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James River Association outlines rain‑garden and native‑plant plans for Amherst County libraries; grant funding sought
Summary
The James River Association presented concept plans for greening Madison Heights and Amherst libraries — rain gardens, low‑maintenance swales, native plantings and possible permeable pavers — funded through a multi-stage Chesapeake Bay Trust grant process; no county funding was requested at this planning stage.
Rob Cable, representing the James River Association, presented concept designs to the board for greening projects at Madison Heights and Amherst public libraries. The concepts include native plant pollinator gardens, mowable swales to slow and absorb stormwater, added tree cover, outdoor reading and seating areas and possible permeable pavers in the parking area.
Cable said the work so far is part of a Chesapeake Bay Trust planning grant; the group has applied for the next round of grant funding that would produce construction‑ready documents and eventually fund built work. He said the project team worked with Four Winds Design and county staff to favor low‑maintenance species and mowed swales that county crews can maintain with routine equipment.
Board members generally praised the partnership and asked staff to consider security camera placement and tree species selection to avoid large trees immediately adjacent to buildings. Cable said no county funds were being requested now and that future construction would require permitting and possibly additional grant funding.
The board encouraged continued community input during design and anticipated staff coordination on permitting and grant phases.
