Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
If there is anything Craig County can use, it is a Community Center (CC), a place where all ages can go for a variety of things.
“We have great opportunities for our kids today in sports,” one parent shared. “However, for our kids that aren’t talented in that arena, such an idea would be a great addition to our community.”
At the May Board of Supervisors meeting, Hunter Greene of Hill Studio presented the Craig County Community Center Conceptual Plan which was contracted by the County with the use of grant funds.
Previously, former County Administrator Clay Goodman, had recommended this idea could be a joint project developed by the Town and County leaders.
“Hunter visited New Castle regularly, working with changing county administrators, Eddie Wells of the Alleghany Regional Commission and library representatives,” Jennifer Lovejoy said. “He was hired to explore the idea of what a community center might look like in our county. Hunter’s objective was to maximize costs and resources, proposing a welcoming gathering place in the heart of the downtown.”
To get a better understanding of their missions, Hunter spoke with local health providers, businesses, school representatives, civic leaders and non-profits.
Hunter’s first draft stated; “One of the realities that Craig County residents live with every day is distance. At the same time, Craig County residents are known for enjoying their isolation, so they are willing to live with this challenge. While small, the existing library serves a big purpose in the County as not only a library, but also as a central gathering place for the community.”
Dan Collins, the new County Administrator, said that the Town Council and the Board of Supervisors would review the report and move forward with deliberation.
Library representatives have offered to address any questions that would arise and provide the research if the information in the report warrants further development. Residents are encouraged to ask questions.
“Initially, the report targeted a schedule to apply to The Appalachian Regional Commission Grant in the fall to better our application in the spring to the DHCD Construction Grant,” Lovejoy explained. “The ARC grant is a good match for a community center, new technology and business growth which is reflected in this project as it is a $500,000 match grant and the DHCD Grant is for $700,000 with no match.” It was decided to delay this by a year to better develop the project.
Three sites in the downtown area were evaluated in the report. The existing library location was chosen since it sits as the gateway to downtown and is often the catalyst to attract visitors and stimulate businesses.
The report also breaks down the costs and funding needed to build and run the Center.
The proposal suggests minimal input from the county two percent and the Town one percent to maximize other funds. “These can be spread out over a two to three year period,” Lovejoy explained. “The larger portion of needed funding is placed on the Friends of the Library and a variety of grants.”
A Teen Center is part of the project which has been modeled after libraries in Roanoke and Glenvar.
“The bus could drop off at the Center for after-school activities with the potential for supervised evening events,” Lovejoy said. “The youth currently fill our existing library beyond capacity after school hours and during school breaks.”
A Community Kitchen, which can address business development and health and wellness, has been proposed.
There is a public copy of the report at the library for all to read and know firsthand the ideas that have been developed at this stage.
Some highlighted needs include:
●A facility where existing and already funded community services and programs can be available instead of residents driving out of Craig
●A high-tech meeting space with teaching facilities
● Robust internet service
●A safe, supervised area for youth to pursue their education or socialize.
●Training and support services, with a specific focus on mental health crises
●Providing support groups and services to those with addictions
●Developing a community kitchen that can serve as a teaching facility for nutrition but large enough to help incubate food service industries within the County. A more massive visitor center with extended hours that meets Virginia Tourism Corporation standards
●Building a library that meets the requirements necessary to receive the highest allotment possible of state aid to public libraries.
All have agreed that the project requires a collective vision beyond what is known as of today. “I hope we can see how a broad collaboration, with minimal financial investment on our part, can put something in place we can be proud to leave to the next generation for when they become the leaders of our County,” Lovejoy said.
One patron left the meeting and said, “If I had the money, I would write you a check for the full project this minute.”
