Moneta Company Set to Purchase Former Body Camp School, Sparks Community Debate
In the scenic heart of Bedford County, the future of the former Body Camp Elementary School has become a subject of local contention. A public hearing scheduled for July 22 will address the potential sale of the property to Zitel, a Moneta-based fiber telecommunications company. This move has ignited discussions about the preservation of local heritage and the future economic development of the area.
Zitel is recognized for its involvement in expanding broadband internet in Bedford County, alongside five other providers. However, the Bedford Community Coalition (BCC) views the sale as a threat to the community’s cultural and historical heritage. The BCC, advocating for transforming the old school into a community hub, fears that this sale might diminish the tangible connections to the area’s African American legacy.
The proposed community center by BCC is ambitious, aiming to include after-school programs, a children’s library, public park, fitness classes, and a family resource center, all designed to resonate with the county’s strategic priorities and a Community Needs Assessment by Centra Health. Despite these plans, the property has remained unused for nearly a decade, prompting county officials to seek a buyer who could repurpose the site effectively.
Supervisor John Sharp articulated the challenges associated with the property’s maintenance and the advantages of transitioning the site to private ownership. Highlight. Sharp emphasized the economic benefits of bringing employment to the community through Zitel, stating the importance of job creation in combating poverty. Sharp’s stance reflects a pragmatic approach to reinvigorating the property that has long sat idle.
Contrary to the BCC’s concerns, Sharp and Edgar Tuck, another County Supervisor, argue that selling the property to Zitel could represent a “win-win” for the community, citing the company’s successful broadband expansion efforts and potential for job creation. They underscore the exhaustive search for sustainable plans for the property that have, until now, been unfruitful.
Still, the BCC remains hopeful, citing statewide bipartisan legislation aimed at preserving properties of historical significance, like the Body Camp School. The school, which became the county’s first integrated school and has a rich African American history, prompts an emotional and cultural debate about the most appropriate future use of the property.
The potential sale has thus far been met with mixed reactions. As the public hearing on July 22 approaches, community members are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns. County officials emphasize the importance of this meeting as a platform for constructive dialogue surrounding the property’s fate.
The former Body Camp Elementary School, established in 1953 and closed in 2015, holds considerable history within its walls. With its large footprint and various additions over the years, the property’s future remains a keen interest to many in southern Bedford County, especially young families eager for community resources.
As the debate continues, the upcoming public hearing represents a crucial juncture for the former school’s legacy and the community’s aspirations. Will the property transition to a center for economic development, or can a compromise be found that honors its historical importance while also providing for the community’s future needs?
The answers to these questions will begin to unfold later this month at the Bedford County Administration Building, where residents, officials, and stakeholders will come together to chart a path forward for this storied property.
