Lewisburg’s comprehensive plan up for public review April 1 at Visitors Center
By Peggy Mackenzie
Lewisburg’s state mandated comprehensive plan has at last been finalized, according to Zoning Officer Chuck Smith at the city council meeting held on Mar. 17. An open house event at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center on Wednesday, Apr. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. has been scheduled to give the public an opportunity to review the plan. Questions on the plan will be welcomed by members of the planning commission, who, with the assistance of members of West Virginia University’s Law Academy, logged many hours in developing the plan over the course of several months.
Also, during the meeting, Ann and Larry Davis were honored as the 13th recipients of the annual Shepherd’s Center Service Award in a proclamation announced by Mayor John Manchester. Exemplifying the ideals of spiritual growth, lifelong learning and service, the Davises have served on a long list of committees and boards for many organizations through the decades, devoting countless hours in volunteer service to the Greenbrier Valley.
A law enforcement presentation by Point Blank Body Armor representatives Mike Beaver and Hoyt Smith honored Lewisburg Police Department’s Lt. Jeromy Dove and Patrolman Nicholas Sams with “Saves Award” plaques for their service to the community. Nearly the entire Lewisburg Police Department was on hand to witness the presentation in support of Dove and Sams. Both men were wearing Point Blank bullet-proof vests, which likely saved their lives, when they were struck by bullets in a shooting incident on 1-64 on Jan. 1.
Council member Josh Baldwin, as chair of the parks commission, submitted a request by Girl Scout Troop 2043 to be sponsored by the city in order to earn their community service badges. Council approved and the young scouts will be earning their badges painting the ballfield dugouts at Hollowell Park.
Council approved the replacement of Confederate Cemetery signage, unused since the construction of the Greenbrier County Library building, which was sited atop of the old trail to the cemetery. The signage will once again direct people to the cemetery on the hill above the library via the new trail constructed by the Boy Scouts.
Lewisburg Police Chief Tim Stover reported that officers will be on the roadways checking for seatbelt usage during April’s Click It or Ticket month-long campaign.
Fire Chief Wayne Pennington said the department has received funding through a FEMA grant to purchase a camera-like apparatus capable of penetrating smoke-filled buildings as a vital aid in locating persons trapped inside. “It is our eyes in a smoky building,” he said. The grant includes a five percent match of funds, not to exceed $5,000.
Council approved the city’s general fund budget for fiscal year 2015/2016.
Public Works Director Mark Carver noted that the city had a power outage early Sunday morning, Mar. 15, caused by a power surge, which temporarily knocked out the signal lights at the intersection of Jefferson and Washington Streets.