JDR courts' pre-construction to begin in Staunton's West End
STAUNTON — Starting this week, visitors, business owners and residents of Staunton’s West End will see some changes at the Chestnut Hills Shopping Center, according to a press release from the City of Staunton.
The city becomes the official owner of the shopping center as of Tuesday, Aug. 15. On Thursday, Aug. 17, a temporary fence is scheduled to be installed on the property near the perimeter of the parking lot. The fence will serve to keep the area cleared for pre-construction activities, including survey efforts and geotechnical investigation, as well as to protect the public from eventual construction activities, the release said.
No trespassing signs will be posted on the property to alert the public as well, the release said. All current access to adjacent properties from public right-of-way will remain.
"City staff continues to be enthusiastic about this site as the new home of Staunton’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court," the City of Staunton said in the release. "The site meets requirements for circulation, security and accessibility, provides ample room for parking, and supports the timeline for Staunton to have its own functional Juvenile & Domestic Relations court facility ready by fall 2025."
The site also already has access to public utilities and public transportation, and has proximity to other city facilities and services.
"The choice of this site demonstrates that the city is serious about investing in the West End. The city’s investment in a court project at the Chestnut Hills site will serve as an economic catalyst for revitalization, incentivize private sector growth in the West End, and extend the economic vitality that exists downtown into a currently under-utilized area of the city," the City of Staunton said in the release.
This site has the added benefit of keeping an eye on the future for potential expansion and relocation of city services in the near term; this would make these services more accessible and convenient for our citizens and others who need to utilize them, the release said.
On Aug. 24, staff will be providing an update on the project to City Council at the end of their regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.
For more information about the project, visit the city’s website at www.staunton.va.us/courthouse, email communications@ci.staunton.va.us, or call the City Manager’s Office at 540-332-3812.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: JDR courts' pre-construction to begin in Staunton's West End
