Algood Officials beginning discussions on the next step for the White Plains Historic Home and issues that need to be addressed.
City Administrator Keith Morrison said the city needs to decide whether to sell the house, make some $1 million in repairs, or let the Friends of White Plains have the building and turn it into a museum. Morrison said City Council want to start by giving the Friends group a chance to determine if the group can operate the facility.
“If the Friends group could maintain and operate the facility, I think that would be in the best interest of the city and the house,” Morrison said. “If that fails, then it narrows down to do we keep it and put the funds in it or do we sell it.”
Morrison said the subject came up while the city was evaluating its budget and looking at the financial plans necessary for the current and future parks in the city. Morrison said the city wants to have another discussion with the Friends of White Plains in three to six months about what can be done.
“I think the (city) Council’s willing to hold off for a year to see how far we can get with this and what options it opens up,” Morrison said. “Or if closes doors, then they’ll proceed on but they’re willing to work with it and try to figure out options for the home at this point.”
Morrison said the foundation, windows, and electrical systems of the historic site all need to be addressed, as well as some general weather-proofing. Morrison said there would be a rule reverting the home back to the city if the Friends of White Plains take it over but fail to maintain it.
“There’s a lot of things the city’s been looking at,” Morrison said. “For instance, the existing ballparks need a lot of updating, the new park, and everybody would like to see more things there, so we’re trying to figure out what options we’ve got.”
Morrison said the city cannot leave the matter alone and let things continue as they are because the house would continue to deteriorate and eventually have to close.
