The Wicomico County Council yesterday turned back an effort by County Executive Bob Culver to halt the demolition of the old Bennett Middle School.
Culver’s 5 year capital improvement plan withdrew the money and called for using the building for county offices and moving the new athletic fields for the James M. Bennett High School to property on the athletic practice field on Division Street.
The council members questioned the timing of the decision to halt the demolition plans.
The amendment was approved by a vote of 6 to 1 with Council member Joe Holloway voting no.
Meanwhile, the amended plan also keeps $2.2 million on hand for the demolition of the West Salisbury Elementary school which Culver had wanted to be renovated instead.
Council President John Cannon said that the council would still review whether the elementary school could be renovated.
The amended capital improvement plan was approved by unanimous vote.
