Board approves easement acceptance tied to Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant for library pocket park

The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 11 to accept a deed of open-space easement required by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) grant to the Northumberland Public Library intended to create a pocket park.

Esty Thomas of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and Susan Ruberry from the library told the board the foundation’s grant award is for $134,228.30 and that VOF requires a public body to hold the corresponding open-space easement. County staff said some parcel lines were adjusted to allow the easement to be recorded. County counsel also reviewed draft documents and confirmed the county is authorized to hold an open-space easement under Virginia law.

“We have a draft that looks to be in good order,” a county reviewer told the board, and the resolution authorizes the chairman or county administrator to execute the deed in a form approved by the county attorney.

Board members moved and approved the resolution by voice vote. Staff said, if approved, the county will record the easement once final language is completed and will take any actions necessary to effectuate the grant conditions.

Board members also invited residents to express interest in library board openings; library staff said interested residents can visit the library for information.

The action allows the library to proceed with VOF grant requirements and the planned pocket park; the board did not set a construction timetable at the meeting.