While local engineer Sina Nijad was testiftying, 58th
District Court Judge Bob Worham rubs his eyes.
Dave Ryan/The Enterprise



LIVE: Updates from South Park hearing

By KEN FOUNTAIN
July 29, 2009
Posted: July 29, 2009, 3:06 PM CDT Last updated: July 29, 2009, 3:09 PM CDT

UPDATE at 3:12 p.m.

Lawyer and Beaumont resident Jack Lawrence took the stand and said the South Park building should not be torn down. Lawrence said BISD took no meaningful response to petitions, which violates the plaintiffs' civil rights and should allow a judge to stop the demolition of the building.

The hearing will continue tomorrow at 9:40 a.m


UPDATE at 1:20 p.m.

Darlene Chodzinski, the executive director for the Beaumont Historical Society, testified today that the historical marker affixed to the South Park school in 1986 has since been taken down. Chodzinski said in June, the Texas Historical Commission sent a letter to BISD Superintendent Carrol Thomas, copying Chodzinski, and said they hope the district will reconsider its decision to demolish the building. Under cross-examination from BISD attorney Melody Chappell, Chodzinski admitted the decision of whether to demolish the building remains solely with the district.

Court will reconvene at 1:30 p.m. and continue until 2:45 p.m.


UPDATE at 11:00 p.m.[sic - a.m.(?)]

Testimony began with the Beaumont ISD Superintendent Carrol Thomas, who was on the stand at the end of yesterday's hearing. Attorney Michael Getz, representing the Beaumont Heritage Society, asked Thomas if he had ever heard Judge Paul Brown, a member of the Citizens Advisory Bond Committee, make comments that South Park Middle School should be torn down because it represented racism to him. Thomas said he has heard Brown make comments about the school, but couldn't recall any specific mention of racism. The decision to demolish the school, Thomas said, was made in order to better serve the students.

Engineer Sina Nijad of Sigma Engineers is currently on stand, and has been asked about the physical structure of SouthParkMiddle School. Nejad is arguing that it would be more financially beneficial to renovate the building, not tear it down.


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