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Residents press board over proposed library move; YMCA presents market study
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Summary
Residents urged the board to keep the county library in its central location and to prioritize parks and soccer fields; the YMCA presented a market study showing strong local interest and outlined next steps for community engagement and fundraising.
Public comment at the April 14 King William Board of Supervisors meeting focused heavily on plans for the library and Parks & Recreation facilities, with several residents urging the board not to relocate the library away from the county center and asking for clearer plans for youth sports fields and parking.
Joey Slate (District 3) told the board he was concerned that moving the library would reduce walkable access for lower‑income residents and weaken a central community hub. “I like to see in the future King William that it'd be a central hub for everything,” he said. Other speakers, including parents and Parks & Rec volunteers, described heavy weekend use of the existing Parks & Rec parking lot by sports families and urged the county to prioritize fields and safe crossings near schools.
Separately, YMCA representatives delivered a market‑study briefing. Keith Derby summarized a feasibility and market study the YMCA commissioned, saying the survey reached 398 completes and that the study indicated strong local demand: Derby said a high share of respondents expressed willingness to join a local YMCA and identified needs including preschool and after‑school care, youth development, aquatic programs and transportation support. Buzz (Budd) Lambert outlined next steps—community engagement, volunteer recruitment, fundraising and site planning—and asked the board to help facilitate stakeholder outreach.
Board members and library representatives said they will host two town halls (May 7 at the Parks & Rec building on Route 360 and May 13 at the West Point library) so residents can review plans and ask questions. The county administrator also said the library board rescheduled its meeting so new appointees can be briefed.
The board and staff emphasized that library governance remains with the library board and that county staff will continue to share data and host public meetings so the community can weigh in on any relocation or co‑location plans. The board encouraged additional input ahead of the May town halls.
