[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6328558,"mediaKeyId","2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc","parentId",2319051,"title","Council approves 17‑unit townhome special‑use permit at 2311 Morris Mill Road","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",2787000,"endMs",3112000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc&start=2787&end=3112","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc/thumbnail_2787000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6328558/Staunton-City/Virginia/Council-approves-17unit-townhome-specialuse-permit-at-2311-Morris-Mill-Road","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328558-3c5a43d2c82530848bd19f54192d26c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149490&Signature=I7D0wIlZJUKAN~QvulyChQBqWmk9qRFZRf74bLYzxdlZKYRm-pcf6YprtgKMtgk1ktS0~GCu~kvP31gou6xf-MY7RsjHftX8yUEvaRlhywelB9BACAkjEen0I3-pyjGi~RRJhj-yApbPDG9QGyUOl20sd7CRJaPVPxQhg8swq11maw40Jf6j5-RlpU3ih0DNz6A17VUO6dBbR9ORWb0utX8hIP3guGr2Eg9mnETPtUkIopuhf5oj2lCYjpqe1HpxVDiNqBnMyJtNAA6HEZjT-GB02JCdB~6T22gZhcOSzrDoZIe6tJqlqzAa0Az97DWXHB~NeiU7wcQX3V8eAAq25g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-15T01:37:11Z","article","Staunton City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 13 to approve a special‑use permit requested by First 5 Cousins LLC to develop 17 single‑family attached dwellings (townhomes) at 2311 Morris Mill Road.

Planning Manager Tim Hartless told council the property is zoned R‑4 (high‑density residential) and the city's comprehensive‑plan map designates the site for high‑density residential use. The Planning Commission reviewed the project, held a public hearing and, after additional documentation from the applicant about ownership and maintenance of common elements, voted 4–0 to recommend approval with conditions.

Conditions included: lighting wholly contained on the site with poles not exceeding 24 feet and no up‑lighting of building elevations; property‑line lighting at no more than 0.5 foot‑candle; screening of dumpster or trash collection areas with opaque fencing or walls; compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code; and an architectural condition that the front facade of all dwellings face Morris Mill Road. Hartless noted that the city's approval extends to the restrictive covenants only to confirm an entity is responsible for ownership and maintenance of common elements; the city does not become a party to or an enforcer of the private covenants.

The applicant's design engineer, Steve Driver of Terra Engineering and Land Solutions, said site‑plan and minor‑subdivision plats have been submitted to and accepted by city staff and that staff comments have been addressed.

Councilor Arrowood moved to adopt the resolution approving the special‑use permit; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all members present voting aye: Park, Sheppard, Woods, Campbell, Overholzer, Arrowood and Mayor Edwards.

Hartless told council that a site plan will still be required for construction of the parking lot and stormwater facilities and that minor subdivision platting will be required for lot‑line adjustments before building permits could be issued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting of Feb. 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staunton City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 13 to approve a special‑use permit for 17 townhomes at 2311 Morris Mill Road, concluding a Planning Commission review and public hearing process.","taxTitle","Staunton City, Virginia","taxId",60274,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6328553,"Council approves plan for 308‑unit multifamily development at 206 Frontier Drive with conditions",3629,3099000,6728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc&start=3099&end=6728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc/thumbnail_3099000.jpg","/articles/6328553/Staunton-City/Virginia/Council-approves-plan-for-308unit-multifamily-development-at-206-Frontier-Drive-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328553-33218191fda729866bb488b5f56f3472/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149490&Signature=YpiK3F-EH0LJRLHh6bQFxqoyYmELqIM~cm1wYZS-BuSK366GaTPIPlF1wp3lzlpROuEQjIHGmoAqaG2HcZK-DdETq3U2YN7UxC3mG3~dDpw-oBtNFdsentf3sVoxsjaYw89yNdtBtF1fSCkbHkvUaKhgRGwnccqNpudap3MS7Acfs3qfd2B96cjAcks0KaxTjywF2dpTAA2pzKZh2l2lQnZws2Pn9day4zIX3BXL3A497D1ccKyMPiwXAE~Ysg58Dc4Fb8~-5TJZ5vHSW95Q6dT6rkaE0tE50IFCwpsD96S9-kFcevUNYTDu6zlfUAI93A34QDVNJ7d5euvyLE4NcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staunton City Council on Feb. 13 approved a special‑use permit for a proposed multifamily development at 206 Frontier Drive that would permit up to 308 apartment units across multiple buildings, a clubhouse and a pool. The vote was unanimous.

