By Matt de Simone
The Fincastle Town Council held its regular monthly meeting last week, where Town Manager Melanie McFadyen provided updates on several items.
McFadyen reported that the annual Consumer Confidence Report on drinking water quality has been completed and distributed to residents.
She also shared that the town has submitted a non-competitive litter grant application to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. This annual grant supports litter pick-up and clean-up activities. Last year, the town received $1,838 through the program, which helped fund multiple volunteer clean-up events at Big Spring Park and along roadside areas. The funds were used for supplies, marketing, tools, equipment rentals, and mailing information to residents about clean-up events. Some funds were also used to remind local businesses about the need to phase out Styrofoam containers.
McFadyen announced that the application window is now open for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Improvement Program (CIP), administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The due date for the application is August 26. The town is applying for the CIP grant with assistance from the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (RVARC), using data collected during the CDBG Planning Grant received last year.
She clarified that the planning grant is just the first step in pursuing CIP funding and emphasized that this is a long-term plan. The first phase of the project, which will be included in the current application, focuses on façade improvements and signage/wayfinding. A public hearing will be held soon to discuss the grant and its specific details.
McFadyen also reported that the town is applying for a FEMA grant to purchase a backup generator for one of its water wells. This generator would be essential in the event of a power outage. Daniel Murray, Emergency Manager for Botetourt County Emergency Services, is assisting with the application. A maintenance agreement is required as part of the process.
In other business, the council discussed ongoing issues related to the town’s nuisance ordinance, particularly concerning neglected lawns on certain properties. Council member Paige Ware shared her concerns over some of the properties that are being neglected during the warmer weather months.
“I’ve lived here for 82 years and I have never seen (yards) left like it is now,” Ware said.
Mayor Mary Bess Smith noted that the town has sent out letters to the residents whose properties are in question. She also noted that the older residents who aren’t able to keep up with their yards like they used to play a factor in why some of the yards’ upkeep has diminished. Smith said that it is a possibility the town will “incur the cost” to help clean up some of the properties and then file liens.
“I just want to make sure that council is pulling the same direction on this because once you open this can or worms, you’re likely to get some back feedback from people as well,” Smith said during Thursday’s meeting. “We don’t want to become the yard police but we’ve also got some properties in town that’s just really gotten out of hand.”
Smith explained that there is a time period associated with the letters sent to the owners of the properties in question and that the town can start getting people together to help in the cleanup. While she shared her concern on how to keep the yards looking nice following the cleanup, she strongly feels that something needs to be done soon.
“I believe this year is worse due to the hot, wet weather and the town’s growing elderly population, which struggles to keep up with yard maintenance,” McFadyen said when asked about the issue.
This isn’t an uncommon occurrence. She explained that each summer, the town sends warnings to property owners about lawn upkeep, and most respond promptly. However, it can be challenging to reach some owners, especially those who no longer live in Fincastle, leading to continued neglect. Despite this, McFadyen noted that most of the contacted property owners have since addressed the concerns.
The next meeting of the Fincastle Town Council is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, at 7 p.m., at the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department Training Room.
