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Connected: Chilhowie crews replace 60+-year-old water lines in neighborhood
SPorter
On Thursday afternoon, Town of Chilhowie staff were eight hookups away from having all the residents along the Double D Water Project connected to a new water system. The project, which was designed by Hurt & Proffitt and done under the Virginia Department of Health’s guidance, was performed by town crews. It serves the Double D Trailer Park and featured 37 connections. Director of Public Works Tyler Keen estimated that having town staff do the work saved the town hundreds of thousands of dollars. Town Manager Brian Martin believes the project will also help improve the town’s water accountability. Keen said they found a significant leak under one trailer. The lines being replaced were installed in 1964 by a private developer. The park didn’t come into the town until 1989. To boost safety, two water hydrants were also installed in the neighborhood that had no hydrant prior to this project.
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CenterpieceTop Story
Chilhowie to consider joining Virginia Main Street program
SPorter
The Chilhowie Town Council is considering action to join the
Virginia Main Street, a program focused on community and economic
development.
SPorter / Stephanie Porter-Nichols/Smyth County News & Messenger
Officials are working to bolster the Main Street area of Chilhowie.
At the next Chilhowie Town Council meeting, the governing body will consider action to take part in the Virginia Main Street program, while town staff is asking VDOT to help ease the congestion that frequently develops in the area.
At this month’s council meeting, Sarah Gillespie, the Chamber of Commerce’s executive director, said that joining the community and economic development-driven Main Street program would strengthen the downtown area and help build a more sustainable future for it.
With the busy Rt. 107 taking traffic by Main Street, Gillespie said it’s easy for drivers to pass by it.
Amanda Livingston, Smyth County Tourism Association’s executive director, said that the chamber and her organization would lead the volunteer effort.
They are proposing that the town initially join the program as an Exploring Main Street member. This introductory level requires no financial commitment.
However, Livingston said that the town may be able to get recognition for in-kind services and might be eligible for grants and mentorship. “This is the logical next step,” she said.
To get started, Livingston and Gillespie asked the council to adopt a resolution authorizing participation in the program and appoint a member to serve on a local advisory committee.
The council agreed to consider action on the resolution during its September meeting.
In regard to the congestion, Town Manager Brian Martin told the council that he asked VDOT to consider making improvements at the intersection of Whitetop Road and Main Street that would minimize traffic blocking the intersection.
He explained that the “busy intersection is located between our town’s traffic light and the railroad crossing, it’s a very congested area and often gets blocked by idling vehicles. This causes added congestion and makes it difficult for vehicles to turn, which is an impediment to our local business community.”
He said local business owners, elected officials and concerned citizens have all expressed concern about the situation.
Martin said he has experienced good communication with VDOT’s local leadership team and is hopeful that the situation will be addressed.
He also noted that he continues to communicate with VDOT representatives about the issue of pedestrian safety at the Exit 35 interchange.
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Saltville
Saltville council begins process to fill open seat
SPorter
The Saltville Town Council has begun the work necessary to fill the seat left open by the Aug. 15 death of Councilman R.B. Henderson. The council is asking individuals who are interested in serving to submit a letter of interest.
In a Notice of Vacancy, the town noted that to be appointed individuals must be citizens of the Town of Saltville. Letters should be sent to Town Manager Cecile Rosenbaum /Town of Saltville/PO Box 730/217 Palmer Avenue/Saltville VA 24370. Letters may also be submitted by email to townmanager@saltville.org.
The deadline for letters to be received is 12 p.m. on Sept. 21.
The council will review the letters at a public hearing on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. and then make the appointment at a Special Called Meeting set for Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m.
The appointee will serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
A special election to be held on Nov. 2, 2027, will determine who will fill the seat for the remainder of the term, which runs from Jan. 1, 2028, to Dec. 31, 2029.
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