Home
Syndicate content

utilities

Sewer Systems Raising Westmoreland Property Values

Great news for homeowners in Westmoreland County, many have seen property values increase by an average of 21 percent, according to The Free-Lance Star.

This is in thanks to a new sewer system.

"Real-estate prices may be falling, but new sewer systems have helped increase Westmoreland County property values by an average of 21 percent since 2006.

More than half of the increase comes from higher appraisals of land and lots made buildable by sewer systems in the Cople and Washington districts, the manager of a reassessment team told county supervisors last night.

'Without the sewer projects, the increase in land values would be less than 10 percent,' said Sonny Fultz, manager of the county reassessment for Pearson Appraisal Services Inc.

Fultz said many low-lying lots near the water were valued between $2,500 and $5,000 in the previous assessment because they could not support septic systems. With the availability of sewer systems, those lots are now worth between $20,000 to $25,000, Fultz said.

'This is the first general reassessment to reflect the impact of sewer projects on land values,' said Fultz, whose team in winding up its reassessment work. The new property values will become the basis for taxes next year."

Read the full story.

Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 - 10:21pm

Water Line to Replace Wells for Some in Appomattox County

Some residents and businesses in Appomattox along US 460 will soon be able to draw water from a water line instead of relying on problematic wells, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

This has been a hotly debated topic in the county because some feel that it is a step towards progress and growth, while others are concerned about an increase in taxes to support the extended water line.

Hopefully if there are any tax increases, that will be balanced out with the opportunities for residential and commercial growth in the area.

"Ann and Tom Nolen are on well No. 3 at their Appomattox County business.

And the water still comes out red.

'It runs like red dirt all the time,' Ann Nolen said.

And, she added, all the digging and re-digging for new wells has left them with little space on their property, on U.S. 460 west of the town of Appomattox.

So, when the Nolens received word last summer of the county's plans to build its first water line along the highway, they jumped at the chance to have their real estate business hooked into the service. Now they are among more than 50 Appomattox County property owners who have signed contracts with the county to hook up to the water line once it's built.

Drawing water from a source other than wells in Appomattox has long been long debated by officials in the county and the town. The 7.5-mile water line the Nolens await will extend from Concord east along U.S. 460 and hook Appomattox County users to Campbell County Utility and Service Authority's water supply.

Although the county has not yet set a date to begin construction, Appomattox County planner Johnnie Roark said recently that he expects to bid out the $5.2 million project by early spring. The county already has purchased parcels for a water tower and pump station.

For many in the county, the installation of a water line represents progress, a welcomed departure from an age-old reliance on private wells.

But others see the county's project as a step in the wrong direction, possibly toward higher taxes, more outside control and the beginning of the end of life in a small community.

Governing officials of the town of Appomattox are still debating whether the town should trade in their public well system and connect to the line."

Read the full story.

Posted on Monday, December 14, 2009 - 11:19pm

Crowd Speaks Out On Coal-Fired Energy Plant in Surry

A small town in the cetner of Surry County has been proposed as the site of a mega coal-fired power plant that would open in 2016.

On Monday night more than 200 people showed up at thePlanning Commission meeting that was scheduled to vote on the matter. Most of the people in attendance were against the power plant, however, most of those people were from surrounding areas such as Richmond, Williamsburg and Norfolk.

Residents supported the plant, because it could bring jobs, tax revenue and hope to the town that has been struggling. Homeowners should be aware that the Planning Commission rescheduled their vote for Dec 14th.

"More than 50 people spoke Monday night ahead of a vote next month that could pave the way for a tiny town to house a coal-fired power plant - and the vast majority were against the project.

Dendron, in the center of the county, has been proposed as the site of the Cypress Creek Power Station, a mega coal-fired power plant that would open in 2016. The 1,500-megawatt plant would be the state's largest to produce electrical energy.

But it could also be an environmental hazard, opponents of the plant said.

'Consider the impact it may have on your neighboring communities,' said Gary West, a former Newport News Planning Commission member. 'From agriculture to industry, it would be a severe and dramatic change.'

The Planning Commission, faced with nine proposals from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, had been scheduled to vote on the plant Monday night, but by the end of the public hearings had decided to delay the vote. The group will take up the matter again Dec. 14.

