|
The Christiansburg Town Council met Tuesday night for their regular meeting in Town Hall chambers. First up on the agenda was a presentation of new Christiansburg Police Department members.
“I firmly believe we [the Christiansburg Police Department] are one of the strongest agencies in Virginia,” said Christiansburg Police Department Chief Mark Sisson. Due mostly in part to their recruitment standards, Chief Sisson says the force and staff that police the Christiansburg area are among the best. He introduced five additional employees in front of council: Gary Seagraves, Maureen Dietrich, Brandy Smith, Tina Mays and Jackie Steelwell. A short background of each individual was presented by Chief Sisson. Mayor Richard Ballengee told the new members that council wishes for their success. A short recess was taken for proper introduction. During the public address, Christiansburg citizen Lisa Gardner stepped to the podium. She utilized an available drawing board to illustrate her comments as she discussed her concerns about parking in the downtown area. She discussed an ongoing problem of courthouse patrons taking up downtown parking for hours, thus limiting the availability of space to people who wish to visit businesses in the area. Not only did Gardner point out issues that are experienced by many businesses and visitors to downtown, she also suggested a solution: parking should be limited to 30 minutes at the Post Office, one hour along Franklin and at the Antique shop and two hours along Main Street. “Most people don't spend more time than one hour in the businesses located on Franklin and at the Antique shop,” Gardner said. “[...] Along Main Street there are places like Macado's and the Sapphire Ballroom and Dance Studio that might take a little more time.” Councilmen Brad Stipes and Dan Canada spoke next, citing a place on the agenda for discussion of the parking situation. The last Town Council meeting brought the issue to their attention and a parking committee was formed to discuss solutions. They had a meeting earlier in the evening that was open to the public. As a result of interviews with business owners downtown – and as to not interfere with the 'welcoming nature' of the area – it was decided there would be no parking meters. It was agreed, however, after reviewing data collected by the committee and by a parking survey conducted by Christiansburg citizen Carol Lindstrom, that there should be limitations on parking. It was pointed out that parking in the Post Office area was already limited by the business to approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, the areas left for consideration were along Franklin, in front of StellarOne bank, in the small semi-circle area in front of the Antique store and along Main Street. Councilment Stipes and Canada recommended that Council install signs that limit parking times in all aforementioned areas to two hours. Keeping in the spirit of beautifying the downtown area, it was suggested that the signs, themselves, be attractive and un-abrasive. Chief Mark Sisson had discussed with the parking committee an increase of foot patrol downtown upon the acceptance of the two hour parking limit. The foot patrol would decrease fuel usage, increase officer involvement and familiarity with the community and it would also help monitor parking. The two hour limitation was discussed and passed by council, with the stipulation that the parking committee will continue to review, research and observe parking situations in the area. The parking committee recognizes there are certain burdened areas that may need further limitations. Council will allow for revision to the parking structure upon discovery of additional need. The new limitations are set to go in place on September 1, 2008, after proper notification has taken place and a fine for parking violations has been determined. “There's nothing more helpless than a man sitting in a barbershop chair, getting a haircut and watching a police officer outside writing a ticket for his car,” said Mayor Ballengee.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
