The Town of Davidson and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will host a two-day planning workshop Sept. 24-25 about proposed renovations and additions at Davidson IB Middle School on South Street. The school system plans to renovate the building, and the town is considering joining the project by incorporating a gymnasium and community recreation center.

The workshop begins Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. with a visit to the school, at 251 South St. At 7 p.m., the town and schools will describe their plans at a kickoff meeting at Town Hall, 216 S. Main St.

The workshop continues Thursday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an all-day session studying site plan alternatives and heraing neighbors concerns. At 7 p.m., the plans in progress will be discussed in a pin-up presentation.

The full project, including a community recreation center, is expected to cost $7.6 million. CMS already has bond money for its portion of repairs and renovations. Davidson officials have been trying to figure out how the town might pay its $4 million share.

The county has included $1.5 million for Davidson’s share of the project in the parks & rec bond package, which voters will consider Nov. 4. But the town is still looking for another $2.5 million. (See our Sept. 3 article on the topic.)

The two-day session will be held regardless of the scope of the project – whether it’s limited to just the school renovations or includes the full community center as proposed.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Sept. 3, 2008, “Bond package would help fun rec center, other projects”

May 28, 2008, DavidsonNews.net, “Board studies rec center plan, but hurdles remain.”

May 14, 2008, DavidsonNews.net, “Town, CMS consider joint IB school project”