Strategic plans made by Board of Supervisors

In 45 years, the supervisors hope Botetourt County will be a “dynamic and vibrant county of rich, carefully protected, and preserved historical and natural resources that make it a place like no other.” The county will have a thriving business environment, be agriculturally innovative, have a great Gateway Center into the Roanoke Valley, provide lifelong learning excellence, and offer smart growth and conversation, among other things.

In short, Botetourt will be awesome.

That’s according to Botetourt 2045 Vision, a document the supervisors put together during a two-day retreat at Natural Bridge in mid-March. The document is available on the county’s website. The supervisors, most of whom will not be around in 45 years, intend to use the document as guide toward development as the county continues to grow.

That’s the long-range plan. For the next three years, the supervisors intend to focus on business by continuing economic development efforts, including expansion and support of small businesses, promoting businesses, expanding East Park Commerce Center, and developing additional business parks. The county also intends to seek commercial development that includes hotels, restaurants, and retail.

In agriculture, the supervisors intend to assist local farmers. They hope to find successful products and solutions to keep the rural nature of the county. They intend to work with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service to stimulate more farm-to-table interest in consumers and enhance agriculture education. The county may also take a more active role in a farmer’s market and the supervisors hope to encourage a working relationship between the schools and the county Extension Service.

At The Gateway Center, the supervisors hope to find or create an anchor tenant for the development and continue to work to find solutions for vacant buildings at Exit 150.

Other items the supervisors hope to pursue between now and 2022 include a review and updating of the county’s Parks and Recreation plan, bring back booster clubs for local recreation groups, and continue to support the two remaining vineyards and the brewery.

Additionally, the county plans to move its administrative offices to the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, as announced at the March 26 Board of Supervisors meeting, and renovate the Botetourt County Courthouse in Fincastle. Fincastle will remain the county seat.

The supervisors also intend to work with the school board in order to expand workforce development opportunities, and to look at a long-term solution for Lord Botetourt High School, which either needs  updating or to be replaced entirely.

Broadband is also on the plate, and the county’s Broadband Commission is working diligently to bring the Internet to the entire county through a variety of services.

In preservation efforts, the county intends to move forward with stabilizing and securing the historic structures at Greenfield and creating the Greenfield Preservation Area, along with enhancing local education on Botetourt history, including its historic sites.

Lastly, the county officials intend to review the Comprehensive Plan, review utility and infrastructure needs, and create a plan that differentiates between urban and rural businesses.

The Strategic Plan’s motto is “Honoring Our history, Enjoying the Present, and Shaping the Future.”

Supervisor Chairman Billy Martin said at the March 26 meeting that the strategic planning session was well worth the time. The last one was in 2014, and the supervisors have three new members on the Board now. “I think we have a great team,” Martin said. “We have exciting things coming to Botetourt in the future.”

The Strategic Plan’s motto is “Honoring Our history, Enjoying the Present, and Shaping the Future.”

story and photos by Anita Firebaugh, special to the Botetourt Bee