[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282071,"mediaKeyId","2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77","parentId",2599459,"title","Council accepts $3.5 million Virginia Business Ready Sites grant for West Radford Commerce Park cleanup","audioSeconds",145,"startMs",5214000,"endMs",5359000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77&start=5214&end=5359","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77/thumbnail_5214000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282071/Radford-City/Virginia/Council-accepts-35-million-Virginia-Business-Ready-Sites-grant-for-West-Radford-Commerce-Park-cleanup","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282071-5aee77ad9fb4f91fe97f9feee362431c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442884&Signature=cZ6LrxwbV53AWQThfFY3BB-WcYLfBBBWO2FC~o1pXFY3YUVuoHc~J39IN7VnNls1F9eW1a9yO2lxLcieaHyz8lCa-Y7rLfPbZtLCVLE6Cx~Du2IuXD8poqURcimDYrXTMJBR-3Pm~siPN8gcNHBLdWGAxgXQWPPDEbgV6SMt2l5pnH5HS35PNdodzORiuq8KzpoLIBZL4VuWdqUnIwj4~G1WHmoqqwglltTOx4tfZehg-VrzfjLpd2ZQq3P1oKNJCXBVZLHOQnSgLGL2ls3npsNisVUfmbNeYFWNtOKfvGv1rVQBzJCJWJ7KSEV~gMdstpW0Wf7Qn5Aqkc9C2y60Yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","RadfordVa","date","2025-03-10T00:00:00Z","article","Radford City Council approved an appropriation of $3,500,000 under the Virginia Business Ready Sites (VBRSP) Program to support remediation and site readiness work at the West Radford Commerce Park, the site formerly known as Virginia Castings or the Radford Foundry.

City staff described the project as a multi-year effort to remove contaminated soil and concrete and to prepare the property for future economic development. City Manager (Mr.) Meadows told the council there is a 25% match required by the grant but that the city has met that match through the purchase price of the property and planned utility upgrades, \"so there is no cash outlay for that match,\" he said.

Council voted to appropriate the grant funds and dispensed with a second reading after receiving four affirmative votes. The appropriation directs staff to begin remediation planning and coordinate with VBRSP and environmental contractors to scope removal work and downstream site development activities.

Ending: Staff will finalize grant acceptance paperwork, begin environmental remediation planning, and report back to council on procurement and project timelines. Council members said the grant is a major step toward making the former foundry site shovel-ready for future employers and economic activity.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 10, 2025 Radford City Council Session","oneSentenceSummary","Radford City Council approved appropriation ordinance 18-02.22 to accept a $3.5 million Virginia Business Ready Sites Program grant to remove contaminated soil and concrete at the former Virginia Castings (Radford Foundry) site; the city met its required 25% match through property purchase price and utility upgrades, staff said.","taxTitle","Radford City, Virginia","taxId",60267,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282076,"Council awards East Main Street sidewalk bid; VDOT to fund 80% of project",163,4992000,5155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77&start=4992&end=5155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77/thumbnail_4992000.jpg","/articles/6282076/Radford-City/Virginia/Council-awards-East-Main-Street-sidewalk-bid-VDOT-to-fund-80-of-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282076-05c5e0bb9fb5d7732f1f09f8ddccc4cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442884&Signature=dalJr63sIrAqBA0P-UPwGK2v8EPQW37ONHJRjbSVIVhcGZBy3czAAbLdIHYJTKti0rhyQRuDBAjp-yGN-I4kO17i6aK865iEFzHr-se0b184OJ9uzSnJtpumF2GI07LHAnLlTejYj-T0V2jeyQdSdxcvMIIJJmSdQhvNzZcSLX4PjfEymFMxa1xBpaJEJnzaxT5qIL-3XaLcVbhG-gp4t0DLjoo9r7k8o-~VzCT6lCTxxkGCVMyqxBDbX5FpghT9m9Mi7mM1NY0KHRHVp6pP2TfjstWtbcFBxEB4~kP4iH9vNdcQkg2UIRw8YRlZrkDKfyVIDWC9WjOenPVinPZC~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Radford City Council voted to award the contract for the East Main Street sidewalk project to EC Pace Company, the low bidder at $557,846. The project covers the sidewalk from University Drive to Jefferson Street.

City staff said the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will pay 80% of the project cost. City Manager (Mr.) Meadows told the council the city's share would be $111,569 and that canceling the project now would still leave the city with approximately $107,000 in reimbursable engineering and required crosswalk costs. \"For an additional $4,000 at 111,569, we're leveraging a project of $558,000,\" Meadows said, arguing the match made fiscal sense.

Council members discussed the phased approach to capital projects and the need to pursue grant funding when available. A motion to award the bid to EC Pace Company passed after discussion; council members said they would continue to scrutinize project spending across departments as part of the broader budget process.

