Pocahontas Supporters

It appears we've been stymied by technical issues. The last email, alerting everyone that the Powhatan Planning Commission was set to vote on a recommendation about demolition, did not post for some reason. Hopefully, the gremlins are all gone and you will get this update. The planning commission voted 3-2 in favor of granting the demolition permit, and their recommendation now goes to the Board of Supervisors.

Before voting, the planners heard from several residents opposed to demolition. Each speaker was met with applause from the small audience of about 50 people gathered in the auditorium. But among the speakers were the superintendent of schools, who said that she can't understand why the sudden roadblocks from county leaders when everyone used to be unanimously in favor of tearing down the buildings. She also said that the money for demolition is already borrowed and the debt is already being repaid. Also, the chair of the school board spoke as someone who once worked at Pocahontas and has strong regard for the buildings-- but still believes it is best to demolish those identified for demolition. Incidentally, the superintendent added that while some of the buildings may be in the salvageable category, at least one has "weeping bricks" and as she understands it, cannot be saved.

The next order of business is the meeting of the Board of Supervisors on September 22nd to vote on whether to grant a permit for demolition. The BOS previously voted 5-0 to request the school board transfer ownership to the county to study and potentially save Pocahontas. But now is not the time to rely on hope. If you are truly vested in saving these buildings, now is the time to speak loudly and convincingly. 

Rather than putting specific information in an email update that may or may not reach you, please send an email indicating that you are still very much on board and want to know more about how to help. The email address to write-- with your questions, comments or concerns-- is mythoughts@savepocahontas.com 

There will also be a website, savepocahontas.com, but it will not be live until sometime over the weekend. 

Time is of the essence. These buildings are valuable for historic and sentimental reasons, but also as taxpayer assets. Tearing them down is not consistent with good fiscal sense, nor is it a reflection of the will of residents, alumni and other stakeholders. Please clear your calendar. Make this a priority. Let us hear from you.

Thank you