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Pictorial
The grand old buildings of the Millboro School campus face what may be their final challenge next week. For decades the buildings have been empty, crumbling back into the earth from which the bricks and wood came. A meeting last month to review a proposal by Spectrum Design was poorly attended and most of those in attendance spoke against converting the buildings into apartments. The other option is for the county to pay to have the buildings completely demolished and the lot left open as green space. That the county has let this asset sit wasting all these years is a travesty. Fortunately, the county and Ruritans did act to have the buildings placed on the historic registry. Now the citizens of Bath County must decide how much they want to pay and how they want to spend tax money on the buildings. No matter which option is selected, all county taxpayers will foot a substantial bill. Tearing down the buildings is expected to cost the county $200,000 more than giving the buildings to Spectrum. Spectrum will invest $1.5 million in renovations, put the structures on the county tax rolls, and provide new housing units for the county. Bath County supervisors are asking all citizens to attend the hearing Thursday, Aug. 23 at the "new" Millboro Elementary School. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. and may be moved around the building depending on the number attending. What is vitally important is that everyone with an interest in how the county spends their money, and the fate of these buildings attend and speak up. The board will be in continued session and will have the authority to act then and there. Let them know what you think. (Recorder photo by Charles Garratt)
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