THOMASVILLE — A man who lives near the former Balfour school building on Chatham Drive told Thomasville City Council members he wants to make officials aware of the structure’s possible future use.

George Carnage, 210 Chatham, said the building, which has been purchased by a private individual, will be demolished and a rehabilitation and training center for inmates established at the site.

“First of all, I’m here to stop it,” Carnage told council.

Churches in the area have preschools and playgrounds, people jog and mothers walk babies in strollers in the area, Carnage said, adding that the facility would lower property values of the 32 houses near the former school building.

“The bottom line is we don’t want inmates living in our neighborhood,” Carnage said, describing the situation as “catastrophic.”

Mayor Greg Hobbs told Carnage his description of possible future use of the property would require rezoning.

“We have nothing on that yet,” said City Manager Alan Carson. 

Such a facility would not be allowed at the site now, Carson said.

“When he (the owner) applies for rezoning, that’s when we get involved,” the mayor told Carnage.

It is documented that the building contains asbestos, Carnage told council, adding that asbestos fibers travel with the wind and cause four kinds of cancer.

Hobbs said the presence of asbestos would involve state and federal agencies.

Carson said city staff will look into the situation.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820