Williamsburg Notebook: Apply for Conservation District, RSVP for EDA Lunch

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, August 05, 2011

Each locality in the Historic Triangle will need candidates to run for seats on the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District. Williamsburg is one of the localities represented, and candidates must file all paperwork by Aug. 23. RSVP today for the Economic Development Authority’s Business Roundtable Lunch at Bangkok Garden. Finally, Council will review room rental regulations for owner-occupied homes next week. Read on for more information.

Candidates Sought for Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District

An election of directors for the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) will be held in the general election on Nov. 8.

The CSWCD encompasses Williamsburg, Charles City County, James City County, New Kent County and York County. Two directors will be elected to represent all the citizens in each locality.

The district’s mission is to cooperate, communicate and educate landowners and operators, government agencies, schools, businesses and civic groups to preserve and protect natural resources. Anyone wishing to file as a candidate must fully complete and file the requisite nominating petition, statement of qualification and declaration of candidacy with the general registrar of the locality by 7 p.m. Aug. 23.

For further information, contact your local registrar’s office or contact the CSWCD here.

RSVP Today for Business Roundtable Lunch

Today is the deadline to RSVP for the Economic Development Authority’s Business Roundtable Lunch at noon on Aug. 9.

The lunch will feature speaker Sharon Gibson-Ellis, the executive director of the United Way. She’ll talk about United Way’s impact on business during the hourlong lunch at Bangkok Garden, located at 1346 Richmond Road.

The buffet-style meal costs $11.50 (including tax and gratuity). An RSVP is required and anyone unable to attend without canceling within 24 hours will still be responsible for the cost of the meal. RSVP by sending an email or calling Marie at 220-6253.

City Council Talks Regional Competition, Room Rentals

City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday for a work session, during which Greg Grootendorst, chief economist for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, will present a report on regional competitiveness.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, council will host a public hearing on room rental regulations in owner-occupied homes. On April 14, council asked the Planning Commission to examine alternatives to the existing zoning ordinance for room rentals in owner-occupied homes. Council’s discussion focused on allowing owners to rent rooms to more than one roomer with administrative, rather than Board of Zoning Appeals approval.

The commission considered the issue at five meetings before voting on July 20 to recommend making the suggested change to administrative approval. Read about their decision here. Council will meet at 2 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Stryker Building.