Save Our School- Survey on the Future of Pocahontas in Powhatan County
Thank you for taking a few moments to complete this survey. Your responses will help us to address the current crisis of planned demolition of the Pocahontas School complex, now called Pocahontas Landmark Center.
1.
I am interested in Pocahontas, because (choose all that apply)
I am a Powhatan resident
I am a Powhatan taxpayer
I attended Pocahontas prior to 1969
I attended Pocahontas after 1969
I have an interest in history and/or historic preservation
I do business and/or own a business in Powhatan
I have experience with restoration and preservation of other historic properties
I believe the county has an obligation to previous residents
I believe the county has an opportunity to create something for future generations
Other (please specify)
2.
I would be interested in seeing Pocahontas become one or more of the following (choose all that apply)
A place that displays more African American history related to the school and/or county
A place that displays and promotes the county's history, more generally
A place where the community can gather and/or take classes
A place for tutoring and/or continuing education
A place that offers preschool education and/or afterschool enrichment
A place that provides education, opportunities and productive social engagement for teens and young adults
A place where older citizens may gather for education, enrichment and social engagement
A place for affordable housing and/or senior living
A place for teaching and promoting vocational education
A place that displays and/or promotes art and/or artistic endeavors
A tourist destination that might add to the county's revenue stream
Other (please specify)
3.
Is there another locality that has a model that you would suggest regarding how to repurpose an old structure such as this?
4.
These are the limits of how I think the county should proceed: (choose all that apply)
Study the cost of rehabilitation and repurposing, and proceed only if fiscally manageable for the county
Study the cost of rehabilitation and repurposing, and proceed, even if a financial stretch, locating resources and generating more revenue if necessary
Put the question of the future of Pocahontas on the ballot for Powhatan voters (not inclusive of people who currently live outside of Powhatan)
Study, without a formal vote, what Powhatan residents most want to see happen to Pocahontas
Ask for input from stakeholders outside of Powhatan-- including alumni who have moved away, family members of former employees and students, and others concerned about historic preservation
Rehabilitate and repurpose if the cost to do so is less than leveling the current buildings and building a new structure
Rehabilitate and repurpose EVEN IF the cost to do so is marginally more than demolition and rebuilding
Relocate all employees currently working in the proximal area as quickly as possible, to mitigate health risks to them without having to rush the Pocahontas decision process more than necessary, understanding that timely decisions are still important, given the age and condition of the buildings
Seek financial resources from outside the county, including from alumni who have moved away, family members of former employees and students, and others concerned about historic preservation
5.
I would be willing to help finance repair and repurposing of Pocahontas to the following extent (choose all that apply)
I would help raise money from others
I would be willing to donate my own money, if I am in agreement with the new purpose for the facility
I would be willing to donate my own money, regardless of the new purpose for the facility, so long as it enriches the county and/or community
I would be willing to contribute an amount up to but not greater than $500
I would be willing to contribute an amount up to but not greater than $1,000
I would be willing to contribute an amount up to but not greater than $5000
I would be willing to contribute an amount up to but not greater than $10000
I might be willing to contribute an amount greater than $10000, depending on the plans
I am prepared at this moment to make a firm pledge of dollars (amount or range stated in the comments) if it means preserving most or all of these structures
Other (please specify)
6.
Who should own the Pocahontas complex? (You may use the OTHER box to elaborate if no option captures your preference completely.)
Powhatan School Board
Powhatan County
A new, non-profit organization, set up to take ownership of the property for little or no cost, working collaboratively with county leaders to maximize the public good
A new, non-profit organization, set up to purchase the property at or possibly below market value and operate it for the public good
A private, for-profit company, which should buy it from the school division or county and use it however that company sees fit
Other (please specify)