Ending: With the award, staff will finalize the contract with EC Pace Company and proceed with required VDOT coordination and construction scheduling. Council asked staff to keep the community informed about timelines and traffic impacts during construction.","Radford City Council awarded a $557,846 contract to EC Pace Company to build a sidewalk on East Main Street from University Drive to Jefferson Street; VDOT will fund 80% with the city contributing $111,569, per staff.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282081,"Council adopts franchise ordinance renewing city cable/internet franchise with Shentel (Ordinance 18-13)",99,4632000,4731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77&start=4632&end=4731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77/thumbnail_4632000.jpg","/articles/6282081/Radford-City/Virginia/Council-adopts-franchise-ordinance-renewing-city-cableinternet-franchise-with-Shentel-Ordinance-18-13","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282081-8c7f33ffc3857ba149e003737c44f096/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442884&Signature=b2tcCPIPzrsad2yL25Pozy-dkxWt3RSZDcNvd9NJHaYP6aSTNK2JmylDk~XFU3UGl5Dyj4f64ub30lJRo~IgSELruMVbHq3Dj9RIt8c-Yqaknl26J7xmC74UYMUBfVlDrKj2KRBaF510D8gzyDKgubixmt5yZOYV6K79CCOaMhOkk6daVImvgei2BSTVccS2tiRE-BzhRKCx2~puKMLCxHhqReEZuUTMll-FpCytKXM7lxv4-JOPnLeuNWsN2787-TRtwVCtAMyxWuc6n47lVy0qfuyKUM2bOnsH~jg00FoVp56iIRhOf8T6HelyT0nFWPeLy0C0aTnz7C2YTJ3hAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Radford City Council adopted Ordinance 18-13 to renew the franchise agreement with Shentel (referred to as Chantel in the public hearing), authorizing the company to conduct, maintain, replace, repair and operate cable and internet facilities on public rights-of-way for a 10-year period.

The ordinance includes an annual pole-attachment fee of $30 per attachment and was adopted after a public hearing with no speakers. The council voted in favor and then moved to dispense with a second reading after a recorded four-affirmative vote.

Council members made no substantive changes to the published terms during the meeting and the action follows the advertised public hearing process.

Ending: The renewed franchise allows the company to continue operating communications infrastructure within city rights-of-way under the agreed terms for the next decade. Staff will complete any required implementation steps, including filing and administrative follow-ups.","Radford City Council adopted Ordinance 18-13 renewing the franchise agreement with Shentel (Chantel) for 10 years, setting a $30 annual pole-attachment fee and dispensing with a second reading.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282085,"Council approves special-use permit for duplex at 2016 Fourth Street amid neighborhood objections",1595,3349000,4944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77&start=3349&end=4944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77/thumbnail_3349000.jpg","/articles/6282085/Radford-City/Virginia/Council-approves-special-use-permit-for-duplex-at-2016-Fourth-Street-amid-neighborhood-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282085-7505a15a5d3552d2a73954ae0694c88e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442884&Signature=KZx~U8a3zHkyKHFv~4vJ2eM~Pf6SJ5Xn58qcS5CNKIriq2izsUNpd-wTyCYOi5hEhfrP4KIycgKNnn9lTJu9WPN65~JJnIZK92yGmHJIlWysN6S7cvELOfol5nSZZgWDN1~Z-T3Sg8FlhWmzFcvToFYGiNiixWmv1Q1-VPxLM8UovrBkMLS8wjCtVOU0LbBQnsEMcY0PvdEFkBx-EBh737F4-HqF6-3kS4qOXsLnvY96dCSEBtnIXYpNNnYHkS0Krd5g7nptwFXKGU2davnwjHwdi6XPJG2fyUEcxjXk-3OzzgV6nBFQ36E7Ppfb0O5yQk12vdBBozL9Ba7i~6zVig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Radford City Council voted to approve a special-use permit allowing a duplex at 2016 Fourth Street, following a public hearing that included a petition with 146 signatures opposing the permit and testimony from the applicant and supporters.

Karen Simkins Wills, speaking for opponents, told the council she had collected 146 signatures opposing the special-use permit and raised concerns about precedent, zoning consistency and transparency. \"The homes located at 408 And 410 are not duplexes and should not be used as a precedent,\" Simkins Wills said, urging the council to delay a decision so formal records could be reviewed.

Connor Compton, the applicant and property owner, asked council members to follow the Planning Commission recommendation. \"I asked as a young man looking to build his first home to start a family here in Radford,\" Compton said, asking council to approve the permit so he could move his plans forward.

Planning staff member Melissa (last name not specified in the public transcript) explained that the zoning review is based on current ordinance definitions and uses. She said the Beverly Street properties cited by opponents are classified under the present code as duplexes. The Planning Commission reviewed the matter and recommended approval by a 6–1 vote.

Council voted to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation and then to adopt the resolution granting the special-use permit. After the approval vote, one council member requested a correction: they said they intended to change their recorded vote on approval from yes to no (they remained yes on accepting the Planning Commission's report). Council clarified that acceptance of the planning commission recommendation had been received and that the final approval carried.

What this means: The permit allows a two-unit dwelling at 2016 Fourth Street under R-3 zoning with the conditions specified in the council resolution. The council's action followed the city's standard public hearing process and the planning commission review. Opponents cited neighborhood character and precedent; supporters said existing infrastructure and similar nearby uses support approval.

