Camelot given ok for new school
, Staff Writer
05-03-2007
PULASKI — A zoning amendment approved Tuesday night clears the way for a Texas-based company to convert Claremont school into a school and residential treatment center for “high need” youth.
Following a joint public hearing with Pulaski Planning Commission, Pulaski Town Council approved a zoning ordinance amendment that allows residential and non-residential therapeutic schools for minors as a permitted use in R-4 zoning districts.
Camelot provides support for children with special needs including autism, aspergers, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities and mental illness.
A number of people praised Camelot Schools’ plans and only one resident, Michael Smith of Newbern Road, objected to the school being located in his neighborhood. He contends Claremont brought drug houses, traffic, noise and “anti-social” behavior to the neighborhood and that Camelot will cause those same problems to resurface.
Joe Reece, who also lives on Newbern Road and has a son with aspergers, said he supports Camelot. He said he was sorry to see Claremont School close, so he looks forward to it being used as a school again.
“I think it will enhance our property values,” Reece continued, noting that having an empty school falling into decline can’t be good for the neighborhood.
In response to Smith’s claims of drug houses in the neighborhood while Claremont was open, Reece said he doesn’t know where any were.
Betty Quesenberry, a former teacher, said she lives near Claremont and is “very much in favor” of Camelot using the former elementary school building.
“People who are against it don’t have children with special needs,” Quesenberry said. “I hear people say every day they want new businesses and jobs. This will bring them, so I say go for it.”
The school is estimated to bring 118 jobs to the area.
Elrica “Ricky” Graham said she sees the school as a “win, win, win” for everyone.
Dayna Stewart, vice president for business development for Camelot, said she has been working with local schools and social services since last summer determining whether there is a need for the facility.
In an earlier interview, Stewart said her assessment determined there is enough need in Pulaski County alone to warrant the school. She noted Pulaski County is spending $4 million a year to send special needs children to other localities, sometimes as much as five hours away.
Stewart said the fact Virginia Tech and Radford University are so close by makes Camelot an even better fit for the community. She indicated the school will be able to offer internship programs for Virginia Tech and Radford University students in the areas of teaching, social services and psychiatry.
“We feel blessed to have been able to find this facility,” Stewart said Tuesday night.
Jim Wallace, director of Pulaski County Social Services, said he, too, sees Camelot as a “win, win” for the community. “We’re honored they want to locate here,” he told town council and the planners.
School Board member Jeff Bain said it would have cost $250,000 to $300,000 just to tear down the Claremont building. He said it was a “godsend” Camelot “came knocking.”
Both he and School Administrator Dr. Don Stowers said they were impressed by a Camelot facility they toured in Illinois.
Bain said the Illinois campus was quiet and serene with very little traffic or outdoor activity.
Stowers said the students at the Illinois school seemed happy and content. He also noted that the youth were in a controlled and safe environment.
“I’m proud the company wants to invest in Pulaski County,” Stowers said.
Stewart said earlier that Camelot will spend an estimated $600,000 to renovate Claremont. Once the renovation is complete, the upper floor will consist of bedrooms and bathrooms. The lower floor will be a fully-operational school.
Camelot also will open two group homes for children — one in Fairlawn and one in Wytheville, according to Stewart.
In business for more than 30 years, Stewart said Camelot operates facilities in Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Philadelphia.
Stewart said the facility will be under the watchful eyes of JCAHO (Joint Commission Association of Healthcare Organizations), the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Medicaid and Human Rights organizations.
In addition to offering job opportunities for special needs teachers, Stewart said Camelot also will need direct care staff, teacher’s aides, therapists, transportation employees, program directors and nurses.
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