Old Teacherage fate goes to public comment in Summerville

SUMMERVILLE — The neighbors will be given a say in what to do about the historic Teacherage, also known as the Berry House.

Town Council on Monday put off its latest round of at-odds discussion of a potential sale of the property, to hear public input at its monthly council meeting on Wednesday. Councilman Walter Bailey said he wanted to hear what local residents want.

Public comment opens the 7:30 p.m. meeting at Town Hall.

The Teacherage is a 19th century home with garden grounds spilling into the town’s signature Azalea Park. It also played a role in the town’s 20th century history.

It’s called the Teacherage because it was bought by the local school district in the 1940s to house single, out-of-town teachers.

The town bought the property for $700,000 under a previous council, because the history and location give it the potential to house a museum or some other tourism draw and be used for special events.

The recession hit in 2008, not long after the house was bought, slowing efforts to restore or develop uses for it. Selling it now might well mean selling at a loss.

The current council is at odds over whether to do that, operate it or contract its operation. Some members oppose running an events venue in competition with private facilities.

But council members generally agree they want to preserve the historic property.

The public comment decision was made by the full council Finance Committee on Monday.

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