The crowd of 200-plus on Monday night overwhelmingly seemed to oppose the plant. They came from as far as Richmond, Norfolk and Williamsburg to speak. They called coal a dirty resource - one that is not renewable - and said it has the potential to harm the community's health.

Residents who want the power plant say it could bring jobs and industrial-type businesses that provide additional tax revenue to the struggling rural county."

Read the full story.

Posted on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - 11:42pm

BVU Lays Groundwork for Community Broadband in Bristol

Newly formed committees are working to identify how broadband Internet technology could improve the quality of business, education and health care in the Bristol area, according to the Bristol Herald.

This effort could have a drastic impact on making the area even more appealing to businesses, help institutions provide more services without raising costs and boost the local economy. It could result in great applications of technology to help improve the quality of life for all Bristol area residents.

"A new committee designed to advance regional broadband use took its initial steps Tuesday.

Established by Bristol Virginia Utilities, the community broadband integration group began laying the groundwork for a review of technology uses and applications in the region.

'This is a good start,” Chairperson Beth Rhinehart said after the hour-long meeting. “We’re gathering information and next time we’ll work to define our mission.'

BVU established the committee earlier this year after being named to the 2009 Intelligent Community Forum’s Smart 7 for its deployment and use of high-speed broadband technology. BVU CEO Wes Rosenbalm said the idea is to identify new ways that broadband Internet technology could improve the quality of commercial, educational, health care and other applications.

'You are already outside the box of what BVU is usually thinking about,' Rosenbalm told the group. 'We’re usually out here trying to sell something. It’s encouraging.'

On Tuesday, the group established three sub-groups to gather information about existing partnerships and technology initiatives and to review the programs of other communities named to the Intelligent Community Forum’s Smart 21 for 2010, which includes Bristol, Va.

The third subgroup is to gather existing needs assessment surveys conducted by area human services agencies and other data pertinent to Bristol and Southwest Virginia.

Lisa Meadows, CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and a member of the broadband committee, will oversee the needs assessment sub-group."

Read the full story.

Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 6:32pm

Verizon to Lay Off 1,000 Employees

Verizon Communications is laying off more than 1,000 employees in the DC area, according to the Washington Post.

The layoffs could affect the local economy, but also might affect the service Verizon customers in Virginia receive.

"The largest union for Verizon Communications workers said the company is laying off more than 1,000 employees in the District, Maryland and Virginia.

Verizon spokesman Alberto Canal said the layoffs are part of the already-announced plan to cut 8,000 jobs before the end of the year. Canal confirmed that there have been layoffs this week but could not confirm the number given by the union.

The Communications Workers of America criticized the company for the cuts, pointing to its profit. Canal said the layoffs are a last resort after buyouts."

Read the original story.

Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 6:07pm

Albemarle County Panel Supports Wind Turbines

Albemarle County Planning Commission members agree that wind turbines provide environmental benefits, and chief concerns have been the noise that turbines create and the potential for eyesores. But, those concerns didn't seem to outweigh the benefits, as the Planning Commission sent a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisiors that called for wind turbines to be allowed in the county.

Officials have created guidelines that generally restrict the height of wind turbines to the allowed height of buildings. Also, some experts have ensured officials that newer model wind turbines aren’t disruptive to neighbors and in some cases hardly make any noise.

This is great news for homeowners because if the Board approves this recommendation, then Albemarle County can become move forward with a new source of reliable, sustainable energy. It could also lead to new jobs and boosting the local economy.

"With little hesitation, the Albemarle County Planning Commission sent a formal recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that called for wind turbines to be allowed in the county.

Planning Commission members hope that by allowing small power-generating wind turbines, the county will encourage renewable energy use.

Local environmentalists spoke in favor of allowing wind turbines in Albemarle at Tuesday’s public hearing.

Kathy Rash of Forever Albemarle said the group has met with county farmers and their neighbors, who are 'very much in favor' of allowing wind turbines.

It was nearly two years ago when supervisors asked Planning Commission members to put their heads together alongside county officials, to provide supervisors guidance about whether wind turbines should be allowed in Albemarle.

Planning Commission members have spent little time debating whether turbines should be permitted, focusing instead on what kind of turbines should be allowed, where they should be restricted and what kind of regulations could reduce nuisances to neighbors."

