UPDATE- Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

The Town of Abingdon is taking several measures to support the goal of protecting the well-being of our community, and the capacity of our overall healthcare system. The Town of Abingdon offices will be CLOSED until further notice. Essential employees will still report to work as scheduled. Feel free to contact employees by phone at 276-628-3167 or via e-mail. 

·       Tentatively, the Town Council Regular Meeting/Budget Work Session is scheduled for April 20, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public; however, we encourage you to view via live stream on the Abingdon TV YouTube page.

As a reminder, for the duration of the State of Emergency within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the following policies are applicable:

·       There is a “dropbox” located outside the first floor of the Municipal Building for patrons to return business licenses, building permits, and other items to the Planning and Public Works Departments. Other services (such as applications for permits, licenses, and applications for utility services) may be negotiated by use of telephone or e-mail communication. Many forms can be downloaded from our website www.abingdon-va.gov (and identified using the Search tool).

·       All essential services will continue (Police, Fire, Public Works – including trash collection, and wastewater operations).

·       Most committee and commission board meetings are canceled until further notice. Please refer to the Town’s website for notice of public meetings.

·       Tourism offices, at 335 Cummings Street, will continue to serve visitors by phone and e-mail only.  The building will be closed to the public. You may contact the office via phone at 276-676-2282 or e-mail at acvb@abingdon-va.gov.

·       The Muster Grounds, at 1780 Muster Place, will be closed to the public. You may contact the Grounds via phone at 276-525-1050.

·       Playground facilities and pavilions with picnic tables will be closed until further notice. Reservations of outdoor recreation pavilions owned by the Town shall be discontinued.  Public parks shall remain open under normal operating conditions to provide exercise opportunities to citizens, as long as patrons remain compliant with appropriate social distancing guidelines.

·       The Coomes Recreation Center will remain closed through June 10, 2020, following the Governor’s order. For further updates follow their social media pages or check their website- https://www.coomescenter.com/.

·       Payment of taxes, fees, and utility bills may be accomplished through online access, via U.S. mail, by phone at 276-525-1464, or by use of the secure “dropbox” located at the front of the Municipal Building.

The Town of Abingdon encourages you to take advantage of the measures listed and ask that you do your part to mitigate this crisis. Continue to follow the town website and social media pages for updates and schedule changes.

HPRB meeting notice for April 1, 2020

Economic Development Authority Meeting Cancelled for 4-9-2020

Notice Regarding Future Town Council Meetings

Non-Departmental Budget Meeting Agenda for 3-26-2020

Non-Departmental Budget Meeting Notice for 3-26-2020

Coomes Center Easter Egg Hunt Cancelled

Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

The Town of Abingdon is taking several measures to support the goal of protecting the well-being of our community, and the capacity of our overall healthcare system. The Town of Abingdon will be open on a limited basis Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and town offices will be CLOSED to the public from Thursday, March 19, 2020, through Friday, March 27, 2020.

The Municipal Building will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, for public access, to allow the public to pay bills, submit paperwork, and attend the Town Council Work Session at 2:30 p.m.  Employees will still report to work as scheduled. Feel free to contact employees by phone at 276-628-3167 or via e-mail. 

In addition, for the duration of the State of Emergency within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the following policies are applicable:

·       On March 19^th, there will be a “dropbox” located outside the first floor of the Municipal Building for patrons to return business licenses, building permits, and other items to the Planning and Public Works Departments. Other services (such as applications for permits, licenses, and applications for utility services) may be negotiated by use of telephone or e-mail communication. Many forms can be downloaded from our website www.abingdon-va.gov (and identified using the Search tool).

·       All essential services will continue (Police, Fire, Public Works – including trash collection, and wastewater operations).

·       All committee and commission meetings after March 18^th are canceled for the rest of the month.

·       Tourism offices, at 335 Cummings Street, will be serving visitors by phone and e-mail only.  The building will be closed to the public. You may contact the office via phone at 276-676-2282 or e-mail at acvb@abingdon-va.gov.

·       The Muster Grounds, at 1780 Muster Place, will be closed to the public. You may contact the Grounds via phone at 276-525-1050.

·       Reservations of outdoor recreation pavilions owned by the Town shall be discontinued.  However, all outdoor “open-air” facilities (such as parks) shall remain open under normal operating circumstances to provide recreational opportunities to citizens that are otherwise compliant with CDC social distancing guidelines.

