Board adopts a vision statement for county

By Justin Faulconer

Published: June 26, 2008

Business along the U.S. 29 corridor will thrive, signs on the 29 Bypass will direct, Old Town Madison Heights will transform and Amherst scenery will inspire.

Time will tell if it happens in Amherst County.

The Board of Supervisors adopted a vision statement last week that strives to make the county environment, economic and education friendly in 2025.

The statement, which took months to create, focuses on economic development, local education, growth, recreation, natural beauty, tourism and “open, responsible” government.

The board’s vision, according to the statement, is to stay a step ahead of the economy. Economic aspirations over the next few years are to attract restaurants and hotels and possibly provide incentives to bring them in.

Another aim is to reinforce business in Madison Heights by placing more signs on the U.S. 29 Bypass.

Opening a satellite branch of Central Virginia Community College in the Town of Amherst, which is set to happen in 2009, is atop the board’s education goals.

Enhancing relationships with local colleges with an internship program and promoting minority employment are also priorities.

Officials are also committed, according to the statement, to structuring future growth. It wants to keep pushing for grant funding to revitalize Old Town Madison Heights into a “family oriented community” and install public utilities near the bypass.

Constructing parks and trails, enhancing facilities and boosting adult programs are objectives for recreation. In maintaining natural beauty, the county aims to start a recycling plan and complete several convenience centers.

In government, the board has a desire to be responsible and honest in dealing with citizens, according to the statement.

Implementing a newsletter, wireless broadband technology and a salary study for employees are immediate ambitions.

Board members put as many as 24 hours of thought into this declaration, one supervisor said.

The board plans to introduce its vision to county department heads on June 25 and have it posted it to the county Web site (http://www.countyofamherst.com) by June 27.