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Group fears Obici House is in danger
Published Monday, May 11, 2009
In 1947, Amedeo Obici died, leaving 98 percent of his wealth to the future citizens of Suffolk for health care.
Part of the Planters Peanuts founder’s fortune – nearly $9 million – went to construct the Louise Obici hospital, which still serves Suffolk residents today under the Sentara operation. Some of the money went to the Obici Health Care Foundation, which to this day supports programs in the area that address the needs of people who are uninsured.
Now, some residents fear that Obici’s house — currently owned by the city of Suffolk — is about to be torn down.
The house was located on Obici’s dairy farm, Bay Point Farm, and he and his wife Louise lived there from 1924 until their deaths. Louise’s brother later acquired the home, and he sold it.
The house went through a series of transactions until it was sold to the city of Portsmouth, which in turn sold it to the city of Suffolk. It is located near what is now the 18th hole on the Sleepy Hole Golf Course.
“He absolutely adored his house,” said Susan Blair, part of a group that has organized to try to save the house. “For us just to tear it down, it’s just unheard of. It just can’t happen.”
However, nobody is sure of the home’s fate, because the city isn’t talking. Suffolk currently is in negotiations with offerors to lease or buy the golf course, along with all the buildings on it. The city told Blair’s group as well as the News-Herald that it could not respond to requests for information because of the ongoing negotiations.
However, rumors have swirled for months that the winning offeror plans to tear the house down.
“Nothing has been told to us otherwise, so you can’t help but believe what you’re hearing,” Blair said.
The group is trying to get the city to impose a 12-month moratorium on doing anything to the house to give the group enough time to come up with a financial plan for the building.
The request for proposals on leasing or buying the golf course, issued in 2007, asks offerors to “provide or identify a potential use” for the house.
Blair said the problem is not coming up with potential uses for the house — bed and breakfast, restaurant and special events location are all possibilities — but how to pay for it to be moved, if necessary.
Obici House is listed on the state and national registers of historic places, so there is no doubt that it is historically significant, Blair said.
“Here’s a man that died 60-plus years ago, and he continues to give back to the citizens of Suffolk,” she said. “We can at least honor him by saving his house.”
“It’s the least the citizens of Suffolk can do.”
A public hearing on leasing the golf course is scheduled for June 3 at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers, 441 Market St.
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Comments
Posted by OD (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excuse me...you tore down the BIRDSONG RECREATION CENTER and now their is great concern to honor a dead man? I truly hope that Susan Blair is able to intervene and the city has to drop any negotations untl they go public with what is their idea of what they are seeking to do with the home and property.This must become that part of goverment that the mayor promised as being open and transparent. If not hopefully a judge can intervene and see that the entire process is delayed so that Susan can obtain the PRIVATE financing that would be needed to save the home/landmark.
The city says it will make no comment because of ongoing negotations. I see a pattern here that reminds me of the SCCA, Centerpoint and now this. Its time to start connecting the dots. The city says they are in meetings "closed door" private meetings. Silly me I forgot this is a golf course..Time to investigate city adminstration expense reports and travel reports that can be directly related to this so that the public can see what developers both local and non local groups that may be involved. This includes others who are involved in the real estate market.Again connecting the dots isnt a kids game anymore.What was the article in the paper regrding the city's air quality yesterday? Could it be that city hall is a contributing factor to that report?
Posted by suffolk3 (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OD, your last comment 'clears the air' on what is happening on Market St. Council's smokescreen has increased over the years, resulting in less transparency and increased pollution. Great observation.
Posted by tomjen94 (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Obici also loved his hospital (which was torn down) and the school of nursing that could have been developed into a museum or memorial for all that Mr and Mrs Obici did for this community.What a shame that our history means so little to the people of Suffolk. I know that being a lifelong resident of Suffolk it is so sad to see all of the beautiful land and historical landmarks sold for nothing but "money". When will everyone learn that contrary to popular belief " money does not make the world go round". Just take a good look at the economy.
Posted by OD (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My grand parents on my dad's side were close friends of the Obici's and both spoke of them with a strong conviction of friendship.Mr Obici gave my mother a beautiful necklace when my dad and mom got married. They too admired the Obici family. As I understand it Mr Obici helped in my family getting the family business off and running.
Posted by KNRMCO (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i am not from suffolk originally, but i have lived here for 14 years and i agree with tomjen94 about all the historic buildings being torn down for money. it is a disgrace. suffolk should have capitalized on their old buildings instead of demo or housing that has turned the once beautiful homes into shambles!
Posted by OD (anonymous) on May 12, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Suffolk has a thing for tearing down gifts and families. The city adminstrators sold the hospital for profits, they tore down two gifts from two famlies, Sold property that was a part of the foundation that the Obici family left the city. that land deal has been questioned many times and the city adminstrators have failed to provide honesty in its answers and actions. How much money was earned by the Obici foundation adminstrator when it was "sold" torn down. The arrogance of this cities leaders reminds me of the golden calf in D.C.. He at least promised treasures to those who came to his alter. Our city leaders over the last 8 years or so made no such promise to those who supported their ideas. The only promise that could be made is I promise to obtain treasures...
Posted by mcdb (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 3:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Many years ago, I was married at Obici House. Though the House needed a little work, it was gorgeous and offered a site that was unlike any other in our area. What a great loss it would be for our citizens to lose a treasure like Obici House. My dream was to buy this old house and make it my own, and now, with the rumors of demolishing it swirling, I'm sickened. Doesn't anyone value anything anymore?
Posted by OD (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes mcdb the city does, it's called MONEY
Posted by OD (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OBICI HOUSE
http://www.suffolk.va.us/bids/bid_search...
The above link is the notice to receive bids from the city of Suffolk It's a very informing read.It appears that this has been in the works since Sept 2007 and its now May 2009. Whats the rush all of a sudden? Could it be that the real estate market is down, so it makes it a good deal for someone who buys it and then in a good market can make a killing? Time to see who the bidders are and what LLC's are involved. This isnt going to help the air quality around Market Street. Remmember the mayors own words, the promise OPEN AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
Posted by catlady (anonymous) on May 13, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would truly be a shame for this house to be destroyed. It shows a lack of gratitude and respect for the endowments given to our city by this couple. Perhaps if everyone in the community knew and understood the contributions...
Google "Obici" and learn.
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