Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
CHRISTIANSBURG- Christiansburg Town Council voted to approve the contract to begin designing a new community gathering space and to approve the building of a dryland facility for H20kies and the swim teams that utilize the aquatic center for training.
Part of the consent agenda for the May 28, 2024 council meeting was to approve the contract to Hill Studio for a community gathering space which would also serve as a farmers market structure on Hickok Street. The contract approved by the council was for $ 44,100 to begin the design and bidding phase. Hill Studio work with and comply with the management team, staff and the New River Regional Commission to propose a design. This design contract will build off the original conceptual designs proposed when the town received a construction grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission of $275,000. An additional $27,500 was added for the project in the FY 2023-2024 budget.
The council approved the vote with majority approval and one oppositional vote from Councilwoman Johanna Hicks. There are still community and council questions about how this structure and development will impact downtown, road closures and its permanency. The plans and designs are being drafted with keeping in mind keeping Hickok Street open.
Also, the proposal for a dryland facility that was presented on May 12, 2024 by Director of New River Valley Aquatics Scott Baldwin, the youth of Montgomery County and members of the H20kies, was voted on and approved by the town council in Thursday’s meeting. With the building being built on land owned by the Town of Christiansburg and the building intended to be town property, the clubs and organizations using it have agreed to pay a monthly rent and attain a 30-year lease. At the end of those 30 years, if the clubs and organizations are still utilizing and occupying that space, they may renew their lease and extend the usage of that space. The council voted unanimously for the approval of the dryland facility on Thursday and the community members present who were there in support of this new development cheered and expressed joy.
“I just want to say that this is a very special program,” Councilwoman Tanya Hockett said. “I appreciate how prepared and flexible and how supportive the team has been and it’s been wonderful to see so many participants and members come to council when this has been on the agenda. And we just appreciate you all coming out and the kids for coming and speaking out.”
