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Nottoway supervisors hear public views on courthouse relocation; Crewe leaders offer site and support
Summary
At a Feb. 13 work session, citizens and Crewe officials urged trustees to preserve courthouse history and to consider a town-site relocation; Wilkerson offered a full block in Crewe, and town leaders said they would assist with funding opportunities, while supervisors emphasized more data is needed before any vote.
Nottoway County supervisors devoted part of a Feb. 13 work session to discussion and public comment about a judge’s order concerning courthouse safety and security, hearing offers and concerns from residents, the town manager and the mayor of Crewe.
Bill Wilkerson, a lifelong county resident and property owner in Crewe, told the board he would donate or make available a half-block and asked that any courthouse built on his site be "something very nice" for the town. Phil Miscovich, town manager for Crewe, told supervisors the town would welcome a courthouse in Crewe and offered to help identify funding, including downtown revitalization and state or federal programs. Mayor Brenda Payne and resident Deborah Damon urged the board to gather full cost and feasibility information before making any decisions.
Board members noted they are collecting data, talking with architects and considering the state judge’s order. County staff said they are gathering cost estimates and that no vote would be taken during this session. Chairman Collins reminded the room the county is in litigation over the courthouse order and asked supervisors and the public to be cautious in public comments.
Several speakers emphasized historic preservation. Deborah Damon said courthouse buildings anchor local history and warned that moving facility functions can lead to long-term vacancy and loss of heritage if the old structure is not repurposed. Crewe officials highlighted potential economic benefits if the courthouse relocated to town, including higher surrounding property values and more users of town water and sewer.
Why it matters: the judge’s order prompted the board to weigh options that balance courthouse security and legal requirements with cost, historic preservation and long-term county fiscal impacts. Several members of the public urged a transparent, data-driven process before any relocation decision.
Next steps: staff and supervisors said they are pursuing additional information, including architect reviews, cost-per-square-foot estimates and a potential Public-Private Education/Infrastructure (PPEA)-style procurement process to compile options. The board stated it will not vote on courthouse relocation at this work session; supervisors said they will continue fact-finding and hold future public engagement.
