Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners press staff on Cannery, water tank funding, data center timing and surveillance tools
Summary
Commissioners asked staff for updates on the Cannery redevelopment and federal assistance for a roughly $7 million Lots Gap water tank, delayed Progress Park data center permits, planned crosswalk and connector road timelines, and the use of Flock cameras and drone surveillance in the county.
Members of the Wythe County Planning Commission used the Commission Concerns portion of the May 4 meeting to press staff for updates on several infrastructure and public‑safety topics.
Chair David Midkiff asked about the Cannery project; Ex‑Officio Jesse Burnett said the county has requested federal assistance both for the Lots Gap Water Tank (described in the meeting as “about a seven‑million‑dollar project” that would add storage capacity under the Blue Star Project) and for a new Cannery location that would include a commercial kitchen and new offices for Extension staff. Burnett said, “I still have a lot of people in the Lead Mines District that do not like the idea of zoning,” and urged more resident feedback to inform supervisors.
Commissioner Garry Rusty Beamer asked about land‑clearing at Progress Park for an announced data center; Deputy County Administrator Matt Hankins said County Engineer Kincer is awaiting DEQ review of erosion and stormwater plans before clearing can proceed. Chair Midkiff asked about a Fort Chiswell crosswalk and Mr. Hankins said construction is planned for next year; Commissioner Christopher C. King asked about a Lover’s Lane connector road that Hankins said is also scheduled for next year.
Commissioner Rodney S. Dunford asked about Flock cameras; Hankins confirmed the county has them in place, that they report certain crime data and can read license plates to notify dispatch on matches. Commissioner Susan M. Branscome asked whether drone surveillance being used in the Shenandoah Valley to issue citations has been expanded to Wythe County; Hankins said the county has not been informed of such an expansion.
None of these items resulted in formal action at the May 4 meeting; commissioners were encouraged to collect resident input and staff indicated several projects are contingent on outside approvals or easement resolution.
