Onancock Town Council discusses repairs at Historic Onancock School

At Monday night’s meeting, the Onancock Town Council approved the use of the Queen Street parking lot for the Onancock Market. However, discussions turned tense when the topic shifted to funding repairs for the Historic Onancock School.

The school, originally built by the town in 1921, was operated by Accomack County as a public school until 1984. During that time, the county maintained and updated the building. After it was no longer used as a school, a group called Friends of Onancock School formed in 2006 to preserve the site and transform it into a community center. In 2007, the group entered a 40-year lease agreement with the town to manage the property.

A structural study conducted several years ago identified the need for a new roof and an HVAC system. Recently, the nonprofit lessee requested $750,000 from the town to carry out these critical repairs. The request sparked debate among council members.

One council member criticized the recurring funding requests, saying, “Every time we turn around, these people have their hand out for something.” Others voiced concern that if the nonprofit can’t afford the repairs, the town may eventually inherit a deteriorating building.

“Whether we spend it now with them managing the property, or spend it later when it’s falling apart, we’re going to spend it,” another council member warned.

Town Manager Matt Spuck clarified that if the council chose to support the repairs, the funds would not come from the town’s operating budget. Instead, efforts would likely focus on finding a private investor who supports the nonprofit’s mission.

No decision or vote was made at the meeting regarding the funding request.