Buena Vista
Significant pedestrian improvements are planned at the heavily traveled Buena Vista intersection of 29th Street and Beech Avenue (where Hardee’s is).
The specific improvements will be sidewalks on the southwest, southeast and northwest corners, and crosswalks on the south and east sides of the intersection. The objective is to provide a safe way for pedestrians to cross this intersection. This project is being entirely funded and managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation with no commitment of city funds or staff time.
The city was awarded $1.04 million in Highway Safety Improvement Program funds utilizing a VDOT technical assistance program for this project as well as pedestrian improvements at other intersections in the city and installation of flashing yellow left-turn arrows at several intersections.
In order for this project to proceed, a small section of the travel way of Rockbridge Avenue (opposite Beech Avenue) is being deeded by the city to VDOT. City Council authorized the transfer of the 1,034 square feet of land to VDOT on Feb. 19.
Agenda Items Postponed
Two agenda items for Buena Vista City Council’s Feb. 19 meeting were tabled.
The second reading of the update to the city’s regulations governing home occupations was postponed until March 5 because Mayor Jesse Lineberry was absent and so newly appointed Council member William Kerr could take part.
The first reading of a proposed ordinance to rezone 2056 and 2068 Chestnut Ave. from R3 (residential limited) to MU (mixed use) was postponed until March 19 because all of the required notifications hadn’t been made. The proposed rezoning was requested by the owner of the Blue Ridge Abbey bed and breakfast so he could expand the lodging accommodations.
Appointments Made
Buena Vista City Council on Feb. 19 appointed Leroy Wheeler to the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals. Interim City Manager Wayne Handley was appointed to the Rockbridge Regional Jail Commission and the Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center Board.
Seeking Park Job
Brian Rowsey made a pitch before Buena Vista City Council this past Thursday to be hired for the position of director of Glen Maury Park. He touted his business background, contending that he could turn the park into a money-maker for the city. “I make money,” he told Council. “That’s what I do. It don’t matter what I do, I make money.”
Calling the park the “backbone” of the city, he said, “all I’m asking for is a chance ... I’m really interested in that job.” He said he would add amenities like horseback riding and trout fishing, and put on a lot more concerts with big names.
Alluding to legal troubles he’s had stemming from bingo games at his 501 Roadhouse Restaurant, he said, “I want to apologize to everybody here for all my actions.”
Audit Report Presented
Buena Vista’s net budget position improved by just over $4 million in the last fiscal year, partly due to a one-time final grant recognition of funding received through the American Recovery Plan Act.
This was one of the main takeaways from the fiscal year 2025 audit report presented to City Council this past Thursday by Saidee Begoon of Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates. The ending net position for the city was $14,706,528, of which $5,655,589, or 38.46 percent, was unrestricted. The general fund unassigned fund balance stood at $4,502,883, or 25 percent of general fund expenditures.
Begoon reported that the audit showed no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies, though there was one compliance finding over procurement for a sole source vendor related to improvements to the municipal swimming pool. Property tax collections were at 94 percent, which she said was the “best in the past decade.”
