The Shadow
The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the Government Complex in Low Moor, Virginia. Highlighting the agenda were several speakers that each brought good news of county wide improvements and upgrades. After accepting and approving minutes from the June 25, 2024 meeting, board members received an update from VDOT Resident Engineer, Ms.Susan Hammond, who spoke about mowing projects, road striping across the area, and the preparation work being done ahead of the predicted weather from Tropical Storm Debbie due to arrive later in the week. Several board members spoke of concerns regarding dangerous road conditions on Rt 220, Rt. 18, and near Longdale Station Road. Ms. Hammond noted those concerns and advised VDOT was working to improve those issues.
In an effort to acknowledge a longtime community activist and previous board member, Matt Garten, Board Chairman, introduced a Resolution of Respect honoring Carolyn T. Barnette, who passed away recently. Ms. Barnette served as a very active community member serving on the Clifton Forge City Council, Alleghany County Board of Supervisors, and as a member of the Alleghany County School Board. The resolution was accepted unanimously by board members who shared fond memories of Ms. Barnette’s service.
Among the highlights of the meeting, several area investors spoke of upcoming projects that will better prepare the Alleghany Highlands for growth and development. First, John Hull, Executive Director of Roanoke Regional Partnerships, offered the board exciting updates on his firm’s efforts in marketing, business attraction, and economic development consulting. The main undertaking of his firm involves the land development project in Low Moor where pad sites are business-ready, creating opportunities for economic growth in the region.
The other big announcement came from Jeff Ahearn, CEO of Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative, who explained the benefits of a recent $2.3 million dollar grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Community Development toward the expansion of broadband infrastructure that will benefit many local citizens who live in very rural areas of the county and currently have limited access to digital streaming and cell phone service. Ahearn stated that approximately 400 homes and several businesses will be positively impacted. Board member, Shannon Cox, who serves the Boiling Springs District, in her personal comments stated, “It’s like when your child comes and asks you for something and you know there is no way to get it…but then somehow you get up on Christmas morning and you have that one special gift for them. That’s exactly how I felt. It’s like Christmas morning to me to have this for my residents.”
The meeting moved to closed session following board member comments.
