By Taylor Boyd
The Stuart Town Council heard an update on the Stuart Downtown Revitalization Project at its Wednesday, Feb. 18, meeting.
Town Manager Bryce Simmons said the project is continuing into the active design phase.
“We met with Lora Mahaffey,” owner of Caliope, “last week, and I think that she was sort of the last property owner that had identified wanting to be included in the facade improvement part of the downtown revitalization,” he said.
Until some of the project’s initial schematics and facades are created, Simmons expects the project to be quiet in the meantime.
Noting the former Beasley’s building in Stuart’s downtown area is for sale, Council Member Rebecca Adcock asked what happens if it is sold in the middle of the project.
Simmons replied it is part of the facade improvement program.
“So any property owner that utilizes those funds, it is a five-year forgivable loan,” he said.
Adcock asked who is responsible for the loan if the new owners also want to participate.
“That is on the prior owners to pay that back. That is 100 percent part of the paperwork to be included to get the funds for the facade,” Simmons said.
However, if the current owners do not want to participate in the facade improvements, but the new owners do, Simmons said the council would have to “cross that when we get to it.”
“Because it is contingent on the property owner signing the agreement. My advice to them would be to buy it now,” he said.
Created by Hill Studio, the downtown revitalization plan includes upgrades to the Farmers’ Market area, the creation of a mega deck on the backside of most downtown buildings to connect them, new signage, facade improvements, increased walkability, and other components.
Stuart received a $990,272 Community Development Block Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing for the project in early 2024.
It also received $700,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission, with the funds earmarked specifically for the Farmers’ Market portion of the project. That grant was also received in early 2024.
In other matters, the council:
*Created a budget committee composed of Simmons, Dalton, Adcock, and Clerk/Treasurer Misty Raines.
*Heard an update on the proposed transfer of ownership of a section of Landmark Drive. Simmons said the final letter was sent after it was reviewed by Town Attorney Christopher Corbett.
“We do hope to at least hear something back regarding that letter sent,” he said.
*Heard an update on the employee succession and hiring plan.
*Discussed the removal of unsafe structures within town limits.
*Discussed the town’s owner-renter utility agreement.
*Discussed the town’s upcoming audit.
*Discussed what vehicles the town would need to replace in the future.
*Discussed Public Services Authority rates.
*Approved the Jan. 21 meeting minutes.
*Heard public works updates.
*Heard policy updates.
*Paid the bills.
*Heard an update on delinquent water bills from Raines.
Vice Mayor Dave Hoback, Council Member Erica Wade, and Corbett did not attend the meeting.
