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Middleburg’s Only Locally Owned and Operated Newspaper
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Sept 26, 2013 ~ Oct 24, 2013
Vision for Washington Street
A
t its regular meeting on September 12 Middleburg followed up the opening of the new Salamander Resort and Spa with the adoption of a new set of guidelines for the evolution of Washington Street, Route 50, the town’s main thoroughfare and the retail heart of Middleburg. The Washington Street Improvement Plan was formally was made possible by a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and was first formally presented to Council on July 11 by the consulting firm Rhodeside & Harwell. The plan presents a “vision” of an evolved Washington Street, with illustrated general guidelines for tree placement, care and preservation, improved signage for visitors, the design care and maintenance of brick sidewalk, improved parking meter technology, new dark-sky-friendly streetlights, and more. With Council’s formal endorsement Town staff will now be able to pursue outside funding for the suggested additions and improvements more effectively. Historic District Review Committee Chairman William Turnure reported that his committee had focused on improving efficiency while minimizing disruptive change. Planning Commission Chairman Stephen Plescow emphasized the importance of careful planning for what would be the necessarily slow stepby-step implementation of the plan as funds become available. Town Administrator Martha Semmes reported that the first project covered by the plan to be completed would most likely be it crosswalk project in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Transportation. The new formal vision for street lighting, she noted, would help make the case for the state to install conduit under the new crosswalks to avoid later digging and disruption. Council adopted the plan for use as a general guideline and “vision” statement, without objection. Police Officers Commended
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A Deer-Related Incident A member of the Police Department was involved in “a deer related accident in one of the police vehicles” Panebianco reported on September 12. Though the Town received an insurance check to help repair the wellworn vehicle, the Chief requested and received Council’s permission to replace it with a new four-wheel-drive Ford Explorer. The new vehicle, already figured in next year’s budget for the department, will cost $23,100 plus the cost of installing police equipment. Fireworks Chief Panebianco reported that he had discussed the Town’s new fireworks regulations with staff at Salamander, noting that as a general rule the Town would prefer and feel more comfortable with less noise and more sparkle from the displays. Vice Mayor Kirk reported complaints about dogs that upset by the noise. Panebianco noted that Salamander’s management clearly recognized that the fireworks would affect the horses in their own stables as well. Panebianco recommended that notices be sent out to affected parties whenever a fireworks permit was issued. Mayor Davis observed that the ordinance, in fact, required an applicant for such a permit to send out such notices. Town Clerk Rhonda North noted that she had already received several requests to be added to list of people to receive such notices. Councilmember Kathy Jo Shea observed that the fireworks also affected communities around Middleburg; noting that she had already received complaints from individuals as far away as Unison. Leash Law In August Mayor Davis noted that the Town has recently received complaints about dogs that were not on leashes, dogs that have bitten people and dogs that have attempted to bite other dogs, and dogs defecating in the street and on private lawns. Councilmember Kathy Jo Shea observed that this was not just occurContinued Page 12
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Middleburg Police Chief A. J. Panebianco reported that he had received several kind and gracious notes from Middleburg business owners praising his officers for their work, “above and beyond the call of duty” over the past several months. Panebianco commended Officer Heather Fadely to Council for her work in developing drug charges “filed as a result of her police work following a DUI arrest.” Vice Mayor Darlene Kirk reported that she had also heard good things about Officer Fadely from the staff at Salamander. The department continues to work closely with the security team at Salamander, Panebianco noted, both in terms of the day to day interaction of the Resort and
its guests with the Middleburg community, and the upcoming Salamander Film Festival. Special events, Salamader-sponsored and others (such as an upcoming 1,500-runner, 10-K race) will increasingly stretch the resources of the department, Panebianco reported, noting with pleasure the return of injured Administrative Assistant Karin Kilday to service.
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Volume 10 Issue 6