Jacksonville council holds first reading on land transfer for new school

Kitty Stone Elementary School

The Jacksonville City Council held a required first reading Monday on an ordinance that would give about 30 acres of land to the Board of Education for a new elementary school.  The Chief Ladiga Trail borders the proposed site’s western edge, James Hopkin’s Road borders the property’s east side and George Douthit Drive lines the south end of the property. The northern edge of the proposed site is an extension of Emily’s Pass that runs to the bike trail.  The school board selected the site, but the city must transfer the land before construction can begin. Monday’s reading was necessary for the council to vote on the measure at their next meeting.  School officials asked the city for 31 acres of land for the project, but the city council asked the mayor to negotiate for just 20. Through talks, that number went up.  School officials said they need the property to stretch between the bike trail and James Hopkins Road, and from George Douthit to Emily’s Pass to make it easier to transport students.

The school board and the council met in a work session prior to Mondays meeting to further discuss the land deal. About 90 people attended the formal meeting after the work session, and about 12 of them addressed the council about the new school construction.