With 342 signatures on the petition as of 1/31/22, and 45 additional signatures on a paper petition, it appears from a letter I received today from Jared Jenkins, town attorney, who I've been told was Chuck Unroe's cousin, that the Stone House will not be restored. Why?
Are there plans to tear the building down? Are there plans to sell the building? Why? This is a building that is part of our history.
I have attempted to attach the letter to the update, however, I can only get part of it. If you would like a copy of the entire letter, contact me at 804-516-8561 or stewartgoodwin@live.com and I will be more than happy to send you a copy.
Additionally, someone has been spreading the rumor that I stated the town supports the fund raising. That could not be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, I have stated to multiple people on multiple occasions that the Town Manager has stood in the way of every effort to raise funds, including receiving a grant from the State of Virginia through the Historic Preservation Committee. I believe I know who is making these accusations. She is a business owner in town who told me in an email I was not to speak to anyone about the Stone House, not even Vice Mayor Irvine. I have a copy of that email as well if you would like a copy.
Now, I need your help. More than a signature on a petition. More than purchasing copies of "The History of Clifton Forge, Virginia Beginnings to 1970". It was made clear that all net proceeds would go toward the restoration of the Stone House.
I need you to call, write or email Chuck Unroe at P. O. Box 631, Clifton Forge, VA 24422; phone 540-863-2500, email at cunroe@cliftonforgeva.gov
Vice-mayor Jeff Irvine, phone 540-620-1977, email at jirvine@cliftonforgeva.gov
Council member, Robert Umstead, phone 540-958-2980, email rumstead@cliftonforgeva.gov
Council member Carl "Shorty" Wolfe, Jr, email at cwolfe@cliftonforgeva.gov
There are 2 new council members, however, I do not have their information.
Please express your concern about the restoration of the Stone House.
The Town officials work FOR YOU!
Additionally, if you go on the Alleghany Journal fb page on July 14, 2021, Chuck Unroe talks about the plans for Mountain View Cemetery.
Thank you for your support in the matter. You have shown your support by signing the petition. Now, please show your support by contacting the council and let them know the Stone House needs to be restored. It is a historic building built by our ancestors in 1934 during the recovery from the Great Depression.
Thank you for your support. And don't forget to share the link to the petition.