The fate of the land and building of Cave Spring Elementary School hangs in the balance with the Floyd County School Board.

During the board’s Monday night caucus this week two groups spoke on their plans about what they wish for the building.

On one hand you have the Cave Spring Housing Authority.  In what appears to be favorited by Superintendent Glen White, the group wants to convert the building and property into affording public housing.

The plan would be to create 27 units of one, two or three bedrooms.  Housing Authority Chairman Betty Sue Hickman said that there are currently 116 families on their waiting list.  She said that by converting the school to housing it would help stimulate the local economy.

The second group, which has gained the support of nearly every resident in Cave Spring, the Cave Spring Community Coalition wants to convert the school into a community center that aides in helping children and seniors in the community.

Judy Taylor, who spearheaded the CSCC, said that the goal is to create an afterschool program for students ages 5-18, health and wellness for seniors (which includes nutrition and fitness programs), art organizations and a health clinic, as well as a business incubator that would serve southwest Floyd County.

Taylor also found a deed to the school that stated an agreement was made that if Cave Spring School were to cease it would be turned over to the Cave Spring Consolidated School District.  However, according to Floyd County Schools attorney that agreement is void since there is no longer a Cave spring Consolidated School District.   Taylor argued that the City of Cave Spring, as well as family members of those who signed the deed still exist and their support is with the community center proposal. She went on to say, “the land was donated under the conditions set forth in the deed. We respect Mr. Askew’s perspective but we hve a different legal opinion.”

Taylor turned over a list of hundreds of supporters for the community center. Board chairman Tony Daniel asked Hickman if she had a list of those who supported their idea and she said no.  

Several local organizations have also joined in for support of the community center;  Cave Spring Downtown Development Authority, Rome Floyd County Development Authority, the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia, Floyd Medical Center and United Way.

Many locals expressed concern about what the increase of the housing would mean for their property values.

Board memebers expressed concern about the long term effects of both proposals. Board member Chip Hood spoke about the desire to keep the property looking good for locals, as well as vistors, not just in the near future but longterm.

Taylor told the board that her business proposal outlines the plan to make sure the property stays welcoming.

Hickman was asked about other property’s around Cave Spring and funding to make sure they are maintained. She told the board that the Housing Authority does not have the funds to update all of them at this time but has been doing one at a time for some period now.