition of South Park will continue. KBMT has learned that Michael Getz, attorney for the Beaumont Heritage Society and Eddie Estilette, a member of the South Park alumni group, filed a motion for emergency stay. The measure would prevent further demolition of the building, but it was denied. It was a quiet day three of the South Park demolition, as people like Tamara Goree were getting their last looks at what used to be their old school. "Next time I come here it might be a completely new school so I wanted to let my children know - this is where mama went to school and had lots of memories here" said Goree. Beaumont Heritage Society Attorney Michael Getz said he's not surprised by the swift demolition that began just one day after he filed an appeal to stop BISD from using non-bond funds to tear it down. "BISD was very opportunistic in starting the demolition the following day on Good Friday when they knew the court would be closed and there would be nothing anybody could do" said Getz. BISD attorney Melody Chappell said the district has had every legal right to use non-bond money to demolish the school since judge Wortham made his February decision. "He didn't change his ruling - which says we can move on with non bond funds and that's what the district did" said Chappell. The Beaumont Independent School District estimates it will take about 45 days to finish demolishing the old South Park building after which they plan for construction of the new building to start in June. "You could say - well it just happened suddenly - but it hasn't happened suddenly for the kids who have been in the portables for a whole year" said Chappell. Getz said he's not exactly sure what more can be done. "I don't know what can be done at this point, but BISD brought this upon themselves" said Getz. Leaving alumni like Goree with only pictures of what used to be their old school. Comments rita jacks It seems such a shame to destroy such a fine historic building. It should have been preserved for future generations. Such pretty buildings are rare. I come from Germany and we have very many ancient buildings there. No one would consider tearing them down. I grew up in a house that was 240 years old at the time. It still stands and is still occupied as of now. Also I never understood why the city of Beaumont tore down the downtown train depot. Yesterday, 6:26:14 PM Liked by2 Guests ankervinje@att.net It was not good BISD they should have Lamar have the building Yesterday, 3:53:08 PM http://www.12newsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12258328