South Park supporters going to court Tuesday

July 28, 2009 8:06 AM
Scott Lawrence

A judge will hold a hearing Tuesday on a preservation group's request for an injunction to prevent the demolition of the former South Park High School building.

The Beaumont Heritage Society and a number of supporters from the South Park area believe the school's history merits its preservation. Supporters say they aren't mandating its continued use as a school but believe it could serve a number of possible functions in the district.

State District Court Judge Bob Wortham granted a restraining order July 1.

He's scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m.

The Beaumont Independent School District was preparing to tear down the building this summer. The building had most recently been used as a middle school. The district plans to build a new school on the site as part of its $389 million bond issue.

An attorney who represents the Heritage Society says the school can be refurbished and the district could use the money for other projects.

Judge Wortham told KFDM News one of the arguments that prompted him to grant the restraining order is the Heritage Society's contention that the district didn't follow proper guidelines for dealing with buildings deemed historic landmarks.

He says the group must offer facts in an attempt to prove its case in court during the hearing.

Wortham says the hearing could last two days.


http://www.kfdm.com/news/school-33126-district-hearing.html