Future of Limekiln Simmons Put on Hold

Since the fall of 1992, has had an option agreement with Horsham Township for the "right of first refusal" for the former Simmons Elementary School.

The initial five-year agreement for the 10.5-acre parcel now known as Limekiln Simmons School, has been extended several times, including the most recent one-year extension approved Monday by the Hatboro-Horsham School Board and the Horsham Township Council on Wednesday night. 

The latest extension continues the option agreement through Aug. 17, 2013. If executed, the contract would allow the township to purchase the Horsham Township property, which is located at 1125 Limekiln Pike, for $1. 

The district had been using the building for its special education offices and pre-school until last year when the roof started leaking, Superintendent Curtis Griffin said. 

Even while it sits empty, Griffin said, "we haven't decided" what to do with it.

"We'll work on it this year and try to make a decision," he said. 

Township Manager Bill Walker said that, at the outset, the township had eyed the property for a library, a new police station or a new municipal building. But, much has changed in 20 years, he said. 

Now, Walker said the township does not have use for the building itself. Instead, he said the township would be more interested in the land.