In a routine meeting of the Clifton Forge Town Council on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a large crowd of citizens were in attendance to speak of upcoming events and seek clarification regarding a recent proposal by a local Clifton Forge business to paint a historic mural in the historic downtown area. All board members were on hand to hear Kim Halterman, Superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, give her “State of the Schools” address. Halterman spoke of many accolades and achievements by both individual students, teams of educators, administrators, and other AHPS staff as consolidation efforts expanded in the past year. Halterman spoke of increased opportunities for all students and was excited about the renewed efforts to expand the career and technical programs. CTE classes have offered hands-on education and workforce development that help interested students become certified in various fields before they graduate from high school. She extended much appreciation for the council’s financial support to help keep schools running safely and also expressed excitement over the council’s support to hold the 2024 AHS Homecoming Parade in downtown Clifton Forge. She cited positive improvements in both math and reading at the elementary level across the school division along with a reduction in absenteeism. Halterman attributed the increased growth to incentive programs and relationship building with both students and parents. Bill Atherholt then spoke regarding the upcoming opportunity to view “The Wall That Heals,” a tribute to Vietnam Veterans. He gave a detailed timeline from Oct 1, 2024 at 1pm when the processional will make its way through Clifton Forge through the closing ceremony on Oct 6, at 1:30pm. The replica, along with a museum, will be constructed by a team of 50 volunteers at the Jackson River Sports Complex and on display from Oct. 3 – Oct 6, 2024.
Next on the agenda, Kristen McConnell requested an appeal regarding the ARB (Architectural Review Board) decision against a natural mural to be painted on the fountain side of the building at 511 Main Street, Clifton Forge. The McConnell’s expressed a desire to grow the community by showcasing the beauty of our area to the public. The ARB voted against the large mural project for the fountain side of the building, citing “historic aesthetics.” The ARB representatives also expressed concern for the president that it would set to allow modern murals as part of buildings located in the historic district of downtown Clifton Forge as listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. The ARB continued to discuss guidelines they use to make appropriate decisions including architectural features, Clifton Forge Zoning requirements, and more historic muted colors. The first mural presented to the ARB which received approval was smaller with soft color tones while the rejected mural was to be larger and vibrant, offering a natural display of local wildlife and mountain scenery. The ARB closed their discussion by stating it was their assigned duty to “protect the historic heritage” of the town. Local residents of Clifton Forge, some local business owners, and some council members spoke in favor of the appeal. One resident new to the area said that the mural would be a “bright invitation to young people and tourism and the history of the decision will impact local growth and continued development.” Council Member Debbie Laudermilk stated, “As a former park ranger, I believe natural history is history” as she expressed support for the McConnells and their work to invest in the area. Laudermilk also reframed the discussion to say, “it is not a historical building. It is a building in a historical district.” After legal consultation, the council voted 3 to 2 against the appeal. Councilman Nicely in his remarks apologized to both the McConnells and the ARB saying “I believe we have failed you both this evening.” The council pleaded with the ARB and McConnells to review the proposal at an attempt to compromise on the mural before the October 1 deadline.
Several requests were then heard by various organizations to support upcoming public events in the town including the 2024 Shriner’s Fall Festival on the weekend of October 18-20 and a Craft Beer Festival on Oct 5th from 10am-9pm. Both petitions were approved. The meeting was then moved to closed session. The next scheduled meeting for Clifton Forge Town Council is Oct 8, 2024 at 7pm.
The Shadow
