Chapin residents have differing ideas about what should happen to the old Chapin High School.

Nicole Burroughs, the town’s director of public affairs, gave a presentation at Lexington-Richland District 5 school board’s Dec. 13 meeting laying out plans for the site of the school at 107 Columbia Ave., originally built in 1924, showing how it could be repurposed as a town center with elements including a theater. The board also voted to have the land appraised.

The town has not made an official bid on the property.

The board voted to give the town 16 months to do a feasibility study, with the caveat that if the district receives another legitimate offer on the site, the town has 90 days to react.

The Chronicle received varied feedback when it reached out to local citizens.

Chapin resident Deana Berly wants the property sold.

“I understand how Chapin folks would have difficulty letting the property go,” she said of the long-standing site. “I believe it should be sold, and proceeds go to bring our older schools up to date. I’m not against the town buying it, but I think it should be awarded to the highest bidder.”

Stephanie Lipford, another Chapin resident, expressed a similar outlook.

“It should be sold, and the district can use the money in inequitable distributions to where it is needed in the district,” she said.

Chapin resident Shari McCall said she wants more greenspace where the old school is located, including a walking track and a dog park.

“I don’t want to see more business or housing development because of the increased traffic those things bring,” she said.

Fellow town residents Taylor Reddick and Addison Hamilton said they want restaurants with middle-range prices, an attraction like Frankie’s Fun Park, or a bowling alley.

Reddick said she wants “something to do in town besides eating and shopping.”

Chapin Town Councilman Leland Teal told the Chronicle that the idea of developing the site sparks an emotional reaction for him.

The old Lexington High School

“The property holds a sentimental attachment to me because I was part of the last graduating class from the old Chapin High School in 1970,” he said.

However, he expressed the need to temper this history-guarding impulse with what’s in the town’s interests moving forward.

“I feel that if we work together from the beginning, we can find a developer that would be a great fit for the community,” he said. “As [the school board’s] responsibility is for the school district, my responsibility is based on what is best for the community.

“This is an opportunity to show the community that two elected political groups can work together for the common good. I look forward to partnering with the Board and developing a solution that is positive for all.”