Covington Council Briefed On Development Projects

Covington held a brief work session Tuesday night, with members receiving an update on several ongoing projects related to economic development.

City Manager Krystal Onaitis said the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corp. is developing a new business plan for the region.

The EDC oversees economic development endeavors for Covington, Alleghany County, Clifton Forge and Iron Gate.

“it will be rolling out after Thanksgiving,” Onaitis said of the EDC’s new business plan.

In a related matter, the city manager said plans are progressing on the redevelopment of the former Gordmans building on Main Street. The building has been vacant since Gordmans’ parent company filed for bankruptcy last year.

The redevelopment of the property is being called “Project Sparkle,” and it’s part of an overall plan to revitalize Olde Town Covington.

Onaitis said council will hear a presentation on the Gordmans redevelopment before Christmas.

The city is also proceeding with funding applications to redevelop the former Rivermong Elementary School on Rockbridge Avenue. Plans call for the former school to be transformed into 47 “affordable” using units. The project would also include five project-based voucher units for seniors.

The city is continuing to work with Alleghany County on the development of a pad-ready site in the Alleghany Regional Commerce Center in Low Moor.

“Everything is on track,” Onaitis said.

The county and city are hoping to obtain a $500,000 site development grant from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to assist with the cost of the project.

And survey work is now underway for the replacement of the Rayon Bridge in the city.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board has included $10.4 million in its six-year plan to make the replacement of the bridge possible.

“This is a Virginia Department of Transportation-led project. We are a stakeholder at the table,” Onaitis said.

The current bridge will remain open when the construction begins. Design work and panning must be carried out before the state begins construction.