Hurricane Update: Barbara Passmore Literary Arts Center

The midtown neighborhood, (Brookwood to Gordon and the Williams corridor to N. Oak) is where our Center is located, is still in shambles, there are many houses severely damaged by large trees falling on them, this includes the old radio building owned by VSU. 

A large tract is just south of campus is our biggest concern. An out-of-state corporation bought the land and houses for a residential/ retail development project, that never materialized. It is a mess. The houses are abandoned, the block, which even before the three hurricanes was bordering on being classified a residential “greyfield” – is now in abject blight.

The Barbara Passmore Center at Snake Nation Press on West Force Street sustained roof damage and shingle loss plus several large trees fell on the property during Hurricane Helene.  We have no cable and have relied on mobile hotspots when we require a PC at the Center. A structural engineer representing our insurer performed an inspection on December 6, 2024. Since we are a 501(c)3 we qualify and are in the process of applying for assistance from FEMA we have had regular meetings with representatives from the agency. 

The past five years, through COVID, to the multiple major hurricanes directly impacting Valdosta have required us to change our efforts at the “Snake House” from one of planned projects, to one of recovery and restoration. Overall, the house sustained moderate damage to the roof, but the envelope of the 100 year-old house has not been compromised. The art by Grady Whitfield currently on display in the exhibition space was not damaged. Snake Nation Press has been at this location since 1991.

The idea that a hurricane is a short-lived event couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that the effects are felt for months, maybe years. Cleanup is painfully slow throughout the city/region but the scope of the disaster is incomprehensible unless you witness it from the ground. The restoration of our public infrastructure has been painstaking, power for some was out for weeks, there are still intersections without traffic lights, cable lines down, and debris on the roadsides. However, enormous progress has been made and we thank the crews that are working here to get us back to normal. Whatever normal may be.

As we come back on-line we see the Passmore Center as a meeting place and clearing house for addressing the needs and the challenges and to evaluate the risks to help define the future of OUR neighborhood(s) . 

Some great man must’ve said. 

“Out of adversity comes opportunity.“

20/25
Our five year plan includes:

Develop a fully accessible and operational Community Media House
Continue and create interdisciplinary arts and literacy programs
Provide coworking spaces with Membership Scholarships
Create a curator suite for graduate student “Writer in Residency.”
Writers Groups
Expanded collaboration between S~N~P, Valdosta State University and area education, recreation, and arts organizations.
Offer interior and exterior exhibit space, including a Sculpture Garden for local artisans.
Stabilize and improve the Midtown Neighborhood to become a vibrant and safe neighborhood.
Host readings, musical performances, and neighborhood events.