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Walton School Study Finds Asbestos and Lead; County Agrees to Pursue Abatement, Demolition and Market the Site
Summary
An environmental study of the county‑owned former Walton Elementary School found asbestos and lead; staff presented abatement and demolition estimates and the board supported moving forward with abatement and an RFP to solicit redevelopment proposals.
Prince George County staff presented the final environmental study for the former Walton Elementary School site on May 27 and outlined abatement, demolition and redevelopment options; the board gave staff consensus to proceed with asbestos/lead abatement and to prepare a request‑for‑proposal (RFP) and marketing plan.
Why it matters: The county owns a 16‑acre former elementary school property close to I‑95/I‑295. Staff said demolition and remediation will be necessary before a sale or redevelopment; the county is proposing a public RFP process and a conceptual master plan driven by community input.
Key findings and costs: Dewberry completed an environmental study that identified asbestos and lead‑containing building materials including doors, windows, thermal insulation, ceiling panels and flooring. Staff cited a preliminary abatement estimate of roughly $15,700 and a preliminary demolition, disposal and grading estimate of about $353,324. Staff told the board the county secured a $50,000 Virginia Brownfields Assistance grant through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Department of Environmental Quality to help fund the study.
Staff recommendation and board direction: Economic development staff recommended proceeding with an RFP process that would include community engagement, EDA and Planning Commission input and marketing by a brokerage firm. Staff proposed forming a review committee (for example EDA members, planning commissioners and staff) to score submissions and bring finalists to the board.
Board response: Supervisors expressed general support for moving quickly to remove hazards and to solicit redevelopment ideas. Supervisor Webb asked that outreach include in‑person town‑hall style input and noted the site’s proximity to Interstate 95 and the future Petersburg casino, suggesting hotel, medical or other commercial uses could be explored. Supervisor Pugh and others said they wanted to ensure demolition/abatement costs are reasonable and that any public expenditure be tied to a clear plan for recouping costs through sale or redevelopment.
Next steps: Staff will pursue abatement/demolition contracting (using an existing cooperative where appropriate), complete marketing materials and draft an RFP and conceptual master plan informed by community input and adjacent property owners.
Ending: The county is moving from study to action, funding abatement/demolition estimates through economic development funds and preparing an RFP to market the property for redevelopment.
