Northampton Board sends advanced manufacturing training hub lease at former Middle School to public hearing

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors are moving forward with a proposal to lease space inside the former Machipongo Middle School, now the Community Center, for an advanced manufacturing training hub. The tenant, Eastern Shore Foundation, Inc., would occupy the old media center and an adjacent office — about 4,000 square feet, or 7.5 percent of the building — under a two-year lease with the option for three one-year extensions.

The facility would focus on workforce training in areas such as 3D fabrication, precision cutting and modern manufacturing skills tied to opportunities at NASA Wallops, regional shipyards and, hopefully, emerging local industries. Supervisors said the program could serve high school students, adults and small business owners while supporting long-term economic development.

Concerns were raised about the county subsidizing up to $1,000 per month in utilities for the space. County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski responded the investment is justified as economic investment, noting the county regularly offers incentives to attract employers.

The county attorney confirmed the lease is legally sound and now includes language requiring formal collaboration with Northampton Public Schools and Eastern Shore Community College. The proposal will advance to a public hearing at the supervisors’ next regular meeting.