Planning Manager Tim Hartless presented staff analysis and the Planning Commission's recommendation. The applicant, Management Services Corporation, proposed 308 apartment units on about 23.38 acres; staff compared the proposal to an R‑3 medium‑density scenario and noted that R‑3 zoning could permit a higher maximum density (about 633 multifamily units under maximum R‑3 assumptions), so the proposed 308 units fall well under that theoretical maximum. The plan shows 544 proposed parking spaces; staff calculated 478 required spaces under the city's multifamily parking standard, leaving an excess of 66 spaces. The plan also allows some guest parking to serve clubhouse and pool uses.

The city required and reviewed a traffic‑impact analysis (TIA). The TIA's study intersections (Frontier Drive at Red Oaks Drive, and Frontier Drive at Frontier Ridge Court) did not show a change in level of service due to the project under the study assumptions. The TIA found that a left‑turn lane at Frontier Ridge Court marginally crossed the warrant threshold; at the proposed site entrance, a left‑turn lane was just below warrant thresholds. Staff noted, however, that a large nearby county project (Vista Ridge on Barterbrook Road) could add significant traffic to Frontier Drive over time and urged caution. Staff suggested phasing: phase 1 capped at 154 units (the transcript lists that cap as 154), with additional phases requiring separate site plans and potentially new TIA review; phase 2 would not be approved unless additional traffic analyses or transportation improvements addressed deficiencies.

The Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions that became part of the council motion. Conditions included: a required water and sewer engineering report as part of site‑plan review; minimum 25‑foot setbacks from property lines and a 25‑foot undeveloped buffer adjacent to Red Oaks or Betsy Bell Wilderness Park; a planted screening strip (two staggered rows of evergreens or equivalent) subject to city horticulturist approval; at least five public parking spaces near the Betsy Bell trail access point, marked and available to the public; lighting confined to the site (pole height limit 24 feet, no uplighting, property‑line illumination capped at 0.5 foot‑candle); screened dumpster pads; and a requirement that the overall development not exceed 308 units at buildout.

Public commenters raised concerns about Frontier Drive capacity, pedestrian access and lighting. Several speakers asked that the developer and city work to provide an on‑site trailhead and a workable access point to Betsy Bell Wilderness Park trail system; the council and the applicant both indicated willingness to coordinate on a public access point during site‑plan review. Planning staff said a left‑turn lane at Frontier Ridge Court should be strongly considered and that the city may require a new TIA for future phases. Councilor Arrowood moved to adopt the resolution approving the permit with the Planning Commission's recommended conditions; the motion carried on a unanimous roll‑call vote with all council members present voting aye: Overholzer, Park, Campbell, Woods, Sheppard, Vice Mayor Arrowood and Mayor Edwards.

