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Community groups present proposals in Creswell Schools surplus property hearing
Summary
At a public hearing on surplus real property for Creswell Schools, community members including a local group Brothers With Motion and Tyrrell County Community Development Cooperation proposed field access, youth programming and agricultural/STEM reuse; county staff clarified the property has not been sold.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners held an information‑only public hearing on surplus property for Creswell Schools on Jan. 5, 2026, and heard community proposals for reuse.
Kelly Chesson, the county’s economic development director, presented background information. Commissioner Carol V. Phelps asked the record be clarified because he had been told the Creswell property had been sold; Chesson stated the property has not been sold.
Representatives of community groups offered ideas for reuse: Shivon Spear, representing Brothers With Motion (BWM), said the 19‑member group (men raised in Creswell) is not financially able to purchase the property now but would like access to the athletic fields and proposed to present a five‑year plan for activities and services if purchase becomes possible. Mavis Hill, director of the Tyrrell County Community Development Cooperation, proposed repurposing Creswell High School for youth agriculture programs, climate resiliency work, STEM education and renovation projects that would aim to support local youth and community needs.
Economic development staff told the Board an interested party, Scott McLaughlin, had contacted the county and would submit a proposal addressing youth activities and public housing. The hearing was information only; no sale, transfer or formal disposition was recorded at the meeting.
