Schoolhouse fate undecided

by John Fischer and Sally Law
Staff Writers

Athens City Council discussed the fate of the "Little Old Schoolhouse" at its meeting last night.

The Save the Little Old Schoolhouse Group proposed moving the building, built more than a century ago, to a site on the West Union Street bike path.

The group already has secured a $15,000 contribution from Ohio University that will pay for the initial relocation of the building, but renovation and maintenance will cost at least an additional $50,000, Athens Mayor Ric Abel said.

In addition to the preservation of the school, use of the building at the proposed West Union Street location would provide a central rest area for the bike path. It also could include tourism information and descriptions of local history, according to the group’s proposal.

Revenue-generating enterprises could include food concessions, a bike shop or office space, according to the proposal. The money earned would be used for operating expenses.

The proposed site is on land currently owned by Ohio University, which probably would be leased or sold to the city of Athens if the schoolhouse were moved, said Leslie Schaller, a member of the Save the Little Old Schoolhouse Group. The city also might take ownership of the schoolhouse itself.

Athens County Planner Bob Eichenberg spoke in support of the plan.

"While we can’t save everything, it’s important we save a few things," he said.

Athens residents also voiced approval of the plan.

"People on the west side of Athens would see this as a very positive thing," Athens resident John Knouse said.

Council also adopted a resolution to amend the rules regarding use of the city rights-of-way. The resolution clarifies the rules under which private individuals and businesses can make use of city rights-of-way and other city property, said Ed Baum, R- At Large.