Town of Altavista

The meeting included the election of the Commission's Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Key business items involved a discussion on the Source Water Protection Plan, for which the Commission scheduled a future public input session, and the approval of the Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan, which now includes provisions for renewable energy initiatives and electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the Commission received an update regarding the Steering Committee for Downtown Revitalization.

The Council conducted a work session covering several key items. Highlights included the recognition of Beverley English Dalton for her service to the Altavista Economic Development Authority, a presentation and proposed resolution for the Central Virginia Safety Action Plan to improve roadway safety, and a request from the Altavista YMCA to utilize the back fields of English Park for youth soccer programs. The Council also discussed the Share the Air campaign to promote tobacco and vape-free outdoor public spaces, addressed citizen concerns regarding water leak resolution and communication protocols, and held an executive session for discussion purposes.

The Planning Commission meeting agenda focuses on the review of Rezoning Application RZ-26-01 for Parcel ID 83A-33-1, which involves a request to reclassify the property from low- and medium-density residential to high-density residential. The commission will conduct a public hearing and discuss the proposal for a recommendation to the Town Council. The staff report provides analysis regarding the land use, access, and the town's Comprehensive Plan.

The meeting featured an introduction to a rezoning application for a property intended for the development of mixed-use, market rate, and workforce housing. Discussions covered the alignment of this project with the town's comprehensive plan, developer selection processes, potential impacts on existing streets, and requirements for future site plan reviews. The commission voted to move the rezoning application forward to a public hearing. Additionally, staff reported on the approval of new terms for commission members and the awarding of a Community Development Block Grant for a local housing rehabilitation project.

The council discussed updates regarding the Spark Innovation Center and upcoming events at the Avoca Museum, including a documentary project. Key business items included moving a rezoning application to a public hearing, approving a special event permit for a cornhole tournament to benefit the Light Beyond Bars Foundation, and authorizing funding from Town Reserves for the Avoca Museum kitchen rehabilitation project. The council also reviewed the draft budget and capital improvement plan for the upcoming fiscal year, discussed departmental and project updates, and addressed local park and trail amenity inquiries.