Unable to agree to a purchase price for the site of the former Montopolis Negro School, Austin will move forward with plans to take it through eminent domain proceedings even after months of negotiation as of July 2018. Austin City Council approved a measure to pursue eminent domain proceedings after being unable to agree on a purchase price as reported by Austin Monitor, Houston Chronicle, and the Austin Statesman.
Planning commissioners voted to deny a rezoning application for the former Montopolis Negro School property. Austin City Council is going to be seizing the site of the old Montopolis Negro School.
Property owner Austin Stowell has applied for the property to be rezoned from single family to community commercial with historic zoning granted for the school structure. Austin Stowell has already expressed dissatisfaction with the city's handling of the situation. The city has proposed paying $362,000 for the 0.85-acre tract of land.
The case has drawn controversy throughout the city of Austin, especially towards property owner Austin Stowell and historian Fred McGhee. This was also in large part thanks to the strong opposition of community members. Austin Stowell is aware of the historical significance of the school itself. However the historical significance of this property will not cease any demolition.
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