Williamsburg Notebook: Council Gives Nod to Rt. 60 Grant Application

By Desiree Parker Friday, October 14, 2011

News in the city this week includes council's approval to act as sponsor for a Rt. 60 beautification grant application, recognition of two staff members who have served the city for a long time, and a bag recycling collection set for next weekend.

City Council agreed unanimously Thursday to act as the sponsor for a Route 60 East beautification project that will feature collaboration between the three Triangle localities, who will work together to apply for a competitive grant.

The Historic Triangle Collaborative has spearheaded the effort to encourage the three localities to jointly apply for a Virginia Transportation Enhancement Grant. A committee comprised of HTC Chair Sandy Wanner and representatives from the three governments, Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens have worked to refine the plan, which is currently a roughly $4 million project that would be split into at least three phases.

The competitive grant would allow for reimbursement of 80 percent of the project cost, and for each phase the Triangle would need to reapply for funds. Wanner was confident that the application (due Nov. 1) has a good shot at getting approved due to the unusual collaborative effort among several groups.

The plan for the corridor, which stretches across parts of all three localities, calls for tree and other landscape plantings, burial of some utility lines, some median and sidewalk construction and more unification of street lights.

Wanner pointed out to council that the more complex parts of the plan that required lots of work with the Department of Transportation and the railroad would be saved for later phases.

James City County and York County will need to approve their involvement over the next few weeks, as each will pay for a third of the remaining project cost (20 percent). Read more about the project on the city website.

Police Chief Recognized for Service

City Council recognized Police Chief Dave Sloggie for his 35 years of service by presenting him with the original handgun he used when he joined the force in 1976.

City Police Chief Dave Sloggie.

The weapon, cleaned and presented in a display case to the Chief on Thursday, was a model 64 Smith and Wesson that Sloggie used for his first 18 years.

“I can’t wait to go home and look at it,” Sloggie joked when receiving the gift. He said he recalled that when he first joined the force, he was too young to carry a gun and had to take a nightstick with him to his first big crime.

Sloggie’s mother and wife were in attendance, as were several officers, when Mayor Clyde Haulman presented Sloggie with the gift.

Council Recognizes Donna Scott

Council also recognized Clerk of Council Donna Scott Thursday for her excellent service to the city since 1991.

Scott first started with the city as the Planning Department Secretary, and started in her current role in 2009.

Clerk of Council Donna Scott.

“Her clear and accurate records of decisions and deliberations are of lasting importance to good government in Williamsburg,” according to Thursday’s council resolution. “Dee is an exemplary role model for her colleagues, and well respected and appreciated by citizens of the Williamsburg community.”

Give Some Bags, Get a Bag

At the Williamsburg Farmers Market next Saturday, Oct. 22, City Recycling Coordinator Tammy Rojek will collect used batteries and plastic bags for recycling.

Residents who bring a minimum of five plastic shopping bags will receive a reusable bag (one bag per person as long as supplies last). Mark your calendars for next week and stop by with your batteries or bags from 8 to 11 a.m.