Downtown parking

continued from page 8 discouraging the demolition of buildings to meet parking requirements.

Faced with the question of whether to terminate the program, council members agreed to wait to see how other policy changes would impact new development. However, there was agreement to sustainably increase the per space fee, with Vice Mayor Neil Steinburg suggesting the true cost could be in the $35,000 to $40,000 range.

The town also could overhaul its whole approach to parking management. The council agreed to examine the merits of creating a parking authority, which could take over the operation of the town’s parking facilities, collect parking revenues and issue bonds to develop new parking. The City of Winchester is among seven Virginia jurisdictions with parking authorities.

AROUND Town

continued from page 8

Neck Proprietary and how to locate the grants using resources available at the library. Saffer has completed numerous local research projects, mapped the county by land ownership in 1860, and written several books about Loudoun’s history, including “Loudoun Votes 1867-1966: A Civil War Legacy,” and “Mount Zion Cemetery, Aldie, Virginia.”

Pre-registration is required by calling 703-737-7195 or emailing balchlib@leesburgva.gov. n

Aquatic Center

Opens Saturday

The A.V. Symington Aquatic Center

The council took only straw votes during the work session, with expectations that their approved strategy options will come back with more detailed staff reports in coming months. n at Ida Lee Park will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 27.

On Memorial Day weekend, the pool will be open to the general public from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday through Monday. Town residents will be admitted at 11 a.m. each day.

Through June 8, while Loudoun County Public Schools remain in session, the pool will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Beginning June 9, the aquatic center will be open daily from noon to 8 p.m., with town residents admitted at 11 a.m.

For more information regarding hours, rates, passes, and rentals, go to AVSAC.org or call the Aquatic Center at 703-779-5390. n