The former Acme-Delco school campus could be home to a satellite sheriff’s office as well as a farmers market.
County Commissioner Laverne Coleman, County Manager Eddie Madden and Sheriff Jody Greene, along with senior staff from the sheriff’s office, inspected the property Monday. Madden said the field house is large enough and in good enough condition to be converted to a satellite sheriff’s office.
“We determined that the field house is large enough to accommodate the sheriff’s operations,” Madden said in an email. “Some renovations will be required but the building appears to be in very good condition.”
Greene and his staff are working with the county maintenance director Stuart Carroll to develop a budget for the renovations, Madden said. They hope to make a presentation to the commissioners in the near future.
Acme-Delco began its life as a high school, and later became a middle and elementary school before being closed in 2017. Among the plans being examined are a possible purchase by a residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation group.
“We have received several inquiries about the property and expect to have multiple bids to select from,” Madden said.
In addition to the satellite sheriff’s office, ATMC will have an easement for a switch building that will improve Internet service in the area, Madden said.
Coleman said the county is examining establishing a farmers market and exercise park on the 4.25 acres being retained.
“If the county keeps the football field and fixes up that area, it will make a good resource for our community,” Coleman said.
Coleman envisioned a community or senior center on the former campus. Having the sheriff’s facility on the same property would help ensure security, and residents would have a safe place to walk and exercise.
The property is one of three purchased from the county schools by county administration. All three have been declared surplus property. Bids are scheduled to be presented to the commissioners Aug. 12, Madden said.
Chadbourn residents have asked that their school be converted into a community center. Fair Bluff’s college and Career Academy campus is also up for sale.
