The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution, recommended by the state, recognizing April as National Fair Housing Month at Tuesday evening’s regularly scheduled meeting. There were only six votes, as Clifton Forge East District Representative Dr. Ronald Goings was not present.
Reid Walters, county administrator, became emotional during his report as he thanked the board members for the respect they extended to him during the very recent passing of his father. He then updated the board on Innovation Park, saying Hurt and Profit is working on housing; the Wrightsville Revitalization Project, saying the infrastructure is complete, and they have started on a new home construction; and creating a draft 5-year vision of what the county can look like going forward. Walters also announced April 15 as Kids Fishing Day at Dunlap Creek, under Boys Home.
During board member comments, Cletus Nicely of the Sharon District urged the Alleghany Highlands School Board to “do the right thing.” Though he acknowledged the school merger as a “done deal,” he would like for them to reconsider closing Clifton Middle School in favor of Covington High School, “just because some people want it.”
Rather, he urged them to think about the safety of the kids. Nicely said he believes the students would be safer at CMS, as there is one way in and one way out, and the school is newer. CHS, on the other hand, is near the railroad tracks and has traffic moving in all directions.
“The school board needs to look hard and fast at these buildings, take personalities out of it and look out for these kids,” said Nicely.
Shannon Cox, Boiling Springs District, agreed with the advantage of one way in and one way out at CMS, but said she saw it from another angle. The Alleghany County and Covington police are right up the street in Covington, she said, stating she believes everything will work itself out.
Gregg Brelsford made the only public comment during the meeting. He expressed concern for a potential erosion that might occur and the effect it may have on the Jackson River. He noted an area where the railroad bed had completely washed out. He recommended an on-site visit and some engineering help on how to handle that flow.
“Noted,” said Chairman Matt Garten, Falling Springs, before moving on to hear an update from Susan Hammond, Virginia Department of Transportation’s representative.
Hammond gave an update on VDOT’s maintenance projects and advised that portables are back at Humpback Bridge for the season.
Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall gave updates on animal and litter control. “We are helping people get skills and be employable,” said Hall of some of the programs for the inmates.
In other action, board members unanimously approved supplemental appropriations and transfers from the contingency in FY 2023 and an amendment to add a solid waste supervisor position.
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