In response to concerns expressed during a rezoning before Town Council in March 2008, and relative to the Planning Commission (PC) then being directed to review Historic District Overlays as referenced in the town's Comprehensive Plan, a guest speaker will be present Monday.
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will make a presentation during the the Planning Commission meeting on Monday at 3 pm in the Town Hall. Some of the programs available to preserve properties will be detailed, and results of similar programs can be seen while visiting Pearisburg, Buchanan, the City of Radford or Blacksburg.
The Planning Commission's schedule was adjusted to accommodate the DHR representative's schedule. Several PC members have been collecting and sharing information, whether from private sources, conversations or viewing the DVD recorded during the Blacksburg presentation.
Take a look around town and seek out structures that are at least 50 years old. These are the types of buildings which could qualify for a variety of tax incentives, should Town Council decide to act. In other localities throughout Virginia, such initiatives have provided economic benefits both in creating jobs and by increasing property values.
Christiansburg is known as the hometown of many of America's heros who lived here at some time in their life. The past was yesterday, and needs to be preserved today.