From Battersea Inc: At the April 1st Council Meeting, Petersburg City Council voted unanimously (an incredible 7 to 0) to hold a Public Hearing and Vote for a voluntary historic Easement on the Battersea estate (whose 37.5 acres are zoned light industrial) on April 15th.  The Easement is the final piece that guarantees the City receives State Legislative Funds of $100,000, secured by Del. Dance 2 years ago and have yet to be claimed.  The clock is ticking.

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Battersea Inc. has aided the City in this endeavor in numerous ways…among these providing the City with a $25,000 Scope of Work (the other piece of the puzzle as it is a documented that is needed for the release of these funds). The deadline for commitment of these funds is June 30th.  The City having all the contracts for work signed.  The RFP’s are in the works.
 
An  historical Easement is definitely necessary for this property of such State and National historical and architectural significance, that has languished under City ownership for many years.  Battersea has been listed on the National Register since 1969 and is in the final phase of being awarded the top honor…Landmark Status. Equally important to Battersea Inc. is that Battersea, itself, is not a static house museum but a catalyst for endless educational, cultural, employment training, and recreational opportunities that will serve to enrich the lives of Petersburg Citizens and those in the surrounding areas.  
 
An historic Easement, heavily and positively facilitates the raising of funds for Battersea from private and public donors to finance this multitude of uses.  No one is willing to give money when the very future and existence of their ‘investment’ is uncertain.
 
The City of Petersburg, the City Council, and Battersea Inc. are partners working together for the benefit of our citizens.
 
Write / call / email your Councilman and City Manager.  Best of all join your fellow citizens and show your support (by your presence  and speaking out) at the April 15th Council Meeting (7:00 pm at the train station).  Join us in making Petersburg the best it can be!