Staff will require detailed site plans for each phase and a water/sewer engineering report to confirm capacity and tie‑in points before building permits are issued.","Staunton City Council unanimously approved a special‑use permit on Feb. 13 allowing up to 308 multifamily units at 206 Frontier Drive, subject to conditions on setbacks, screening, lighting and phased traffic review.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6328562,"Staunton council green-lights outreach for Edgewood sidewalk; VDOT to fund single‑lane Richmond Avenue roundabout",1757,1450000,3207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc&start=1450&end=3207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc/thumbnail_1450000.jpg","/articles/6328562/Staunton-City/Virginia/Staunton-council-green-lights-outreach-for-Edgewood-sidewalk-VDOT-to-fund-singlelane-Richmond-Avenue-roundabout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328562-18ca972620311f3ce2305c266d1db56f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149490&Signature=gBxv0-pD3j-nVvv8E059K6z4nCGVAS6GsHF7Dl9RPHciLYyx1QvcGUYSO3E8lpJgeB3KptMzyKrJRr6xIN-bnwa0KNBsssaSZPoyTfXiV4F6BROTyk6r73bAq6dAmYGMxSShBQuosdr5ZcJti5ihiHKVJqYAdpGdWrRU2Ezzd82AVRe85~4sUXylYPAPZXU9Cyaj2zcVY96ANfQs4CzdpMA1ZNfzTdAXZohS-vy4swC3jmYxxwMBsdjXlTI7sdckNUeLXxq26MnDpePoMPAPx9HMDZyG4MLTiYtoBxAjJ6bzV8RKJoMPuMA6hxBYJYmYsRroms732tmSuZoabBm11g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning and public‑works staff updated Staunton City Council on Feb. 13 about two Virginia Department of Transportation projects — a redesigned Richmond Avenue roundabout and a separately funded Edgewood sidewalk — and asked for council direction on how to proceed.

Leslie Beauregard, city manager, and city staff said VDOT has re-scoped the Richmond Avenue project. VDOT now plans a single-lane roundabout and has told the city it will fully fund the roundabout component, about $7.5 million, according to staff briefings. Staff said the earlier two‑lane roundabout and a larger road diet concept were estimated at about $15.8 million and are not currently feasible under available VDOT funds.

Councilor Campbell disclosed a potential conflict of interest under state law before the presentation, noting his employment with the Virginia Department of Transportation and stating he would provide factual information only and not participate in policy or financial decisions. \"Pursuant to Virginia Code section 2.2‑3112, I hereby disclose that I work for the Virginia Department of Transportation,\" Campbell said.

City staff identified a local cost of roughly $1.36 million to implement a partial road diet and shared‑use path that would extend to Village Drive; VDOT said it would not permit transferring money from other VDOT smart‑scale projects to cover that local funding need. The $1.36 million would need to come from local sources if council chooses to pursue the road diet.

On the adjacent Edgewood sidewalk project, originally funded at $1.1 million by VDOT smart‑scale funding, recent design estimates place the cost between $4.0 million and $4.7 million. VDOT proposed canceling two separate Augusta Street sidewalk projects and redirecting roughly $3.6 million to Edgewood, leaving a remaining local gap between about $400,000 and $1.1 million depending on final design choices. Staff told council that VDOT requested assurances by the end of the month that the project remains feasible based on property‑owner feedback.

City Finance Director Jesse (surname not specified in the record) outlined reserve options staff could draw on if council wished to fund Edgewood and the road diet now: the new sidewalk reserve, bike-and-ped reserve and greenways reserve totalled roughly $1.5 million, with the remainder potentially coming from undesignated funds. Staff said the city could pursue piecemeal work (for example, a 700‑foot segment of sidewalk priced by VDOT at about $75,000), but cautioned that splitting work reduces economies of scale.

After questions and discussion, councilors signaled unanimous support to direct the city manager to begin an outreach program to Edgewood property owners immediately. Council did not make a final decision on the road diet; staff were asked to \"chew on that some more\" and return with recommendations at the second council meeting in February. \"We're seeming fairly unanimous on forward with the public outreach for Edgewood,\" Beauregard said as staff prepared to begin door‑to‑door owner contact.

