Cost issues have halted plans to turn New Kent's 1930s Historic School into a community center and library.
The school at 11825 New Kent Highway was scheduled for repair this spring, according to New Kent County's website.
In Virginia's fastest-growing county, the Board of Supervisors is considering using the facility for county government growth instead of a community center.
As the board considers reducing a real estate tax hike in the fiscal year 2025 budget, a Wahrani community center proposal is also under review.
Andrew Smolak of Moseley Architects presented ideas for the historic school in September, including community classrooms, a library, and a performing arts component. On March 19, County Administrator Rodney Hathaway told the board the proposal was “way over budget.”
“Should we go with office space instead of a community center?” he asked. “I have stopped that project while we decide what that building should be about.” The county borrowed $7 million for renovations, he added. Community center design costs $13 million.
“Space is an issue and that will be the fastest thing instead of a $20-$30 million administration building,” board chair Thomas Evelyn said. He suggested using the school gym for the community. New Kent School and adjoining George W. Watkins School are linked with the 1968 desegregation case Green v. County School Board of New Kent, the Supreme Court's most significant case following Brown v. Board of Education.
“We require a community center in the eastern end, but also a voting precinct. No one has one. The space we use is for lease. We will lose space when it is leased. Currently, I cannot find a good spot in that precinct, he stated.
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