2010-07-22
The Management Team met with the group of consultants
selected for professional planning, engineering,
architectural, and landscape-architectural services for a downtown revitalization
project.
This kickoff meeting was meant to provide an outline
of the planning process, and to establish that the town's economic opportunities
are what will lead the process.
The physical improvements will also be driven by
the marketing strategy and the economic restructuring. Components that
will be considered: gateways, pedestrian circulation, way finding (signs),
green spaces, infrastructure, facade, lighting, and street furniture,
among others. The Management Team's role will be to provide feedback.
The boundary will most likely be the one already
defined by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
(DHCD), as part of the planning-grant application.
Following the meeting, Management Team members took
a tour of the proposed boundary area to produce a preliminary guide
for the consultants. Photographs of the tour:
2010-06-17
Nine proposals were received in response to the RFP
issued in May 2010. Four of those nine were selected for interviews
scheduled today. An announcement on the final selection will be made
soon.
2010-05-11
Request for proposal issued for
professional planning, engineering, architectural, and landscape-architectural
services for a downtown revitalization project for the Town of Montross.
Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2010, at Noon EST.
Details>>
2010-02-11
Management Team Meeting with Elizabeth Boehringer,
DHCD community representative, at 5:30 p.m. at the Bank of Lancaster,
in Montross. Purpose: to provide enough information to allow the Northern
Neck Planning District Commission to produce a prospectus on bahalf
of the Town of Montross. The prospectus is due in the last week of February,
and it will describe the scope of work and timeline for the planning
process, which will include the production, by consultants, of the following
key documents:
- Project Management Plan: A
tool to monitor progress. It identifies issues and timelines for
completing certain projects.
- Economic Restructuring Plan:
Keeps in mind the key assets of the revitalization area. It sets
a framework for all of the activities that will occur in the downtown
area.
- Marketing and Implementation Plan:
This is how the town tells the story of what is goin on in downtown
with the revitalization effort.
- Physical Improvement Plan:
Addresses infrastructure needs, sidewalks, streetscapes, street
lights, etc. This will need a preliminary engineering report. The
plan does not address façades, just infrastructure. Façades
will come later in the process.
2009-10-13
Second Management Team Meeting (for the Planning
Grant) at 5:30 p.m. at the Art of Coffee, in Montross. The team reviewed
the data from the 54 business surveys received so far. With the survey
completed, and all other DHCD requirements done (i.e. · Building
Inventory, Business Resource Guide, Contact with the Department of Historic
Resources) the town is ready to go on to the next step, which will be
a meeting with DHCD’s community representative, if the town gets
a contract to continue with the process.
2009-10-08
Sub-committee meeting at Montross Town Hall, 1 p.m.,
to go over the 46 business surveys that have been submitted so far.
A total of 67 surveys were sent to businesses in the town.
2009-10-02
Communication with the Virginia Department of Historic
Resources regarding revitalization efforts by the Town of Montross.
It is a DHCD requirement to let VDHR know about the process. Amanda
Lee, a Historic Preservationist with VDHR, assigned the town a project
number for reference (DHR File No. 2009-1545).
2009-09-28
The Business Inventory Survey is now available for
Montross businesses. It can be downloaded or completed online here.
2009-09-16
Management Team meeting at the Art of Coffee, in
Montross, at 5:30 p.m. Members reviewed the process so far and what
steps will be required next, now that the Town has been awarded a $25,000
planning grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) and a $10,000 MUMI Planning Grant from the Virginia
Housing Development Authority (VHDA). The combined $35,000 will pay
for the production of the Master Plan.
During the next three weeks, Management Team members
will conduct a detailed Business Inventory Survey in the Town, a survey
requested by DHCD. A subcommittee of the Management Team will then meet
to go over the data and produce a summary that will be presented to
the full Management Team during the first half of October, before the
10/15/2009 deadline that DHCD has set to submit this information, along
with other reports that it requires.
2009-08-07
The Northern Neck Planning District Commission submitted
a planning grant application to the Virginia Department of Housing and
Community Development, requesting $25,000 to develop a master revitalization
plan for the Town of Montross. The application included information
showing that the area being considered for revitalization has a 55%
vacancy rate.
The PDC also began preparation of a Virginia Housing
Development Authority MUMI Planning Grant, for $10,000, which will be
used to cover part of the cost of producing the Town's master plan.
The revitalization project qualifies for this VHDA grant because the
planning process includes mixed-use and mixed-income components.
2009-06-09
Management Team Meeting in Montross, 6:00 p.m., Bank
of Lancaster meeting room
The Clay Christensen Group presented its final report
and recommendations, closing the first phase of the project (i.e. "Community
Visioning" phase) and proposing steps to take to receive a planning
grant that will allow the Town of Montross to produce a Master Plan.
