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Letcher County court approves community-center design, clears bidding once permits are in place
Summary
The fiscal court approved final construction drawings for the Blackie community center and directed staff to release phased bid packages once permits and FEMA approvals are confirmed. Architects described accessibility, kitchen, stage and vendor electrical upgrades.
The Letcher County Fiscal Court voted April 20 to approve final construction drawings for a community-center project in the county and to move toward public bidding once required permits are in hand.
Charles Robinson of Summit Architects and Engineers presented the design package, saying the plans provide a renovated front porch and ramp for handicap access, new interior finishes and mechanical systems, an enlarged kitchen, and a stage with exterior restroom access to support events and vendors. Robinson said some bid packages will be available sooner than others, allowing limited demo and nonstructural work to begin while remaining permits are obtained.
County leadership noted the project's long path through FEMA review. The chair said the design transforms an “eyesore” water-plant building into a usable community space and expressed hope for a prompt ribbon-cutting. Court members thanked the architects and staff for advancing the project and voted to approve the design and proceed with procurement once the building authority and FEMA approvals are complete.
The court asked staff to track permits and to structure bid packages so construction can begin quickly where work is not dependent on final structural approvals. No contract award was made at the meeting; the court’s action authorizes release to bid and contract procurement steps to follow.
The court’s approval came during a broader agenda that also included FEMA/NRCS buyout updates, road projects and budget readings.