Ending: The council asked staff to ensure all records and conditions are clearly documented in the resolution and to notify neighbors about permit conditions and any required inspections.","Radford City Council accepted the Planning Commission recommendation and approved a special-use permit to allow a duplex at 2016 Fourth Street. Neighbors submitted a petition and expressed legal and neighborhood-character concerns; the Planning Commission recommended approval 6–1.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282090,"Radford council approves trimming library hours amid budget shortfall after large public turnout",5196,590000,5786000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77&start=590&end=5786","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2599459-4f47e558e25da1e368f287293e057e77/thumbnail_590000.jpg","/articles/6282090/Radford-City/Virginia/Radford-council-approves-trimming-library-hours-amid-budget-shortfall-after-large-public-turnout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282090-f7d75519d29dbd9381d092e54599bed7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442884&Signature=oXyJS0DrpsvHYNW3mIqrtb49LqSbcQPHhhvJaXSOLL~lMe7vGHkG3tpVgVTejEljjJiZGV1klFGrruDHrBWKGVVV2G37tbAJPpsBrDIyig0GFiSlCoqljII4HJcAgNv8~J~jhdIyc9DcdhWxcFv~Z-VHNfwukM1239Mxwv121soEHLokOFwbMzmdMuC3BgnFKGnsfwuEiksIewHMYqtzF9sp2A8UaCVB7WGgVAeROLAY88clHfaV2x~7j7aZYhpese~jRq4YiviC3eMk6~tmJUfDOj-7PlH6xwVrMm2y9JfNpXMjkJ~hSz5aNziDcBp8lYrqBj8MhFMAjW4xzeXgZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Radford City Council voted to reduce weekly hours at the Radford Public Library by four hours as part of citywide budget reductions, after two hours of public comment from library patrons and staff urging the council not to cut services.

The measure was introduced during a wider discussion of budget shortfalls. Council member Kelly (last name not specified in the public transcript) said she had reexamined regional comparisons and library spending before recommending a four-hour reduction. \"I'm still gonna make the recommendation that we cut the library by 4 hours,\" Kelly said, citing her review of hours and per-capita expenditures.

The action follows more than an hour of public testimony from longtime patrons, parents, students and library partners. Elizabeth Sensibaugh, Director of the Radford Public Library, told council members the library serves a wide range of residents and that the branch has returned money in recent years to help the city's budget. \"In '23, we returned over 117,000 from our budget. In '24, we returned over 88,000. And this year, we're definitely prepared to return at least 72,000 and keep looking to do our part,\" Sensibaugh said.

Sensibaugh also provided usage figures: \"Last year, 83,000 patrons visited our library and they borrowed over 84,000 physical items,\" and said the system holds more than 116,000 physical items available to Radford residents. Dozens of residents and students described the library as a \"third space\" and a safety net. Carol Colby said, \"I am beseeching you not to do that,\" and student speakers said reduced hours would remove a key study and safe space for teens and university students.

Council members framed the vote as one piece of a larger effort to rebalance the city's budget. Council member Seth (last name not specified in the public transcript) said the city faces multiple revenue and expense pressures and that \"anything we do at this point is gonna have an impact.\" He and others emphasized the need to spread reductions across departments.

Kelly told council she had compared Radford's current 58 weekly library hours with nearby systems and examined per-capita library spending cited in the Library of Virginia's 2023 data. She reported Radford's expenditures were $61.02 per capita and said that placed the city near the top among the state's public libraries on a per-capita basis. Kelly said the research influenced her recommendation.

The council voted to reduce library hours by four hours per week and instructed library staff and city administration to determine which specific hours to cut to minimize disruption. The motion passed with four votes in favor and one opposed (names not specified in the public vote calls). Council directed staff to coordinate scheduling changes with the library director and return with operational details.

Council members and several speakers stressed that the reduction is intended as part of a wider set of cuts and that no single department was being singled out. Sensibaugh urged the council to consider state aid implications if deeper cuts occur: \"To continue to receive state aid, additional loss of funding needs to be equitable across other departments,\" she said. Sensibaugh told the council the state aid board will determine eligibility for FY 2026 funding in June.

What this means: The Radford Public Library will remain open but on a slightly reduced weekly schedule while the council continues work on the FY-26 budget. Council members asked staff to prioritize minimal service disruption and to return schedule recommendations based on patron traffic and program timing.

Ending: Council members said they expect further budget votes in coming weeks and asked the public to stay engaged as the city finalizes the FY-26 budget. The council scheduled additional budget work sessions and asked staff to provide more information on other potential reductions and revenue options.","Radford City Council voted to reduce Radford Public Library hours by four hours weekly as part of broader budget reductions after dozens of residents urged the council to avoid cuts. Library leaders and residents detailed services and usage during a packed public-comment period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council accepts $3.5 million Virginia Business Ready Sites grant for West Radford Commerce Park cleanup

Council awards East Main Street sidewalk bid; VDOT to fund 80% of project

Council adopts franchise ordinance renewing city cable/internet franchise with Shentel (Ordinance 18-13)

Council approves special-use permit for duplex at 2016 Fourth Street amid neighborhood objections

Radford council approves trimming library hours amid budget shortfall after large public turnout