So the two key items on today's Planning Commission meeting are relative to a presentation about possibly conducting a survey of the town's existing historic districts and a rezoning along Crab Creek.
These are key items because one, the historic districts, have been largely ignored by the town as regards planning. They are, however; noted by the town in its Comprehensive Plan as a major component for preserving local heritage. These areas and numerous contributing structures can be recognized and stablized -- if the town so chooses. Do you have any idea how many architectually significant residential units and commercial properties there are in "Old Town" -- the area between Depot and Phlegar Streets? Do you have any idea how many "Arts and Crafts" and anything-train related buffs there are traveling through our community?
Historic designations would provide access to tax incentives for rehab or restoration, along with higher property values -- even if the town choses to not contribute to these incentives itself. This recognition complements establishing tourism destinations (other than related to sporting events) and maintaining an "antiques corridor" in the town. There are a wealth of resources available -- all that is lacking is leadership by the town. Council has sat on its thumbs for decades, letting others do the work to get the present historic districts and structures recorded. Last year they acted as if they saw the disadvantages of this ignoring "strategy" and the disconnect with their own Comprehensive Plan and tasked the PC with examining the issue. So it finally appears on the agenda again, but don't hold your breath for any real action by the town.
This historic focus ties back to a rezoning request for 520 Depot Street, which sits in a historic district where town leaders have allowed other encroachments to creep in-- this includes metal buildings erected via conditional use permits and subsequently not enforcing those conditions (such as vegatative screening). This particular rezoning is troublesome as there are no assurances that automotive oils, gasoline and other liquids will be captured rather than filtering into the adjacent Crab Creek.
A 2008 report by the State already identified stormwater runoff as a problem and in 2006 the town paid a fine (greater than what it allocates to many community organizations) for allowing the creek to be degraded. The town was ordered to stabilize this watershed, which is fed by the Town Branch and Walnut Creek, and flows on into the New River. In this year's budget process, there was discussion about additional watershed stabilization being needed, but it was cut from the budget as being non-critical.
Remember, many of these town officials ran for office on a platform based on the quality of life found in Christiansburg, and maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods. Watch these issues as they move to council for consideration.