The NSVRC in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League presented a one-day workshop on July 29 titled “Tools & Trends: Neighborhood Stabilization and Beyond. The free workshop targeted municipal managers, planning and zoning officials, economic development and human services professionals.
The workshop topics included…
Virginia Property Maintenance Code: Alan Mc Mahan from the Virginia Building Code Academy, Martha Semmes from the Town of Purcellville.
Special Purpose Districts: Courtney Mailey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond moderated a panel with Ken Powell from Stoneberg & Young LLC, Catherine Stewart from Luray Downtown Initiative, Martha Semmes responsible for Planning and Zoning in the Town of Purcellville, and Patrick Childs, the Assistant Town Manager from Purlcellville.
Stabilization and Revitalization Resources: Mike Hawkins from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Housing Affordability Trends in the Shenandoah Valley: Neal Barber, Housing Virginia.
Housing Stock Inventories in the Shenandoah Valley: J. D. Bondurant from the Virginia Housing Development Authority.
The workshop was well attended by local government representatives from around the Commonwealth. NSVRC says a hearty thanks to all who attended, and especially to the workshop sponsors and the expert presenters who traveled to share valuable information with attendees.
Click here to view the FINAL Tools and Trends Agenda 07-26-10 _2_
Mon, June 21 2010 » Community Development, Housing » No Comments
Thu, May 6 2010 » Transportation » No Comments
Mon, May 3 2010 » Natural Resources » No Comments
The Win-Fred MPO (Winchester-Frederick Metropolitan Planning Organization), the primary entity responsible for the region’s transportation planning, is in the final stages of reviewing recommendations for changes and enhancements to the Route 37/I-81 area to the south of the city. A public meeting is scheduled for April 26 to present findings, answer questions and hear citizen comments.
The alternative under consideration is the result of a two phase transportation impact study commissioned by the MPO and conducted over a two year period. The Win-Fred MPO commissioned the second phase after Phase I failed to produce any acceptable options providing adequate service and meeting goals for maintaining connectivity in the area. Between the two studies, fifteen alternatives were considered for addressing the traffic demand that will accompany growth that is planned or approved in the study area.
The recommended alternative from Phase II is projected to achieve acceptable levels of service (i.e. traffic flow), reduce hazardous weaving patterns, provide access to Shady Elm Road from Route 37, and maintain connectivity between the three major roadways in the area: I-81, Route 11 and Route 37. It is also a cost effective alternative for achieving needed improvements.
MPO officials are concerned that failure to identify an alternative that achieves an acceptable level of service and safety may result in Federal Highway Administration intervention, and require closure of access between Route 11 and Route 37. The Win-Fred MPO is composed of local officials working with transportation agency representatives to meet planning requirements and solve regional transportation issues. The final public meeting for the Shady Elm Study will be held at 6:00 pm on April 26 in the Frederick County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room.
For more on this and other Win-Fred MPO activities go to the web site http://www.winfredmpo.org.
The Win-Fred MPO (Winchester-Frederick Metropolitan Planning Organization) was formed when the Winchester Region was classified a metropolitan area after the 2000 US Census. The formation of MPOs for urbanized areas that reach a designated population threshold is mandated by Federal legislation. The Win-Fred MPO area includes the City of Winchester, the Town of Stephens City and the urbanized portions of Frederick County. Win-Fred MPO is composed of local government representatives and transportation agency officials. In its capacity as the Region’s primary entity responsible for transportation planning, the MPO works with the Federal Highway Administration, the VA Department of Transportation and several other state and federal agencies.
Wed, April 21 2010 » Transportation, Win-Fred MPO » No Comments
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) will host a Housing Seminar on April 15, 2010 featuring presentations by Blue Ridge Legal Services and the Virginia Fair Housing Office. The purpose of the seminar is to teach citizens, landlords, property managers and other housing professionals about legal rights and responsibilities under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), and state and federal Fair Housing laws.
The program will be held at the Warren County Government Center, at 220 N. Commerce Avenue in Front Royal, from 12:30 to 5:00 pm. A Landlord/Tenant presentation will begin at 12:30 pm followed by a Fair Housing presentation at 2 pm. Housing providers who complete the Fair Housing course are eligible for state certification by the Fair Housing Board. Continuing Education credits are also available for realtors and other pertinent professionals. Both sections are open to all, but landlords, property managers, leasing consultants, real estate agents, brokers, and all those who sell, lease or manage residential property are particularly encouraged to attend. In addition to providing a basic understanding of Fair Housing requirements, seminar discussions will be tailored to topics of concern to seminar participants.
Martha Shickle, Community Development Program Manager for NSVRC, adds that “Ignorance of the law is not a mitigating defense in Fair Housing litigation, so this is a great opportunity for housing providers to learn how to avoid violations. The course is also required for certain staff members of agencies involved in grant funded housing programs.” The NSVRC is working with Blue Ridge Legal Services and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to bring the educational program to the region. To register for the free seminar contact Gail Crigler of the NSVRC, at 540‐636‐8800 or email gcrigler@shentel.net. Participants are encouraged to attend both sections, but also may register for one section only
Wed, April 14 2010 » Community Development, Housing » No Comments
