Curtis Wynn, a member of the KIPP board of directors, told commissioners today the school was willing to offer the county $765,000 for the building, currently being used by LSA America to build light sport aircraft.
The offer comes with a $70,000 per month payment structure with the final balance to be paid on January 1 or the last day the current tenant departs.
Under terms of the HCP proposal addressing the current situation at the building, KIPP would assume all utility and maintenance costs if the tenant exits no later than December 31; otherwise it requests that county continue to pay those costs until the tenant exits.
The school would immediately begin renovations upon closing, according to the offer, making all reasonable efforts to accommodate the tenant's needs during this time.
Using a slide presentation to pitch the offer to the county, Wynn noted the cover of the presentation showed three graduates of Gaston College Prep who came back to the community. “We're proud to say the school is performing at or above average.”
Wynn said reaching a successful agreement would mean a $3 million to $4 million renovation of the building and would create 100 jobs. He said it would represent a $200,000 to $500,000 investment in the community.
Board of commissioners Chairman James Pierce recommended that a committee headed by the county manager negotiate with the school terms that would meet the county's needs.
“I need to point out,” Commissioner Rives Manning said, “We've got more invested than what they're offering.”
The county has invested $966,533.52 into the building, while other sources put the total at $1.4 million, County Manager Tony Brown said.
Manning asked whether money from Halifax Horizons and the Rural Center had to be accounted for in the proposed negotiations.
“I can't find anything that suggests we're obligated to repay the grants,” County Attorney Glynn Rollins said. “There is no obligation to reimburse the Rural Center.”
Rollins did say the negotiation process would open up the opportunity for upset bids on the property.
Before a motion was made to begin negotiations, Manning said he would not vote in favor of the matter. “There's an awful lot of things we have to comply with. We've got an obligation to that company.”
Commissioner Vernon Bryant said, “This is a great opportunity for Littleton if we work it out.”
Following the presentation, Wynn said while it is a good sign the commissioners are willing to negotiate, “We're under a tight timeframe to make that decision feasible.”
Wynn said there is a waiting list of 500 students wanting to get into the KIPP system and the board has plans to have HCP opened by August of next year. “There's mounting time pressure and we're fighting against that.”
In a February 20 letter to the county, the school's board of directors says the price reflects a third-party appraisal. “Over 1,200 members of Littleton have petitioned for schools to move into the town. It is the belief of the KIPP Gaston and Halifax Board of Directors that the (Littleton Industrial Building) would serve the needs of our students and staff. Equally, we are committed to serving, growing and strengthening the surrounding Littleton community.”
KIPP COO Dawn Arthur did confirm there are other options should the negotiations fail.
“It's nothing against the school,” Manning said following the presentation, “but we've got an obligation to the tenant and the taxpayers and not throwing taxpayers' money away.”
Bryant said he believed the amount being offered swayed commissioners to take a look at negotiations for the building, compared to November when the school put $150,000 and a 5 percent deposit on the table. “We need to do what needs to be done and what we're required to do. It's a golden opportunity for Littleton and all the citizens of Halifax County.”