·       Payment of taxes, fees, and utility bills may be accomplished through online access, via U.S. mail, by phone at 276-525-1464, or by use of the secure “dropbox” located at the front of the Municipal Building. Pending action by the Town Council on March 18^th, sewer service will not be disconnected (although customers will still be responsible for payment of bills for services received).  

·       The Town Council Work Session scheduled for March 18^th will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public; however, we encourage you to view via live stream on the Abingdon TV YouTube page.

The Town of Abingdon encourages you to take advantage of the measures listed and ask that you do your part to mitigate this crisis. Continue to follow the town website and social media pages for updates and schedule changes.

TOWN OF ABINGDON MEETING CANCELLATION NOTICE PC 3-23-2020

Power Outage

Power Outage

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, there will be a power outage in the areas of Sutton Street, Colonial Road, West Main Street, and Depot Square from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to allow for repair work. This outage should not affect any traffic lights or require any flagged travel areas. Thank you for your patience with this work.

Work Session Agenda for March 18, 2020

EDA Meeting Notice for 4-9-2020:

Earth Day Cancelled

Earth Day Cancelled

The Town of Abingdon and the Sustain Abingdon Committee are following current CDC/WHO guidelines regarding the coronavirus and are canceling the Earth Day Celebration on April 18, 2020. Due to the health concern notifications, that may greatly reduce the attendance, it is in the best interest to cancel the event for this year.

There has been lots of work by staff, volunteers, and vendors for this event, and for that, we are very thankful and appreciate your efforts.  Thank you for your patience during this time.

VIRGINIA POSTPONES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL

VIRGINIA POSTPONES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL 

RICHMOND — Due to the State of Emergency declared for the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have postponed the 2020 Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill that was previously scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 9:45 a.m. The National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will work with affected stakeholders to re-schedule the 2020 tornado drill at a later point to come. 

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CRC Closure Announcement

Please share the following announcement:

As COVID-19 continues to cause concern across our region, the Town of Abingdon has made the decision to close the Coomes Recreation Center for a two (2) week period beginning Saturday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m.  Although we realize the center provides opportunities for our community to focus on overall well-being, we take the health and safety of our staff and guests very seriously.  As community leaders continue to work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will continue to monitor the advice of the CDC, Commonwealth of Virginia, and our local health officials.

Although social distancing is encouraged, we understand the importance of the social component that our center brings.  We encourage our community to continue to keep in touch with each other through phone conversations and social media outlets.  You can also follow updates on our Coomes Center Facebook page and website at www.coomescenter.com.

Respectfully,
James Morani
Town Manager

CANCELLED: Annual Shamrock 4 Miler

CANCELLED: Annual Shamrock 4 Miler 

ABINGDON, Va. – Out of an abundance of caution, Ballad Health is following current CDC/WHO guidelines regarding the novel coronavirus and large gatherings and is cancelling the annual Johnston Memorial Hospital Shamrock 4 Miler and Leprechaun Walk, presented by Blue Ridge Auto Group on Friday, March 13.

We recognize that many of you have trained for this event and want to honor your commitment. We encourage you to run a 4 miler in your community and share on social media with #JMHSHAMROCK

This is an annual fundraising event benefiting the Johnston Memorial Hospital fund of Ballad Health Foundation, which supports the growing needs of healthcare in Southwest Virginia.

Those desiring a refund for registration fees can contact the Foundation office at 423-302-3131. If you do not request a refund, the registration fee will be donated to the Johnston Memorial Fund. We will announce at a future date when and where you can pick up your event shirt and medal.

Thank you for your commitment to your health, our region’s health, and the Johnston Memorial Fund.

Wastewater Operator Job Opening

Sixteen Finalists Chosen for the 2020 Strongest Town Contest

VOTING IS NOW OPEN FOR THE #StrongestTown! We are matched up against Sylvania, Ohio. Make sure to vote and share the link with #StrongestTown as hashtag. One vote per person until March 12, 2020.

http://www.strongtowns.org/strongesttown

Sixteen Finalists Chosen for the 2020 Strongest Town Contest

On Monday, March 9, voting will commence in the fifth-annual Strongest Town Contest, a bracket-based competition designed to spotlight communities from around the world that are building enduring financial resilience at the local level and actively embodying the Strong Towns approach to economic growth and development.

