NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- It's a decision that could have a huge impact in Newport News.
The city is asking the school board to relocate its operations and transportation facilities. That site, which also houses the district's school buses, is currently in the Oyster Point area off of Jefferson Avenue. City leaders say they want to expand Jefferson Lab as well as develop the Tech Center.
Newport News School board's service center for operations and transportation has been at its present site in the Oyster Point area for more than 39 years. City manager Jim Bourey says the land is necessary to proceed with both projects.
He says the development would help bring more jobs to the community.
“We have been waiting for the land to be able to develop the technology building they have been recruiting businesses and there are businesses waiting in the wings for that space so it is important we do proceed as quickly as we can,” Bourey says.
The school board passed a resolution back in September supporting the city's efforts to relocate their facilities and school buses. One of the main requirements from the board is 133,000 square feet of space at the proposed site, near Jefferson avenue and Bland boulevard near the airport.
Space they're not sure they'll get because the city has not yet agreed to their list of requirements.
“If the city is unable to meet the needs of the school division then the service center and operations would stay where it is at its present site,” School public information officer Michelle Price says.
Bourey says they have talked about relocation for at least 20 years now, but it hasn't happened. Although Bourey is confident both parties are close to an agreement, school board members are not hesitating staying right where they are.
There is no timetable on when the new facility would be available.