Vinton Town Council approves Bojangles’ rezoning request
VINTON–Vinton Town Council unanimously approved a request by petitioner Stan Seymour to rezone three parcels of land for parking lot expansion and associated site improvements for the Vinton Bojangles’ restaurant. They took this action after a public hearing on the issue at their regularly scheduled Council meeting on December 6 at the Municipal Building.
The rezoning proposal had been approved by the Planning Commission at a public hearing on November 3. The three parcels will be rezoned from residential to General Business. This will allow Seymour and his company, Potomac Foods Real Estate, LLC, to relocate the existing entrance on Vinyard Road farther north, giving customers leaving Bojangles’ greater sight distance and providing a better separation between the new entrance and the intersection of Vinyard and Hardy Roads. Parking spaces will be added, along with more buffering, landscaping, and screening. Zoning regulations require either solid fencing or the planting of vegetation for buffering. Seymour has agreed to do both.
Vinton Town Council approved a rezoning request by Bojangles' owner Stan Seymour. The proposed project will relocate the current entrance on Vinyard Road farther north and will improve traffic flow.
Anita McMillan, Vinton’s director of Planning and Zoning, notified adjoining property owners of the proposed rezoning prior to the Planning Commission meeting to allow citizens to express their views about the rezoning project. Only one resident, Renita McMillan, stepped forward at both the Planning Commission and Town Council’s public hearing to voice her concerns about the odor and noise from the placement of the dumpster in the proposed site plan, the new exterior lighting changes, the safety of the relocated entrance, and a possible decrease in the value of nearby property.
Mr. Seymour responded to her concerns expressed at the Planning Commission meeting by revising the site plan, and agreeing to move the dumpster farther away from the nearby houses and closer to the Midas Speedee Auto Service Center. He also stated that his company has decided to contract with a new dumpster service, which will only empty the dumpster between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm, thus reducing the noise problem.
Council members agreed to the zoning changes and final site development plan in an effort to improve traffic circulation and safety in the area of the restaurant.
“The new entrance will enhance safety. Mr. Seymour has been a good neighbor in the past and has done his best to alleviate concerns with this project,” said Mayor Brad Grose.
Seymour, who owns five local Bojangles’ restaurants, also has plans to gut and redesign the dining room and customer service area of the Vinton Bojangles’ around the same time as the parking lot expansion.
In other Town business, Council met in closed session prior to the regular meeting, to discuss hiring the new Chief of Police.
Interviews with the final two candidates were concluded on November 30. Once Council makes its choice, negotiations will be conducted on salary, based on the individual’s experience, education, and current salary. When the position was posted, the salary range was listed as $69,000 to $77,700. They hope to appoint the new chief by the end of the year. Police chief Herbert Cooley retired in June; Ben Cook has served as Interim Police Chief since that time.
In other action, Council commended Vinton’s public works department for its recycling program, especially staff members Brenda McGuire, Sandra Jacobs, Bo Cherry, and Eddie Cooper. Their efforts and those of Vinton residents resulted in Vinton being ranked 7th out of 324 localities in the Commonwealth of Virginia for their recycling rate in 2010. Vinton established the first recycling program in the state several years ago.
Town Manager Chris Lawrence announced at the December 6 Council meeting that Mike Kennedy, Vinton's Public Works Director has resigned after seven and a half years to become Public Works Director in Lexington, with his last day being December 16. Lawrence and Council members praised Kennedy for the improvement he has made to Town services during his tenure. Trained as a civil engineer, Kennedy came to Vinton from northern Virginia after retiring from the Navy.
During the meeting, John Aldridge of Brown Edwards and Company LLP, presented the Town’s June 30, 2011, Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. State regulations require an annual independent audit for each locality. Aldridge reported that Vinton remains on strong financial footing. Due to some tough decisions made on water and sewer rates, finances for the Town have improved.
Finance Director, Barry Thompson, and the Finance Committee were commended by the Mayor and Council members for their efforts, especially in difficult economic times when many localities are struggling.
“Our proactive staff has made the sometimes painful decisions in order to keep the Town on solid footing and have grown the Town in the midst of a recession,” said Council member Matthew Hare.
The next Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20 in Council Chambers.
By Debbie Adams
