News Flash

City Council last night adopted a series of resolutions requesting the Virginia Department of Transportation allow unspent money previously allocated to Danville to be used for three projects.

The projects are as follows:

• Street and sidewalk improvements on North Union Street.

• Realignment of a curve on Airport Drive near the Danville Regional Airport terminal.

• Extension of the Airport Drive Trail from Danville Regional Airport to U.S. 58.

The resolutions were developed after VDOT identified approximately $1.5 million in unspent previously allocated to other Danville projects. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will act on the resolutions at its December meeting.

In other matters last night, City Council voted to:

• adopt a resolution urging President Trump and Congress to keep the Federal Historic Tax Credit Program, which encourages the redevelopment of historic and abandoned buildings.
• rezone property as requested by Davis Storage and Warehouse Inc. that will allow property lines around the former Motley’s Warehouse to be adjusted. The adjustment of property lines will provide for perimeter access around the structure in case of emergency. The warehouse was built without access to the sides and rear. A public hearing will precede the vote.
• use $1 million from the Virginia Department of Health for scheduled modifications at the water treatment plant. The money from the state agency will be used instead of bond proceeds.
• request a change in the state code for the Virginia Stormwater Management Program. The change would allow the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to delegate its storm water management responsibilities to adjacent localities. This change would enable DEQ to delegate responsibilities of plan review and site inspections to the City of Danville for projects in Pittsylvania County developed by the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority, Industrial Development Authority, and the Danville Development Authority.
• reappoint C.G Hairston and Landon Wyatt to the Industrial Development Authority.

In addition to these votes, City Council held a first reading on an ordinance that would authorize issuance of general obligation bonds in the maximum principal amount allowed without a referendum.

A first reading is an introductory step required by City code before certain matters can be voted upon by City Council. This step serves to provide public notice of pending action. Council cannot vote on the ordinance Thursday. The earliest vote that can take place will be the Nov. 21 City Council meeting.

Also in the business session, Mayor John Gilstrap presented proclamations for Fashion Day and marking Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday.

Council's meeting included a business session followed by a work session. In work sessions, Council reviews non-routine matters that may be voted upon in future business meetings.

During last night’s work session, City Council scheduled votes for its Nov. 21 meeting on the following items:

• a lease agreement for fixed base operator services with General Aviation.
• use of eminent domain for acquisition of right of way and easements on Mount Cross Road.
• a resolution endorsing the continuation of the Dan River trail system.
• allowing the Industrial Development Authority to act as conduit for revenue bond financing benefitting Averett University.