Staff also said that if council declines to pursue Edgewood, the two Augusta Street sidewalk projects would be canceled and $3.6 million would be returned to VDOT for district use. Staff intends to return to council with an update at the council's second February meeting after property‑owner outreach and further analysis.","City staff told council that VDOT will fully fund a single-lane roundabout at Richmond Avenue but not the wider road diet; council directed staff to begin property-owner outreach on the over-budget Edgewood sidewalk project and to revisit the road-diet funding decision later this month.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6328565,"Office on Youth outlines regional services, flags truancy and vaping as top trends",690,103000,793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc&start=103&end=793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2319051-e3dd5ed04ed4eab5b7b979685ce24ccc/thumbnail_103000.jpg","/articles/6328565/Staunton-City/Virginia/Office-on-Youth-outlines-regional-services-flags-truancy-and-vaping-as-top-trends","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6328565-9b39adf7b8e318d0918a4bd61b9986f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149490&Signature=DzJhcNkqRRsVndgVsA2RXDpvx6zRAehHrgNlRavzwv5jlmyLwqYZ~~CPcvyRKnOl3PaO8h2BKKz2FRXwOrfAS3QLpXZwjvKXKtkBWG7KKt~3tYjsJj3nzTqOWae5aRgsVOyELnleOrdRVlMD7SlJ6z-wLZgBtVG-KOuxk231GQ6UuQqlLFYzawac-O8F70YOz7aPCiKQj7JdRBsOBMlMd4BpRW-EKkkttoueHNc3WeHaPnjAUHydhj7LiMhGBhT26XwtXBoJ45nq-LCwntmZcRkONPItb7rJRZDKzP-iiEMxZVVm2Gd5aC~nqiWQbAcf0~7J0kkEZn~Aqwq9-BvXnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ginny Newman, director of the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth, told Staunton City Council on Feb. 13 that the regional office has persisted since 1978 and now serves Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County following a 2022 reauthorization by the Virginia General Assembly. \"Our vision is simple: a community where all youth reach their greatest potential,\" Newman said, describing a suite of programs that include family support classes, Safe Routes to School bicycle and pedestrian safety, Check and Connect mentorship and juvenile diversion under the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act.

Newman told council that the office relies on a mix of local support and state grants and that fewer local offices remain in the state after funding reductions: \"Currently, we're only about one of three of the offices that are left in the state,\" she said. The office has seven full-time staff, four regular part-time staff and additional outreach facilitators.

The FY2024 report highlighted program outputs. Newman said the VJCCCA detention-alternative program served 53 juveniles in house-arrest or electronic monitoring and the office's parenting programs reached 353 parents with an 87 percent completion rate. The Check and Connect truancy-prevention program served 108 students across the three school districts; Newman said she could not yet provide a final consolidated attendance and grade-change figure but reported \"an increase in grades and attendance across the board\" where data were available. The office provided bicycle safety instruction to 210 third- and fifth-graders at McSwain Elementary and plans to expand to two additional Staunton elementary schools this year.

Councilors asked how truancy cases are handled; Newman clarified that school systems initiate most truancy referrals and that parents can be charged in separate proceedings in some cases. \"If it's elementary school, it's more than likely going to be the parents,\" she said, adding that Check and Connect currently serves middle- and high-school students because of staffing limits.

Newman described emerging trends staff see in the community: post-COVID truancy, widespread youth vaping — including THC vaping and edibles — and increasing mental-health needs among teens. She said the office is expanding prevention curricula (including vaping content from the American Lung Association's CATCH program), a fatherhood initiative tied to Department of Social Services funding, and a mobile outreach program called Community in Motion that brings sign-ups and services directly to neighborhoods.

Council members praised the office's reach and encouraged continued local support. Newman said staff are revising a 2022–24 strategic plan into a new 2025–28 plan that emphasizes evidence-based programming, data collection, marketing and community partnerships. She said the office will continue grant-seeking and regional cooperation to sustain services.

The director provided contact information and offered to return with additional detail if council requested more data on specific program outcomes.","The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth presented its FY2024 annual report and a 2025–2028 strategic plan to Staunton City Council, highlighting programs for truancy prevention, parental support, bike safety and juvenile diversion, and urging continued local funding as state resources shrink.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves 17‑unit townhome special‑use permit at 2311 Morris Mill Road

Council approves plan for 308‑unit multifamily development at 206 Frontier Drive with conditions

Staunton council green-lights outreach for Edgewood sidewalk; VDOT to fund single‑lane Richmond Avenue roundabout

Office on Youth outlines regional services, flags truancy and vaping as top trends