Staunton honors Vaughn, Betsy Bell, Waynesboro considers 82-lot subdivision: THE AGENDA

Lyra Bordelon, Staunton News Leader
·5 min read

Staunton City Council to visit Betsy Bell

STAUNTON – When Staunton received the land that would become Betsy Bell Wilderness Park, it came with an unusual restriction.

"The elected members of council shall 'go in a body to the top of the mountain at some time each spring,' and that each such visit shall be noted in the minutes," reads the City Council's work session agenda, quoting the land transfer deed. "All members of council are encouraged to make this annual visit, so that the city remains in compliance with the terms of the deed."

Like last year, council will once again make the trek during the Wednesday work session before returning to council chambers and the rest of the meeting.

Staunton council to recognize Billy Vaughn

STAUNTON – After returning from the park, Staunton City Council will honor Billy Vaughn, the city's retiring Director of Economic Development on Wednesday.

Vaughn announced his retirement in January, ending his 10-year term as director. Before this, Vaughn spent 15 years on the Staunton Planning Commission.

In the announcement press release, Vaughn explained he felt “particularly proud” of his work on Staunton Crossing. Multiple phases of the project have brought hotels and restaurants to the entrance/exit ramp to I-81.

“This project will have a major long-term economic impact on the city, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in this success,” stated Vaughn. “I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated people in local government, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.”

Waynesboro Planning Commission calls for comment on 82-lot residential subdivision

WAYNESBORO – The Waynesboro Planning Commission will call for public comment on two requests during its meeting tonight:

  • A public hearing for preliminary subdivision plat request by D.R. Horton, agent for Rose and Grey LLC, owner, for an amendment to a preliminary subdivision plat approved on October 17, 2023, for a 82-lot residential subdivision on 12.181 acres at 0 Rosser Avenue, Waynesboro.

  • Public hearing for a zoning map amendment request by Stockbridge OPCO LLC, agent for the Sheri L. Smith Revocable Trust, owner, to rezone a property at 1390, 1400, and 0 Duke Road, Waynesboro, Virginia, Tax Map Nos. 16-1-A, 16-1-B, 16-1-C, 16-1-D, and 15-1-E from RS-12 (Single-Family Residential, large lot) to PUD (Planned Unit Development).

Staunton committee to review bicycle and pedestrian plan

STAUNTON – The Staunton Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee will review the Staunton Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan during the May meeting.

The plan was initially passed in 2018 and the first project, changes to Churchville Avenue, was presented in 2022.  A public forum on Sept. 25 sought input on adding bicycle infrastructure to W. Beverley Street — a repaving will repurpose driving and turning lanes into bike lanes, where possible.

The current plan notes that while northern and southern Staunton both have intersections catering to pedestrian traffic, it goes on to say southern Staunton “is also home to large retail centers and large vehicular roadways. Enhancing pedestrian infrastructure here is key to providing safer routes for existing and new walkers.” A major step in developing the plan, a shared-use path on Richmond Avenue, was considered by the public in January with a Virginia Department of Transportation listening session.

The board will get updates on these projects when it meets on today at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21

Wednesday, May 22

Thursday, May 23

Monday, May 27

Tuesday, May 28

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Staunton honors Vaughn, Betsy Bell, Waynesboro considers 82-lot subdivision: THE AGENDA