PAVC seeks new location
Published 2:23 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018
- Pictured is the back end of the building, located adjacent to the Wilck’s Lake entrance off W. Third Street, which is being sought by the Piedmont Area Veterans Council and being considered by the Farmville Town Council. (Photo by Emily Hollingsworth)
Members of the Farmville Town Council discussed a building in town that could potentially serve as office space for the Piedmont Area Veterans Council (PAVC) during its April 11 meeting.
Town Manager Gerald Spates said the PAVC is considering a location at the building where the Simpson tax office formerly operated.
The PAVC, according to the meeting board packet, requested a lease from the town, which currently owns the building.
The building is located off W. Third Street, adjacent to the Wilck’s Lake entrance.
The recommendation, according to the meeting board packet, is to consider a lease agreement with the PAVC for $1.
“The Piedmont Area Veterans Council will do all the needed painting and repairs, under the town’s supervision and will be responsible for paying all utilities to include electric, water, sewer and etc.,” the packet cited.
A letter from PAVC President Dennis W. Merkle Sr., included in the meeting board packet, said the PAVC works with active duty military, veterans and family members in 10 counties, including Prince Edward, Cumberland and Buckingham, to offer services and resources for service members.
The letter also noted the recent closing of the Veterans Clothes Closet on 146 N. Main St. due to staffing concerns and said the store had been its primary source of income.
“If we are not able to secure a future location for the PAVC by the end of May to continue our operations, assistance to many veterans throughout the area will be greatly reduce(d) which also will have an impact in the amount of generated income into individual counties,” the letter cited.
The letter also cited that the PAVC works with the American Legion Post #32 in Farmville to have an accredited Veteran Services Officer to file VA benefit and health care forms. The letter cited the officer position is unpaid.
Spates requested that a committee with the town meet with the PAVC to discuss the building.
Members of the Town Council voted unanimously in favor of referring the PAVC to the property committee for further discussion.