"The important thing about the master plan,"
said the consultants, "is that it is inspirational---with drawings,
pictures, and designs that can help residents visualize what Montross
can look like in the future. It also acts as a guide and a platform
for attracting funding. Investors can see that you have thought through
the process."
The Northern Neck Planning District Commission will
assist the town in securing funding sources to pay for the production
of a master plan.
2008-12-09
Management Team Meeting in Montross
The Management Team received the official Vision
Report and discussed its findings.
The report suggested several steps to follow before
applying for a Planning Grant in early 2009.
To complete those steps, the Management Team reviewed
a proposal from the Clay Christensen Group to do the following in the
coming weeks:
- Conduct a series of interviews with key property
owners, and produce a summary assessment of key properties.
- Educate owners regarding financing resources,
and assess interest in participation
- Identify key traffic issues concerning the downtown's
revitalization in relation to VDOT's Master Plan.
- Coordinate analysis and provide recommendations
from an architectural historian.
- Explore local niche, regional resources, potential
partnerships, synergies and market opportunities.
The proposal was approved by the Management Team.
The rest of the meeting was used to discuss the opportunity
to extend Westmoreland County's Enterprise Zone area into the Town of
Montross.
The Management Team selected the parcels in the Town
that will be considered to become part of the EZone (subject to acreage
limitations). A revised map will be available later.
More information about the Enterprise Zone Program
can be found here.
TO DO list for the next week or two:
A building inventory to establish
the Town's vacancy rate, concentrating on the following:
- Commercial property. Location. Condition.
Square footage. Intended use. Permitted usage, etc.
- Blighted properties (in the physical and
economic sense).
2008-12-01
Management Team Meeting in Montross
Management Team members met to go over the results
from the Community Visioning Session held on 11/20/2008. After discussing
all the public input, the following Vision Statement emerged for the
Town's revitalization efforts:
VISION STATEMENT
Downtown Montross will be a unique, destination-driven,
dining, retail, and cultural center for the Northern Neck. Visitors
and residents will experience a planned, environmentally responsive
village atmosphere, complete with outdoor family recreation, entertainment
and lodging, local professional services, and unique Montross hospitality.
NEXT STEP
The Management Team will now work on actions and documents that will
help the Planning District Commission apply, on behalf of the Town,
for the next planning grant. Those actions and documents are:
1) A list of key properties in the downtown area,
with a map. Who are the investors? What are the development plans
for each property, if any?
2) A list of options for traffic enhancements that
support a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
3) Hire a historical consultant to make a Historic
Assessment of the Town. Find out if there is an opportunity for a
historical district in the downtown area.
4) A list of local Niche Opportunities. There may
be many opportunities that are appropriate for Montross. To produce
this Niche Opportunities List, answer these questions: What is going
to make someone drive here? What would be a unique draw?
5) A list of Local and Regional Resources, and
of partnerships. This would be an inventory of what is out there:
financial, leadership, businesses, etc.
6) Visit other towns that have gone through the
revitalization process.
7) Start the process of extending the Enterprise
Zone into the downtown area.
2008-11-20
Public meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Montross
Fire Department---a "Community Visioning Session" attended
by about 50 residents
The session was facilitated by Becky Clay Christensen
of the Clay
Christensen Group, and it consisted primarily in a series of questions
and answers to allow participants to contribute ideas regarding what
the Town of Montross should become around the year 2015:
Yes/No Questions:
"How many live in town?" About 35%-40%
raised their hands.
"How many work in town?" About 35%-40%
"How many went to school in Montross?" About 30%
"How many own a business in Montross?" About 30%
"How many are part of the Revitalization Management Team?"
About 35%
"How many raise or raised kids here?" About 35%
Other Questions:
"What can we celebrate about our downtown's
history?"
Answers: The Coca Cola plant . . . it's county seat . . . it's a
gateway to the northern neck . . . the historic courthouse, museum,
fall festival, Montross Inn, small-town heritage, hub for tourism,
outstanding small community, closest town to state park, multiple
generations that stay here, John Adams "slept here," peace
and quiet
and safety, one of the Lees was in jail here, library, people's
community bank, still have viable businesses here, patriotism,
geographic center of the county, local leaders now in public office
in
the Virginia Senate and U.S. Congress.
"What have been our continuing challenges?"
Answers: Empty buildings, keeping retail in town, length of town (too
spread out), not enough parking, variety of youth attractions, rural
economy has shifted, lack of employment, keeping the next generation
here, lack of enthusiasm for change, deterioration of buildings that
are here, age of water system, aging infrastructure, no diverse
businesses base, sewer system, drive-through town and not a
destination, not enough of a tax base, signage, apathy.
