Pike School of Art officials offered an alternative to their earlier proposal to buy McComb’s old city jail, Tuesday, saying they’d be just as happy to extend the organization’s dollar-per-year lease to 50 years.
PSA secretary and treasurer Jacquelyn Bryant said the organization is in the middle of a 10-year lease that expires in 2028.
She said PSA is looking to do $400,000 of renovations to the facility in that timeframe and is seeking a grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. However, PSA either needs to own the building or have its lease extended in order to qualify for the grant.
“If we don’t get something done, we’re going to end up not having a project,” she said. “I think that’s what we all want to avoid.”
Bryant said there are issues with the HVAC system and old jail cells need to be removed, among other issues.
“All the pipes need to be redone,” she said.
By PSA leasing the facility, the city would keep ownership of the building and the renovations made to it, Bryant said.
“We have everything lined up and are ready to move forward,” she said. “We’re just waiting for you guys to make the decision.”
City Administrator David Myers discussed the terms a 50-year lease.
“We have the option of terminating this lease, giving fair notice to you, PSA, and PSA can terminate the lease giving fair notice to us,” he said.
Myers said the city makes sure it has the option of getting out of all leases, adding it may have other ideas for the building down the road.
Bryant, who also serves on the Pike County Economic Development District board, said making improvements to old jail would benefit McComb financially.
“This is potentially a good economic development idea,” she said. “We have programs so we can engage the younger adults. That helps keep them out of trouble. In most cases, they’ll be able to learn a skill because we have artisans there.”
