Supervisors on both Bedford and Powhatan to get updates on subsidized broadband projects
Plus: A rezoning for a senior and medical facility on Anderson Highway in Powhatan
A reporter’s question: If there is a federal shutdown, what does that do to any broadband expansion projects funded through the federal government? I do not know the answer but I do know a lot of federal funding powers what happens at the local level. As this newsletter continues, I’m interested to document just how much.
Throughout American history, the government is always a good target for those who wish to attain decision-making power. As this 21st century continues, I’m interested in writing in a way that seeks to untie some of the intractable knots. That means continuing to write even though I’m on vacation this week.
Civilization and stability matters. I believe many Americans are tired of rhetoric that’s designed to divide humans from each other. So, I’ll keep writing things the way I write them. I am not here to stir the pot. I’m here to list out all of the ingredients and to encourage people to learn new recipes for civic involvement.
Today: Bedford County and Powhatan County plus reading material from both.
Bedford Supervisors to get update on subsidized broadband project
The seven members of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors will meet at 5 p.m. for a work session followed by a regular meeting at 7 p.m. (meeting portal)
The work session will feature updates on various broadband projects including work by Verizon, ZiTel, and Shentel that are being subsidized through the Virginia Telecommunication Inititive (VATI). Verizon’s project to serve 346 underserved addresses has a total cost of $2.4 million and the subsidy from various government sources is $720,000. Shentel received a $29.2 million grant to use existing overhead powerlines. This approach is causing delays in the permitting process.
There’s an item on the consent agenda to allow Riverstreet and ZiTel to install broadband equipment on county-owned property.
There are three items under “Public Hearings & Presentations.”
The Patrick Henry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will present their Public Service Heroism Award to Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon McKee.
There will be a public hearing on the request from SML Good Neighbors Inc to be exempt from the real property tax. According to the staff report, the organization “provides to the community, academic, enrichment and nutritional programs, free of cost to rising 1st-6th grade students and scholarships to high school seniors in Bedford County and Franklin County.”
There is a public hearing on a resolution to amend the Articles of Incorporation for the Bedford County Regional Water Authority to drop term limits. “It is in the best interests of the citizens and the water and sewer utility customers to maintain skilled and knowledgeable persons on the Board of Directors,” according to the staff report.
Under action items:
There is a resolution to authorize the solicitation of bids for a project to paint the Courthouse bell tower.
There is a resolution to authorize the solicitation of bids for a project to repair the County Administration building’s atrium.
There is a resolution to consider a lease for the Otterville Solid Waste Collection Center.
Brewery seeks rezoning for one property, proffer amendment for another
The five member Board of Supervisors in Powhatan County meets at 6:30 p.m. (agenda packet)
Supervisors will get an update from Firefly on their efforts to expand broadband internet throughout the county. The project has a total cost of $17 million and is part of the RISE initiative being spearheaded by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.
Under new business, there will be a discussion of the by-laws as well as a discussion of family subdivisions. This has been requested by District 5 Supervisor Karin M. Carmack. She is is not seeking another term. Republican Denise Morrissette and Independent Dan Jones are on the ballot in 2023.
There are three public hearings:
Fine Creek Brewery seeks an amendment to the proffers for an existing conditional use permit for property on Huguenot Trail along Robert E. Lee Road. The property contains a brewery, wedding venue, cottages, and commercial properties. The amendment removes a requirement that this use is only allowed if the existing couple own the property.
A landowner seeks a request for a rezoning of the above parcel and an adjacent one from Agricultural 10 to Crossroads. The total property size is 15.45 acres.
There’s another request for a rezoning of 36.84 acres from Agricultural-10 land to Commerce Center. This is at the northeast corner of the intersection of Anderson Highway and Branch Forest Way. The proposed uses are “commercial, including Senior and Medical Care.” The property is currently vacant though some infrastructure exists.
Reading material:
Election Check-in: Peake and StClair on issues, priorities, Emma Martin, Lynchburg News & Advance (paywall), October 21, 2023
Bob Good and Matt Gaetz defend ousting Kevin McCarthy at Louisa fundraiser, Jason Armesto, Charlottesville Daily Progress (paywall), October 21, 2023