Closure of training center will impact Amherst County

The impending closure of the Central Virginia Training Center, even in eight years, will have a major impact on Amherst County.

The center in Madison Heights employs about 1,200 people.

“This is a bolt,” said Lee Cobb, who works with the county’s Economic Development Authority. “It will take a while for the reality to sink in.

“I suppose from the county’s point of view, the EDA’s view, you’re going to have to look at that big piece of land and see what can be done with that big piece of land and what can be done to help the people,” he said, referring to the employees and residents.

“This is a shocker, in my observation,” he said. “This is a major, major impact. It’s the sort of thing, from the county’s perspective and the EDA’s perspective; we need to jump in as soon as we can. We can’t sit back and wait for things to unfold.

“I have no idea of the purchasing impact, local goods and services, materials supplies, keeping the machinery running, computers, food, all of those things,” he said.

CVTC employees walked into a meeting at 11:45 a.m. to hear the news personally. The state sent out an email earlier in the morning, said employees, who did not want to give their names.

“We love our jobs, and we love the people,” one employee said.

“It’s a shame,” said Joe Nonnemacher, a contractor working at the center.

Inquiries were directed to a spokeswoman in Richmond.

“Close?!” said Guy Morris III, who runs The Pit eatery on Colony Road, where he serves ribs, fish and wings. “My goodness gracious.”

The training center was known as the State Colony in its early days.

“I grew up taking care of a family member, so I know the importance of ‘round the clock’ care. You’re talking about putting a dent in a community.”

Del. Scott Garrett, who represents part of Amherst County in the General Assembly, said, “I am extremely disappointed with this imposition of the U.S. Department of Justice. We must keep our commitment to the most challenged of our citizens. As an elected representative of Amherst County, I will continue to advocate for the clients, their families, and the community as we navigate down this path of transition.”

Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge, who also represents a portion of Amherst County, expressed his disappointment after learning of the agreement.

“The closing of this critically important facility will have a detrimental impact on the care provided to many of the residents who have severe mental and physical disabilities,” Cline said. “The DOJ is incorrect in its assertion that CVTC residents have not been given adequate options for quality community based care, and it is my hope that the General Assembly will refuse to implement this misguided and harmful agreement."

Robert Curd, vice chairman of the Amherst Board of Supervisors, said, “I think you can always try to find a silver lining in something like this. Certainly, one of the things is we’re fortunate to be one of the last (state centers) to close, it certainly gives us some time to react.

“While it’s disappointing, if you look at the way other states handle it, you can tell that’s the direction some things are headed. Hopefully we can do a good job in encouraging and trying to develop those community-based centers, and keep jobs in the county.”

Curd said officials hoped to get the EDA, the chamber of commerce and the county’s social services department together to put a plan in place.