Community activist Deryl von Williams was updated by the Vance County Board of Commissioners on Monday evening on the funding status of her proposed Community Center project.
Von Williams scheduled the public appointment with commissioners during their regular monthly meeting to “make sure everyone is on the same page” in regards to the project.
The proposed center would be located in the Vance Manor building in the Flint Hill area of Henderson.
Von Williams told commissioners that she wishes to provide 24-hour day care at the site, an art center, karate center, game room, computer lab, meeting room, a kitchen, food bank, dining area, tutoring center and/or private school for students who are chronically suspended from the public schools, a “Cool in School” program, a tennis court, a playground, and a boarding school for youths under house arrest.
She told commissioners that there are currently “homeless men” living in the abandoned building. She asked if the county has made an effort to remove them. County Manager Jerry Ayscue responded that the building would be boarded up in the next few weeks.
Von Williams told commissioners that she understood that money had been set aside from the project in the amount of $480,000. Ayscue, referring to a meeting with Von Williams that took place on June 18, 2009, told her that the money is not set aside, but is based on a competitive grant application process with the North Carolina Rural Center.
Ayscue went on to say that once a planning grant is obtained for the Vance Manor property and a study is done, then the county could apply for the $480,000 grant.
The county manager also noted that the grant to which Von Williams was referring provided $12,000 for each job that would be created, meaning that it would take 40 sustained jobs to quality the project for the full $480,000.
The paperwork that Von Williams submitted to the commissioners indicates that she plans to create 47 jobs.
Von Williams told members that her understanding was that the money had already been set aside by the NC Rural Center. She also said that she wished to clarify misunderstandings.
Von Williams went on to ask how the commissioners would like for the building to be used. Vance County Board of Commissioners Chair Dan Brummitt responded that the board would make no commitment until the feasibility study is completed.
In reply to a question from Von Williams regarding a time line for the start of the project, Ayscue responded:
“It does take a while.”
Von Williams concluded her appointment with a presentation by a Mr. Mallory on his plans for the site’s computer lab.
Commissioner Eddie Wright told Von Williams that “it hurts me as an African-American male to see that side of town disregarded.”
Board member Scott Hughes told Von Williams that “patience is hard sometimes”. He said that the building should have already been boarded up. He urged the community activist to continue to seek information.
Commissioner Deborah Brown also praised the undertaking. Board member Danny Wright said that he could not think of a better use for “this millstone around our necks”.