NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kristina Ramsey
Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator
kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org (
540)261-8616
Buena Vista, VA – The $1M Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) awarded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for downtown revitalization is underway. A new project sign has been installed at the corner of 21st Street and Sycamore Avenue to acknowledge the project location, funding source, and contractors.
The grant will fund streetscape and related improvements in the downtown area, façade grants for privately owned buildings in the project area, and upgrades to wayfinding and directional signage program throughout the City. Administrative support is being provided by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.
Work for the facade improvement program kicked off in the Fall of 2021 with approximately 13 interested property owners. City staff and the project architect have worked with property owners to prepare initial façade improvement plans and submit them for review by the Department of Historic Resources (DHR) as required by the CBDG program. Following approval by DHR, the City will work with property owners to finalize plans and select a contractor to complete the improvements. The City anticipates improvements to begin by Fall.
“We are delighted to be moving this project forward,” says Kristina Ramsey, Economic Development and Marketing Coordinator. “A lot of work and collaboration takes place behind the scenes before anything visual occurs, but the energy and involvement from the community have not wavered. Because of this energy, we are on the cusp of a real transformation for Buena Vista!”
City staff is also moving forward with planning and design for streetscape improvements on 21st Street. Streetscape improvements are expected to begin in late 2022 or early 2023. Wayfinding signage will be the last segment of the project with hopes to include new and ongoing development projects in the upgrade. All project activities will be completed within the project window.
The City and project management team will continue to work with the Department of Housing and Community Development and other key partners to execute the revitalization project. Please stay tuned for additional updates.
##
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant process and previous activities, visit https://www.buenavistava.org/CBDG