Bath’s BOS listens and learns about Historic District again

On Tuesday evening the 14th of February the Bath Board held their regular monthly meeting. The public comment time at the beginning of the meeting indicated there are still some concerns about whether or not conducting a historical survey is the right thing for part of the Warm Springs district at this point.   Information and background on the opportunity has been consistently offered by Preservation Bath, and the Planning Commission has reviewed and approved pursuing the survey. Yet, there will be at least one more public meeting scheduled for residents learn more about exactly what a survey would entail, and important differences between a national historic district, and a local one. The Board was concerned about any “hidden costs” of such a designation having to do with tax credits or land use issues. Specific information on those issues is readily available. Proponents of a Historic District, and Preservation Bath strongly encourage residents to compile questions ahead of time, and to come the meeting for accurate and timely answers. The deadline for the application for cost share is March 31st, so there is time to share your thoughts with your supervisor before then.

Jay Trinca, of Spring House Antiques, voiced frustration with the Board for more delays.

“It’s a win-win situation for you. Think of it. If there’s one person that restores a building because of this survey, and puts it back on the market, it’s a win-win for the county. Thank you gentlemen.” The board voted to table the matter until their attorney has looked at the details more closely, and they have listened carefully to more discussion themselves.

Robbie Chestnut of the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department spoke about the whole County’s need for a new ladder truck, as the current one did not pass inspection.   Several Fire Department members looked at a second-hand truck, which would cost two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and are recommending the County purchase it. The board approved drawing up a commitment of funds, so the plans to purchase the ladder truck can move forward.

Then the supervisors moved smoothly though several other items requiring action.   They waived a building and zoning permit fee for Speyside, the stave mill coming to Millboro and agreed to set a public hearing for rezoning land from Convenience to General Business at the intersection of Mountain Valley and Douthat State Park Road. In addition to hearing an update from Speyside manager, Jim McCoy, the supervisors also approved moving the green box site from one part of the industrial park in Millboro to a better place close to the road. It will be graveled and fenced as nicely as the one is, at the intersection of Dry Run and Westminster Roads.

Finally, the board addressed the need to keep moving forward preparing the site for the Visitor’s and Community Center in Mitchelltown. They approved a Request for Proposal for the demolition of old buildings there, and plan to get a Site Engineering Report too. Of course there is some local interest in salvaging, or bidding on items still in the buildings. The board resolved that question by saying once the demolition contract is awarded, individuals can contact that company through county administration to express interest in items to be discarded. Supervisors are also asking the Office of Tourism and County Administrator to develop an advisory committee as the Visitor’s and Community Center comes a little closer to being a reality.   The next meeting of the Bath Board of Supervisors is March 14th in the Courthouse in Warm Springs.   The public is encouraged to attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Story By

Bonnie Ralston

Bonnie Ralston is the Assistant Station Coordinator at WVLS and a Highland County news reporter. She began volunteering at Allegheny Mountain Radio in the fall of 2005. In 2006 she became an AMR employee and worked in Bath County for eight years as the WCHG Station Coordinator and then as the news reporter there. She began working in radio while in college and has stayed connected to radio, in one way or another, for more than thirty years. She grew up in Staunton, Virginia, while spending a lot of time on her family’s farm in Deerfield, Virginia. She enjoys spending time outside, watching old TV shows and movies and tending to her chickens.

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