Town of Walden officials and citizens are calling for more public input on the revamping process of the property of the late Martha McCoy.
At the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s regularly scheduled April meeting, Vance Travis of TWH Architects Inc. presented preliminary drawings of renovations to occur at the historic home. According to Mayor David Epperson, the plan is to make the McCoy property a new Town Center – a place not only for Town Hall business but also for locals to enjoy by utilizing the grounds and trails.
Travis’ drawings detail plans to convert the current kitchen and dining area into a business office, private office and conference room as well as to turn the living room into a community room for various club gatherings and meetings.
Plans for the existing parlor include using it to display historical information about the property. Travis suggested that the library be updated and include important town documents.
Though it would depend on available funds as to when it would be built, Travis also drew up how a newly built assembly room would attach to the house.
“I feel that the citizens should be involved,” said resident and former mayor Elizabeth Akins after listening to Travis’ presentation. “It’s progress and I’m very grateful, but I think it’s time to let the public be involved more.”
Alderman Peter Hetzler noted that many input sessions have been held in years past. He emphasized that the important thing is to make progress at the site.
“I don’t agree with [these plans] 100 percent, but let’s get something put on paper,” he said. “We’re trying to get it to a point where there’s really something to look at.”
“What we are concerned about is the preservation of the building itself; it’s deteriorating,” said Mayor David Epperson. “This is something we want the community to be happy about. I will make [the drawings] available [at Town Hall] so people can come and look at them.”
Epperson also encouraged any citizens wishing to be more involved in the property’s plans to come to the monthly Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings, held on the second Tuesday of each month at Town Hall, 1836 Taft Highway. Town Hall can be reached at 886-4362.