Read the full story.

Posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009 - 5:24pm

Southside's First Solar Power Project Coming to Danville

Southside's first solar power project will be coming to Danville's Community Market, according to GoDanRiver.com.

The project is funded by federal stimulus money, and being used by Danville Utilities to purchase and install the panels. This is a great beginning for a long-term and sustainable clean energy economy in Southside.

Homeowners can appreciate this news because it is the start of a new industry in the area which can bring in new jobs, boost the local economy, increase the tax base and increase property values.

"Danville’s Community Market will be the recipient of the first solar power project by a utility in Southside, thanks to $202,000 in federal stimulus funds, according to a letter from the city manager to City Council and Mayor Sherman Saunders.

Danville Utilities will use the funding to buy and install solar photovoltaic electric generation panels on the Community Market building at the Crossing of the Dan. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Danville the 'Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant,' which was distributed to the largest cities and counties in Virginia and other states as part of the federal stimulus bill.

According to the letter, 'this will be the first solar power generation project undertaken by a utility in Southside Virginia.' The funds must be spent so as to create and/or retain jobs, 'while laying the foundation for a long-term and sustainable clean energy economy.'

Funding for the project is included in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

The electricity generated will both supply the Community Market building and supplement the city’s purchased power.

City Manager Lyle Lacy and Mayor Saunders could not be reached for comment Sunday. City Council will vote on the ordinance Tuesday."

Read the original story.

Posted on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 6:24pm

Va, Md, Del. Enter Offshore Wind-power Partnership

New energy sources will be coming to Virginia thanks to a new partnership between the Commonwealth, Maryland and Delaware, according to The Associated Press.

Constructing offshore wind farms can help these states become leaders in the development of renewable energy. This will be great for all Virginians because of increased jobs and economic growth. A new industry like this can make Virginia a very marketable place for new businesses and residents, which will help protect home values.

"Maryland, Delaware and Virginia are joining forces to promote offshore wind power.

The governors of the three states announced Tuesday that they have signed an agreement to work together on promoting federal policies, transmission strategies and other issues to advance offshore power in the mid-Atlantic region.

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell said his state is poised to become the first in the nation to develop an offshore wind farm and the agreement will help the region become a leader in development of the renewable energy resource.

Delmarva Power signed a power purchase agreement last year with Bluewater Wind, which is hoping to develop a wind farm off the Delaware coast."

Read the orginial story.

Posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 11:49pm

Franklin Voted into Western Virginia Water Authority

Franklin County is now a formal member of the Western Virginia Water Authority, according to the Roanoke Times.

Work on improving the authority-based infrastructure has already begun, including a new $2 million waterline. Hopefully this will help improve service to all homeowners in the area.

"Franklin County was voted in as a full-fledged member Thursday of the Western Virginia Water Authority by the governing bodies that already made up the regional utility.

The Roanoke City Council, the boards of supervisors of Roanoke and Franklin counties and the water authority board unanimously approved Franklin County's membership. The membership will become official upon approval by the State Corporation Commission. It's unclear when the SCC will take up the issue.

'It's a small step for the water authority but a leap in harnessing resources for Southwest Virginia,' said authority Chairman Fuzzy Minnix. 'We welcome Franklin County as our next-door neighbor, our cousins from just a little bit south of us.'

Thursday's vote formalizes the partnership between Franklin County and the water authority that has been ongoing for years."

Read the full story.

Posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 - 7:18pm

State Approves Sewage Treatment Plant Permit in Middlesex

Today the State Water Control Board approved a discharge permit for a wastewater treatment plant in Middlesex County, according to the Southside Sentinel.

Although many residents were concerned about this permit being approved, county officials are working towards other solutions for disposing of the wastewater, including land disposal.

The new plant will help to prepare for future growth, which is great for homeowners and the value of their property,

"On Monday afternoon, a unanimous State Water Control Board (SWCB) approved a discharge permit for a 39,900-gallons-per-day (GPD) treatment plant to serve the Middlesex Courthouse, county offices and part of Saluda.

The treatment plant would discharge into Urbanna Creek and has been opposed by Urbanna area residents who contend the treatment plant will further pollute the creek."

Read the full story.

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2009 - 8:28pm