Second Stage Lease Update

For those of you who did't read last week's Amherst New Era Progress, reporter Sherese Gore did an extensive article regarding a lease contract that has been delivered to the Second Stage Board of Directors from the Amherst County Board of Supervisors. It can be read here.The Second Stage Board has met and sent the following response to questions from Ms. Gore:

STATEMENT FROM SECOND STAGE | AMHERST REGARDING LEASE TO FORMER ABC BUILDING / 12/23/14

On December 16 the Amherst County Board of Supervisors (The County) offered to lease the former Amherst Baptist Church building in the Town of Amherst (The Church) to Second Stage I Amherst (Second Stage). Second Stage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit citizen's group organized to help attact small businesses and artists to the County and to promote tourism and the increased tax revenues it provides. We believe these goals can best be accomplished by preserving and using our historic and architectural landmarks and expanding and publicizing all of the wonderful attractions that Amherst County offers to its residents and visitors. Second Stage has taken the lead by hosting numerous public events and a seasonal farmer’s market at the Church over the past two years.

We are very pleased that the County has for the moment suspended its plans to demolish the Church. It has been found to be structurally sound by the County Building Inspector and can continue to serve county residents.

Second Stage is in the process of analyzing the proposed lease and having it reviewed by an attorney. As with any  lease it will be important that the terms are clear and fair and that the commitments can be reasonably accomplished. If we are to raise funds or sublease space to small businesses the lease will need to satisfy the normal concerns and requirements of donors and tenants. This process is not easy and will take some time. Once completed we look forward to a good faith discussion of final terms with the County.

Second Stage represents its membership in negotiating this lease. We welcome input from any source but it must be recognized that over 2000 Amherst County residents, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, architects and others have already expressed to the County that the Church should not be torn down under any circumstance.

We thank the Board of Supervisors for listening to the concerns of Second Stage and many others. We particularly thank County Administrator Dean Rogers for his efforts.

We look forward to working in a mutually beneficial manner with a positive outlook to the future.  

Second Stage will continue to keep you posted of progress as the negotiations proceed.
Keep the faith that the historic building will be saved!