Here’s some good news: Whatever your thoughts are about letting willing land owners place industrial solar panels on their acreage, the Nottoway Board of Supervisors held a very civil public hearing last Thursday night. While some speakers said the proposed Rocky Ford project was causing hard feelings between neighbors and even between family members, the dialogue was courteous. Chairman Bill Collins did a good job presiding, and he allowed all 20 speakers five minutes. Everyone got their say.
***
More good news: the Solar Siting agreement, which passed 3-2 for the planned 100 Megawatt facility, will generate $8 million in “up front” money for the County before the 1,314- acre site is up and running. The County will receive another $2,225,000 in tax revenue from the project over its estimated 35-to-40-year life. Construction workers for a year or so will fill local hotel and motel rooms and dine in local restaurants, creating more positive economic activity here.
***
The bad news: all of that extra money won’t prevent Nottoway County from going MILLIONS into debt and probably still raising taxes to pay for a guesstimated $25 million courthouse that’s still being whispered about, plus the $6 million new public safety radio system, $2 million animal shelter, $4 million+ for HVAC at Crewe Primary, and other projects. Let’s not forget the rising costs of paid EMS throughout the county. Also, the last time I checked, new fire engines are starting at about $1 million each. Add another million if that truck comes with a ladder. Oh, also, the County’s required local effort for K-12 education is increasing by $1.1 million despite declining student enrollment. And we the people still own an idle bowling alley with a notorious history. Coming soon: the Inaugural Nottoway County Hard Times Festival. Hard Rock and Hard Booze. Also featuring powerful skits re-enacting some of our most dramatic moments over the past several years. An open mic for residents to scream and let out their frustrations. Admission; $500 per person to help pay for the courthouse.
***
And while we’re sounding like “Debbie Downer” and beginning to drown in our sorrows, what likely will be the highest monthly Town electrical bills on record will begin arriving in local mailboxes Friday.
The Blackstone Chamber of Commerce will have two distguished guests at its March 21st banquet at the Cross Thomas Center: John Reid, last year’s 2025 Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, will be the keynote speaker. I’ve been a fan of John’s for years going back to when he was the morning host at WRVA 1140 AM radio in Richmond. As I predicted at a gathering last year where John spoke, he received more votes than GOP ticket leader Winsome Sears. John now has a podcast, The Reid Revolution. He is a true conservative and Virginia gentleman and also one who can engage in civil debate. His opponent, who is now our Lt. Governor, refused to debate Reid which, in my opinion, makes her unqualified to hold any office.
***
Also scheduled to attend the March 21st banquet is Nottoway County’s quiet, hardworking State Delegate, Lee Ware (R-Powhatan). He’s third in seniority, and Lunenburg’s Tommy Wright is fourth. So take THAT, Northern Virginia! Maybe Tommy needs to serve the NOVA delegation more Brunswick Stew.
***
Power went out last Wednesday at the Nottoway Courthouse Complex, forcing some cases in General District Court to be heard in near darkness. After about an hour of no power, the Judge finally ordered some cases to be continued. So let’s add a giant generator to our list for the secret Nottoway County Judicial Palace. The second most important aspect of what’s going to be built is always overlooked. After security, ACOUSTICS needs be must be addressed. Covering court in Nottoway is a real challenge. I always try to get on the front row but even then, especially if you have a soft-speaking witness or attorney, it’s hard to follow exactly what’s being said.
***
With help from conservative Blackstone Councilman Eric Nash, Supervisor John Roark has launched an online petition drive to renovate buildings at the complex rathern than building a potential Taj Mahal. That petition at presstime had nearly 250 signatures. You can find it on John Roark’s Facebook page. There also may be links to good cigars and root beer.
Loading Comments