I am in the midst of preparing a report on the disparate impact the Mt. Laurel decision has had in NJ, and the direct connection between that Judicial Fiat and the necessity of “Abbott District School funding”.
As we draw down the population of employed, lower income individuals in our cities, we leave behind those who now lack the role models of those who get up and go to work, get involved in the local politics of their city, look to keep those areas safe and crime free and generally make up the ‘holistic’ community that is a City, Town or Municipality.

I have a child. I do not just GIVE to her, I expect her to EARN. Why does the opposite apply to those who we are NOT related to?

Does a child respect what is given with no expectations of responsibility? No. They destroy it because they know there will be no reprecussions and can expect it to be replaced.

I am personally appalled at the disheveled state of the “Social Justice” housing project across Rt. 13.

NEVER ONCE did I go there and toss trash, rip down the fence surrounding the retention pond or preform NO maintenance on the lawns or surrounding areas.

Nor do I support the increasing of taxes on those who paid full price, pay full taxes and utility costs to subsidize others.

But please do not ever EVER call me cold towards poor people. I was born in south Trenton, NJ a very very poor person. Hard work and effort by myself, and more importantly my Parents got us out of that economic position.

The building was publicly owned; it had considerable deferred maintenance; it was probably not up to current Codes in many respects It most likely contains asbestos. And “if” operated as a community center, how much would it cost to refurbish it? How much would it cost to operate it (heat, a/c, lights, staff)? Would it be “free” to users, or would it be subject to user fees? If, during its operation, a major repair was required (e.g. the roof, window replacement, heating and a/c system), how would that be funded? The list is endless.

I seem to recall that “Old School” is not a legal entity, and only came together after the challenged transaction had occurred. I understand fully the sentiment and attachment to old/historical property, and my purpose in writing is solely to focus attention on major issues that seem to be glossed over. I have no “dog” in the fight, and the ultimate result is immaterial to me personally. But let’s conjure a scenario in which the new owner decides he bought a white elephant and desires to return its ownership to the Town, as many wish. Then what is the “plan”? What does it cost? How will it be funded? These are the considerations whether the building had been retained by the Town, or whether ownership reverts. Ask Northampton County about the cost of maintaining old school buildings.

In the end, I hope those who want a community center get it, and the matter is put to rest and the Town can move forward to its next “major” issue in relative peace and harmony, and that discord is only a vehicle to bring focus to issues that require deliberation and decision, not taking on a life of its own.

Tax credits can be used by public entities for community improvements through public-private partnership. Old School Cape Charles was willing to take on that work.

Town Council recently spent $100,000 to buy seven lots at the entrance to the Historic District that hold nothing but a welcome sign. The town paid over $200,000 for the bank building to turn it into a library, removing it from the tax rolls forever. There may well be many empty buildings around town, but there was only one that belonged to town citizens. It was in the park. It had basketball courts inside and outside. It was a town asset.

It is interesting that you note no concern about the insurance scam and the use of town water without paying for it. It seems somewhat fishy that Mr. McCormack has gotten so much from our town for so little.

Actually, the fact that the town did nothing is the reason the structure deteriorated in the first place. Also, the same millions in tax credits the developer is poised to gorge himself on were also available to the Town. Just ask the DHR [Department of Historic Resources], they’ll tell you. In other words, had the Town worked with the community, millions could have been spent on rehabilitating the school, creating a pretty nice athletic multiplex for our kids. Old School Cape Charles knew this, and this is why we fought so hard to keep the building public.

As far as budgets, we have monies for new libraries, floating docks, advertising space, et.al. It seems budgeting for athletics, probably a nominal sum, would seem like an unselfish, worthwhile thing to do. Jen Lewis is awesome, and I believe given the opportunity, she could have done some pretty fantastic things with the old school.

Notes from the Dark Side: In Blackstone, it was found that this very same developer was actually paying one of the Council members for services. There are also allegations that a quid pro quo was also proffered. Did that happen here?

Notes from the Light Side: Mr. Wendell is completely on point.

It doesn’t have to be over. Mr. McCormick walked away with millions in property for just $10, usurped $40 grand in insurance funds, and will eventually abscond with millions more in tax credits (our taxes). The key is to derail the tax credit gravy train. Call or email the DHR and voice your concerns here:
Julie Langan
DHR Director & State Historic Preservaton Officer
julie.langan@dhr.virginia.gov
(804) 482-6087