BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com

BOYKINS—You don’t need to have supernatural abilities to have a vision, just an imagination, especially where Boykins’ future is concerned.

Residents of the town and surrounding environs are encouraged by Mayor Spier Edwards to participate in workshops devoted to renewing the business district. They will take place 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 14 and 15, in the Boykins Firehouse, 18139 N. Railroad Ave.

The award of a $25,000 grant in late December by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is why the workshops are being held. This money comes after many steps — “mostly paperwork and forms” — and about two years after applying.

But before a penny can be spent or plans put on blueprint, general ideas for economic restructuring are needed. Representatives from the Department of Housing will attend.

Edwards is eager for young people to participate.

“They’ll be the ones benefiting,” he said.

Those attending will review the past and present status of the town, as well as envisioning the future.

The funds will be parceled out in steps. For example, a grant administrator is needed so money for that position came out of the $25,000.