BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — After 12 years, there are finally talks about what to do with the former Banks High School.

Over the years, there have been petitions to demolish the building and on Tuesday, Mayor Randall Woodfin hosted a town hall meeting with the community to find out what area residents would like to see done to the building.

The school closed in 2007 and sits on roughly 25 acres of land.

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During the meeting, the Auburn University Design Studio presented an array of proposals, covering everything from recreational facilities to grocery stores. Models and blueprints were available for residents to see how the space could look.

In the years since Banks closed, it’s been vandalized and neglected. Residents at the meeting said the building has become an eyesore.

Woodfin made a promise to residents that a plan will be in place by early next year to either repurpose or demolish the building.

“Probably sometime in January, we will review the proposals that have come in to see not only if something is credible to repurpose, and if the actual resources and capitol exists to repurpose it.” Mayor Randall Woodfin

The city will be submitting a request for comment in October that will remain open for 45-60 days.