JENNINGS, LA (AP) — A Texas food manufacturer is interested in using a vacant Louisiana elementary school as a distribution center.
The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board is considering a five-year lease-to-own contract with Southern Creole foods of Beaumont.
The American Press’ Doris Maricle reports that it adds up to $62,000 — the first $18,000 paid as rent over three years, with the remaining $44,000 paid over as much as two years.
The building has been vacant for 11 years. Superintendent Brian Lejeune says it costs more to insure and maintain than it's worth.
District Attorney Michael Cassidy is negotiating for the board. He says the board needs to consider questions including insurance liability, and what would happen if the company improves the building but then breaks terms of the lease.
