The Shadow
Kars Unlimited expressed its appreciation Tuesday night for Covington City Council’s ongoing support of StreetScene.
Liz Higgins, along with third generation club member Allison Bush, presented members of council a commemorative plaque on behalf of Kars Unlimited for their support of this year’s 35th annual StreetScene, an event which featured fireworks funded by the city of Covington.
“There are not many car shows or clubs that are still going on the east coast like this. That is because of the support we have in our community,” said Higgins. “You support us so much.”
StreetScene annually draws thousands to downtown Covington for a two-day event that features concerts and classic cars.
“We present a positive image for the area,” said Higgins. “I’ll say it again. We show that when you work together, there’s a lot we can accomplish.
“To you (council) and all the citizens that were there, we say thank you,” Higgins concluded.
After quickly taking care of three items of business, council’s discussion centered on the new “bright” yellow and black paint scheme of a local business on Maple Avenue.
“I think it looks better than it did,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Clark. “All I’m saying is that it is bright. At least they’re trying.”
Vice Mayor Bill Zimmerman suggested that council begin to consider ordinances that would restrict the use of paint colors in the city of Covington as preparations are being made for a project geared toward the beautification of Maple Avenue.
“I think that when we have the Maple Avenue project that comes along, that puts the wires out of sight so you can’t see them and adds decorative lamps, I think we can probably add to the code the colors and everything to be used on the street,” he said. “Something really similar to what Clifton Forge has done. They tell you what color to paint it.”
Clifton Forge has a designated historic district that includes architectural restrictions as well as restrictions on what color a house may be painted.
Putting such ordinances in place typically requires the designation of a specific historic district and the creation of an architectural review board to oversee issues of compliance.
One Covington resident objected to the idea Tuesday night.
“If we keep restricting people, then how are you going to draw people and businesses to Covington?” asked Cindy Scully.
Scully suggested that Covington would not benefit from ordinances restricting paint color and other architectural details.
“Clifton Forge had a very different dynamic than us,” she said. “They had someone propelling them into that with some of the businesses they have. We don’t have that luxury.
“If you start restricting people and telling them what they can and cannot do, you’re going to restrict business right out of Covington,” she said.
While Zimmerman asked city attorney Elizabeth Dillon to research the matter, council closed the meeting without reaching a consensus or taking any action on the discussion.
In other business, city council:
— Adopted the City of Covington Comprehensive Plan;
— Approved a vendor list;
— Approved a performance contract with the Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board;
— Table adoption of a revised travel policy pending further study.
