Pikeville finally appears near to tearing down old school
By Sam Atkins
Published in News on September 8, 2004 2:01 PM
PIKEVILLE -- After years of discussions and then delays due to lack of money, the town appears ready to tear down the old school building.
The building off Railroad Street across from the park has been an eyesore for years. At one point there was talk of trying to save it, but it was deemed to be too far gone.
On Tuesday, the town board accepted a bid of $64,450 from Best Sand & Gravel in Goldsboro for the demolition of the old school building.
It was the lowest of four bids, and the company will have to complete the demolition within 45 days after the contract is signed.
Mayor Herb Sieger said he hoped it would be down by the end of October.
Greg Meshaw with Municipal Engineering Service Co. recommended that the board accept that bid. The town had budgeted $80,000 for the school demolition and $114,000 for parks and recreation improvements. It received a matching grant from the state for $97,087.
The plan includes one phase of renovations, which go through 2007. The board decided that its top priorities are demolishing the abandoned school, improving playground equipment and having more activities for senior citizens.
Other Phase One items include landscaping; adding picnic tables, a 6-foot-wide walking path, a trail-side bench, raised standard grills, a sheltered stage, children's playground; removing overhead power lines; installing underground power lines, and resurfacing the parking lot.
Litter sweep
The board voted for the town to participate in this year's Litter Sweep, which is a statewide event scheduled for Sept. 18 through Oct. 3. It is encouraging residents to volunteer to clean up the town's roads.
Anyone interested in helping should call Town Hall at 242-5126. The equipment, trash bags, and vests will be provided. The board is also encouraging people to clean up in front of their houses.
Other action
The board voted to spend $10,750 on a new chipper and $15,500 on a new dump truck.
It also voted to spend $1,039 to replace the fire hydrant on U.S. 117 South and Ham Street and will be looking into replacing several other hydrants across town.