DECATUR - An Oklahoma City group that owns the former Roach School will be fined $250 each day until the roof is repaired and all openings are secured.

The city of Decatur continues to pursue court action to improve the ramshackle school, which inner-city neighbors decry as an eyesore and hazard to children.

Affordable Property and Construction LLC plans to transform the former school into townhouses.

The group admitted in September to being in contempt of court at a hearing before Macon County Circuit Judge A.G. Webber IV. The contempt citation could be nullified by making the ordered improvements and securing the property.

That work still remains to be done.

The group's agent, Jim Hobi, said at a Friday court appearance that the group has hauled debris and mowed the lawn. Efforts continue to secure necessary financing, Hobi said.

An appraiser soon will take a look at the structure at 1932 E. William St.

"I bought this as a turnaround project," Hobi said. "I didn't buy it to let it sit."

Hobi expects it will take 30 to 40 days to make the necessary improvements, once financing is secured. The work could cost about $75,000, Hobi said.

"As soon as we get the financing, we're ready to go," Hobi said.

The former school once was the centerpiece of this inner-city neighborhood, but it has deteriorated dramatically. The school closed in 1982 and has been passed through at least a half dozen owners in recent years.

The school still can be entered from unsecured openings about eight feet off the ground, said David Griffiths, city neighborhood inspections administrator.

The Oklahoma Group released big plans to restore the property, which it called "the Roche School."

Improvements could include Georgetown-style townhouses, a gazebo, koi ponds, a foot bridge, a heated swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi and cabana and entertainment areas, among other amenities, according to a news release.

Decatur City Councilman Shad Edwards has called for the city to "bring on the wrecking ball" to the former school. He expressed skepticism in recent months over the viability of the proposed improvements, calling the plan "outlandish and crazy."

Progress will be reviewed at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18 in courtroom 6B of the Macon County Courts Facility.

Mike Frazier can be reached at mfrazier @herald-review.com or 421-7985.