Rome gets 1 proposal for old school

City officials are reviewing Global Impact’s sole bid to reuse the former Southeast Elementary.

Only one group submitted a proposal Thursday for the former Southeast Elementary School site, an as-of-yet unveiled plan for the vacant property.

Global Impact, of Rome, submitted the lone proposal. City staff will examine the plans for the 1400 Crane St. property before issuing a recommendation to the full City Commission, expected this autumn.

Details of the proposal won’t be released until after city officials examine it. Mitchell Jolly, a Global Impact board member, said his group wants to use the property for the foster and adoptive care of children.

“It would serve as a hub for start-up organizations that want to serve foster kids,” he added.

Typically, it takes two weeks for staff to reach a recommendation on a proposal, said Johnna Allen, assistant purchasing director. “With this one, it’s probably going to take a little longer,” she added.

The property, formerly owned by Rome City Schools, reverted to the city after staff and students vacated it at the end of the school year. Its students will attend the new Anna K. Davie Elementary School starting today.

The old, 48,000-squarefoot school sits on about six acres. Six portable trailers nearby are slated for removal. The nearby Fielder Recreation Center, managed by the Rome-Floyd Parks & Recreation Authority, will remain in city hands.

According to Allen, Global Impact must present a plan for the property, as well as include if it will lease or buy the land.

“So we have an idea of what they’re going to do with the property,” she explained.

Opened Thursday, the plan hasn’t been fully examined, and a sale or lease price isn’t available. Allen said different city departments will be involved in the review process before a recommendation is made to the City Commission.

The proposal becomes open record once that recommendation is made, Allen added.