The Shadow
Shawn Wright, Post Commander, Curtis A. Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1033, excitedly reported to the Covington City Council that “the Wall That Heals” is coming to the city of Covington, at their final meeting of 2023, Tuesday evening, Dec. 12th.
“When everybody was little, they told us to dream big,” said Wright. “I think I jumped off the cliff with this one,” Wright continued. She explained that she had “been itching and ready to jump out of her skin for the last month” and was pleased to announce that the Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, along with the educational center would be coming to Covington, VA, Oct. 1 – 6 of next year.
Covington was one of 33 sites selected, out of 85 applications submitted, and the only locality in the state of Virginia. This project is sponsored by the city of Covington, the VFW 1033, and Connections Care Plus and will be held at the Jackson River Complex.
She closed by saying more information would become available as the dates draw nearer. “It’s going to be big and I’m so glad that we are finally getting started,” added Wright, to which she received a round of applause.
After an innovation by Elder Pete Moore, pastor, Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Covington, and First Church of God in Christ, White Sulphur Springs, and the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States, Council held three public hearings.
In Public Hearing # 1, members of McAllister Presbyterian Church asked the city to consider an intent to vacate the right-of-way and disposition of public property so the church could develop a playground for its young members. Allen Dressler, city manager, recommended that Council
move forward with the approval to “appoint this sliver of alley to McAllister Presbyterian Church.” Van Walker, Trustee, MPC, spoke in favor of using this property “to develop it into a playground for the children.” Councilman Lance Carson believes “this would make the whole city look better and if we can help kids, we need to help them,” said Carson.
In Public Hearing # 2, Dressler advised that “this piece of property is of no use to the city of Covington,” on the intent to vacate the right-of-way and disposition of public property to Amy Wills, now Warren. He further explained that the request had been made many years ago but “the city failed to follow through on it” and in the recent exchange of management, he was contacted about it. “They have been mowing it and keeping up,” said Dressler and “I recommend we grant this piece of property to Mike and Amy,” he said in conclusion. Amy Warren took to the podium and thanked Dressler for all his help. She said she started contacting the city in 2016. “It would be nice to put a permanent structure on it.”
In Public Hearing # 3, Dressler explained to Council that he believes the city is at a “point in time where we need to look toward technology.” He recommended that they lease the former Nettleton Property to a public/private partnership entity, HKG-ING LLC. James Hogendobler, with an expertise in technology, took to the podium to share his vision for this property with Council. He believes with his experience as a former Information Technology Executive in Washington, DC, Hamilton and Roots’ expertise in hydroponics, and Wiley Garden Center’s expertise in growing things, they have a real strong vision. Dressler believes this vision will help educate children, while also being innovative and a retail center that would increase profits and employment. “We are excited and looking forward to moving on with the project,” said Dressler.
Kathy Downey supports “filling in this blank area of Covington.” “It’s not just about the schools it’s a blight area,” added Downey. She explained to Council that this project won’t hurt her vision. Her only concern was that it includes hydroponics and not aquaponics, part of her vision. She also wanted to know if it would be possible for the public to see any lease agreement between the city and the lease. Dressler answered that it would be possible.
Hearing no comments that didn’t support any of the Public Hearings, Council voted on and unanimously approved each.
In other action, Council unanimously approved resolutions for Schools Fund-Surplus Revenue received rom the Alleghany Highlands Schools for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023; Parks and Recreation Litter Grant-Additional funding received from the state above the budgeted amount, with no city match; Shop with a Cop donation from Ingevity; and the corrected minutes from the Nov. 7th work session, and the Nov. 14th regular meeting. Council also appointed Greg Lane, owner of 410 on Main, as a private sector member to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and C. W. Smith to fill the unexpired, vacant seat of Mike Wickline on the Planning Commission, term expires Sept. 30, 2024.
During the city manager’s report, Dressler provided a condensed, year-end review. He reported the following for the 22-23 fiscal year: spent $900,000.00 in paving and $109,000.00 in sidewalk work; completed phases 1-3 of Maple Ave; gave Riverside Parking lot got a good face cleaning;
Twinkling Trail was a huge hit; moved forward with four more years of burying refuge before working toward a facility; upgraded the water treatment plant; spent a little over $8 million on the basin project; and performed improvements to Casey Field.
He also reported on some upcoming projects to include improvements to the Mid-City Mall parking lot and putting together an all-inclusive playground at Fort Hill Park.
He closed by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
