Nonprofit seeks county study and staff‑led committee to repurpose Preston School housing for veterans

A representative of a local nonprofit asked the Amador County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 14 to study redevelopment of existing housing on the former Preston School of Industry site into veterans housing and to form a committee to explore options.

Orral Custer (phonetic), speaking for the Historic Preston Restoration Foundation, described the property's condition and the organization’s interest in rehabilitating approximately 28 houses on Veterans Circle near Preston Castle to provide housing for veterans. "Meeting the need for immediate housing is most important," Custer said, and asked that the board place the item on a future agenda and consider forming a committee to work with the nonprofit.

Board responses: Supervisors said they would follow up. One supervisor said the state previously offered the property to the county when the facility closed in 2011, and that county staff would check the current status of state maintenance, any restrictions, and potential transfers. Supervisor Crew and others agreed to meet with county staff and the Ione city manager to evaluate options; the board did not make a formal commitment to accept property transfer or provide funding.

Next steps: Supervisors said staff would contact state facilities and report back; one supervisor volunteered to meet with the city manager in Ione and with state contacts to determine whether the county or another agency could sponsor a transfer or redevelopment. Custer said the nonprofit has an outline plan and volunteer leadership and offered to work with a county committee if the board agreed to set one up.

Ending: The board did not take formal action; staff follow‑up was requested to clarify state ownership, maintenance obligations and potential next steps toward a feasibility study.