Local Organizations Begin Recycling

According to a report by the National Recycling Coalition, the two most difficult places for people to recycle are multi-family dwelling units and workplaces. In that report it was shown that of the people who recycle at home, only around 30 percent recycle at work. To help Winchester businesses begin recycling, the City's Recycling Coordinator, Michael Neese, takes every opportunity to spend time with local business owners to determine the best

waste-reduction solution for their organization. 

 

Michael first started by talking with smaller businesses (staff of 20 or less or a building with average house-sized square footage) and then moved to medium-sized companies. The medium-sized companies are too large for the City's current refuse collection, but still opted to take advantage of the City's recycling service.  The first large organization that came on board was Shenandoah University, who has had tremendous results.  Following suit were several office buildings in the Medical Center and then the entire Emergency Department. When Molden Real Estate began recycling, they experienced such a great benefit at their main office, they invited Michael to tour their many apartments to help find a system that would work to capture recycling in various multi-family dwelling units.

 

Thank you to the many Winchester businesses that have recently began recycling: pharmacies, eye care centers, veterinarians, shopping centers, preschools, daycares, private schools, non-profit organizations, hair salons, the library, staffing offices, museums, restaurants, manufacturers, and many more.  In addition, all the public schools have expanded their recycling efforts and Daniel Morgan Middle School has even started a Green Club.

 

To begin a customized recycling program at your workplace or to expand your current recycling efforts, please contact Michael Neese at 667-1815, ext. 1452. Remember, if the City does not collect your refuse, the City will

collect your recycling.  It is an important part of doing what is right for the environment while reducing disposal costs and unnecessary waste. 

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The Valley Conservation Council (VCC) will present Piccadilly Brew Pub and Restaurant and OakCrest Companies with Better Models for Development awards during a ceremony on June 11.

 

The Piccadilly Brew Pub and Restaurant project exemplifies the concept of adaptive reuse by transforming an empty historic warehouse structure into a thriving dining and entertainment facility in the heart of downtown Winchester.  In August 2005, OakCrest Companies, purchased the historic Lewis Jones Knitting Mill and soon began renovations. The building now serves as their headquarters and is arguably one of the largest environmentally conscious property development and management firms in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

 

Better Models awards recognize new development that contributes to community character and that protects environmental and historic features while adding economic vitality.  VCC established the awards program to recognize recent development projects that best add to the region’s quality of life. Based in Staunton, VCC is a non-profit citizens’ organization and land trust serving 11 counties from Frederick to Botetourt.  VCC’s mission is to promote land use that sustains the farms, forests, open space, and cultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.  For information on the principles of better development and on previous winners, visit

www.valleyconservation.org.

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The Winchester Parks and Recreation Department's Bubble Van has arrived.  The van was acquired from a City of Winchester auction last year and the park has converted it into a traveling vehicle for arts, crafts, games and activities. 

 

The Bubble Van will visit community parks and events sponsored by the City throughout the year.  In addition, the van will offer free activities throughout the summer and will be available to rent for birthday parties and events.  Check out the park activity guide to find out when the Bubble Van will visit your neighborhood (visits begin July 7).

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To help with the "Economic Development" portion of the Comprehensive Plan, Winchester's Economic Development Authority (EDA) is funding an indepth market analysis to identify development opportunities and needs within the City.  The selected market analysis firm will:
1) identify areas in need of development;
2) render examples of how to improve areas in need;
3) demonstrate individual project viability;
4) develop public support;
5) identify amenities and incentives to facilitate the development; and
6) create an action plan to assign accountability for project completion.

 

The EDA and the City of Winchester are conducting this analysis of the city's market to determine which development projects are economically feasible and have the most potential to be successful. 

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As discussion continues as to how to update the City's Comprehensive Plan, four public input meetings have been scheduled:
         Tuesday, June 24
         Thursday, June 26
         Monday, July 14
         Tuesday, July 22

 

Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a brief overview, followed by group input and then small group input sessions.  A complete schedule with meeting locations will be included in the June 18 issue of CitE-News.

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It's up to each of us to keep Virginia's rivers, streams, lakes and bays clean. That's the idea behind Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation's Adopt-A-Stream Program (AAS). The waterway cleanups supported by this

anti-litter campaign provide a chance for local businesses, civic groups, watershed associations, churches, schools, environmental concerns and scouts to work together or separately to do their part.

 

The statewide program aims to reduce litter while advancing citizen stewardship and understanding of the commonwealth's precious waterways. Adopt-A-Stream promotes education, public outreach, citizen involvement,

partnership and community capacity-building through Virginia's diverse constituencies. 

 

The City of Winchester actively participates in this program and encourages the community to help keep the city's waterways clean.  All clean up supplies will be provided.  Click here for more information.

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Real Estate Taxes Are Due June 5

If you haven't had the chance to pay your taxes for the first half of the year, several convenient options are available:
1) Mail your payment (postmarked on or by June 5) to City of Winchester Treasurer, 15 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA  22601;
2) Submit your payment in person to the Treasurer at Rouss City Hall (main floor);
3) Pay by phone (800-272-9829); or
4) Click here to make your payment online.

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