"What will we see in Downtown Montross in
2015?"
Spoken Answers: Well designed lighting and foot
traffic, more
businesses, handicap accessibility, safe parking, a comprehensive
plan
that will match with our rural economy, make the Northern Neck the
"Central Park" of Virginia, a green community.
Written answers (first round of cards): an upscale
restaurant, a
visitor center, small businesses that complement each other, specialty
shops, outdoor courtyard atmosphere, playgrounds and picnic areas,
general colonial theme, traffic-pattern light control (turning traffic
lights), event center, arts center or colony community (like the art
gallery in Kilmarnock, teaching art classes, etc.), slow speed limits.
Written answers (second round): a uniform look
(brick walks and street
lamps), organic farmer's market, environmental role model, good
shopping and restaurants, bike/walk trail, entertainment and
performing art center, seafood and farmer's market, overnight
accommodation (no Best Western), historical inns (B&Bs).
Topic Columns:
A = Retail and food
B = Culture (events center, etc.)
C = Bounty, Heritage
D = Accommodations
E = Architecture
F = Recreation
G = Green
H = Services
Written answers (third round): Youth family community
activities,
skateboard park, bowling and movie, bike trails, improved sidewalks,
urban park, welcoming center, medical facilities, landscaping,
family-oriented businesses, inexpensive youth activities, tree-lined
streets, antique mall, ergonomic community - green, historical
complex.
Each card was posted under the appropriate column.
Consensus statements:
Letter A = In 2015 we want to see . . . a viable
business community . . .
STATEMENT SELECTED: "Destination-driven, upscale restaurant and
retail
businesses."
Letter B = In 2015 we want to see . . . a recognized
cultural venue .
. . a culturally oriented community . . . A cultural center to
celebrate our cultural community.
STATEMENT SELECTED: "An entertainment and cultural events center."
Letter C = In 2015 we want to see . . . [this column
was done away
with. Its cards were moved to other columns]
Letter D = In 2015 we want to see . . . overnight
hospitality . . .
come stay with us . . . bed and breakfast . . . Virginia hospitality
.
. . Northern Neck overnight hospitality.
STATEMENT SELECTED: "Montross overnight hospitality."
Letter E = In 2015 we want to see . . . beautification
. . . Montross
makeover . . . a revitalized look . . . beautiful downtown . . .
historic ambiance . . . Montross beautiful . . . charming . . . quaint
downtown atmosphere . . . a welcoming downtown atmosphere . . . a
planned, cohesive architectural community . . . planned, cohesive,
striking village.
STATEMENT SELECTED: "A planned village atmosphere."
Letter F = In 2015 we want to see . . . outdoor
family recreation . .
. pedestrian.
STATEMENT SELECTED: "Outdoor family recreation."
Letter G = In 2015 we want to see . . .
STATEMENT SELECTED: "An environmentally responsible community."
Letter H = In 2015 we want to see . . . more medical
services . . .
more professional services . . . more services that facilitate
business and take care of our personal needs . . . family medical
center.
STATEMENT SELECTED: "Local professional health services."
"Which statement is the easiest to do?"
Answer: Planned village atmosphere.
"The most difficult?"
Answer: The cultural center.
"Which words posted on the board that resonated
to participants?"
Answers: culture, village, destination, hospitality.
"What do you think has worked for you tonight?"
Answer: consensus.
"Any surprises tonight?"
Answer: The interest in cultural and art centers. A pleasant surprise.
2008-11-05
The Town of Montross has received a planning
grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
to proceed with the "Community Visioning Session." The session
will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at the
Montross Fire Department, 52 Rectory Road, Montross VA 22520. Phone:
(804) 493-9596. This is a public meeting. Printable flyer.
2008-09-24
Planning grant application submitted to the
Department of Housing and Community Development.
2008-09-17
Meeting at the Art of Coffee, Montross, Virginia,
at 6:30 p.m. The Management Team members and representatives from the
Department of Housing and Community Development and from the Northern
Neck Planning District Commission met to discuss requirements for the
planning grant application. Becky Christiansen, the consultant selected
to facilitate the visioning session, also attended.
2008-08-05
The RFP generated three proposals. Two firms were
interviewed, and the Selection Committee selected one of them.
2008-05-29
Meeting at The Art of Coffee, at 6 p.m. Presentation
by the Planning District Commission regarding the application process
for a downtown revitalization project: A facilitator will be hired through
a procurement process (RFP). Those who reply will be reviewed and one
selected by the designated Selection Committee:
1. Brenda Reamy
2. Jerry W. Davis
3. Leonard Carlson
4. Bryan Chandler
5. Larry Wheaton
2008-05-01
Kick-off meeting held.