Nominations were accepted in February and sixteen finalists were chosen. They include a mix of rural, suburban, and urban communities, as well as three different countries. The finalists are:

Abingdon, Virginia

Athens, Ohio

Beloit, Wisconsin

Chubbuck, Idaho

Haifa, Israel

Hamilton, Missouri

Highland Park, Illinois

Lander, Wyoming

Pittsburg, Kansas

Sharon, Pennsylvania

Streator, Illinois

Sylvania, Ohio

Victoria, British Columbia

Watertown, South Dakota

Winona, Minnesota

Wytheville, Virginia

In the spirit of Strong Towns' inclusive model of change, average citizens and civic leaders alike were invited to submit their community for consideration for the title; nominators did not need to be (but could have been) official government representatives. Nominees completed questionnaires, which will be published as part of the first round of voting. Nominators from the towns that advance to the subsequent rounds will be given a series of interactive challenges, ending with just one community claiming the title of 2020's Strongest Town.

Every year, the Strongest Town contest promotes high levels of local civic engagement in the nominated communities and prompts significant local and national media attention, as well as inspiring other cities and towns around the world to adopt the successful strategies from the best contenders. Past winners have included Muskegon, MI; Traverse City, MI; Carlisle, PA; and Pensacola, FL. This year's champion will be invited to join past winners at the National Strong Towns Conference and Celebration in Pensacola, Florida on April 30-May 1.

For more information, please visit strongtowns.org/strongesttown. 

Abingdon's Second Annual Contemporary Art Bazaar

Invitation to Bid- Brick Sidewalk Repair:

Fields Penn House Construction - Influence on Municipal Parking Lot

Fields Penn House Construction - Influence on Municipal Parking Lot

A contractor working for the Town of Abingdon will start foundation support work on Monday, March 9^th at the Fields-Penn House at 208 West Main Street. During this construction, the adjacent Municipal lot between Main Street and Remsburg Drive will be affected by storage and movement of equipment, and materials for the foundation work. Visitors that use the parking in this lot should be prepared to find alternate parking during the construction. The construction is expected to last 3-4 weeks.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION FOR 2020 SHAMROCK 4MILER

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

Traffic Information FOr 2020 Shamrock 4miler

The Shamrock 4 Miler will be held Friday, March 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Abingdon. This is a large event that originates, and ends, at the Abingdon Farmers Market on Remsburg Drive. The four-mile loop course, and one-mile walking loop, guide participants through downtown Abingdon primarily on Valley and Main Streets.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving in downtown Abingdon on Friday night.  Be alert for police, fire, public works, volunteers, and participants in the roadways.

Due to race preparations, Remsburg Drive will be closed on Friday at 3 p.m. to allow for set up of the timer station and registration areas. Remsburg will remain closed until 11 p.m. Friday night.

Traffic will be slowed, delayed, and diverted to allow participants to safely complete the course.

Please expect to be delayed or detoured if you use the following streets:

Remsburg Drive        Cummings Street      Wall Street

Depot Square             West Main Street      Plumb Alley

Valley Street              College Street             Church Street

Oak Street                 Pecan Street               Court Street

Tanner Street            Whites Mill Road      Deadmore Street

Hutton Street             Cambridge Street     Rugby Terrace

Oxford Street            Henderson Court      Walden Road

Jefferson Circle         Boone Street              Thompson Drive

Park Street                Railroad Street         

Please remain alert for participants and obey instructions of the officers and officials providing traffic control.  DO NOT drive around, through, or move barricades. These are in place for the safety of the participants and visitors.

Notice of Vacancy- Recreation Advisory Committee

Notice of Vacancy- Board of Building Code Appeals

BZA Cancellation Notice for March 10, 2020

TOWN OF ABINGDON

Abingdon, Virginia

THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING
FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020
AT 6:00 P.M. LOCATED IN THE
ARTHUR CAMPBELL CONFERENCE ROOM
FIRST FLOOR
133 W. MAIN STREET
HAS BEEN CANCELLED

For information regarding the meeting, please contact:

Janice Dornon

276-628-3167

VIRGINIA SCHEDULES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL FOR MARCH 17

VIRGINIA SCHEDULES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL FOR MARCH 17

RICHMOND — The National Weather Service and The Virginia Department of Emergency Management have scheduled the 2020 Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill for Tuesday, March 17 at 9:45 a.m. If widespread severe weather threatens the Commonwealth on that date, the drill will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at 9:45 a.m. The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is an opportunity to prepare Virginians for tornado threats and to test public warning systems.

The drill will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. with a test tornado warning sent in the form of a required monthly test by the National Weather Service to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios and local broadcasters.

Since this year's drill will use the required monthly test, most NOAA weather radios will NOT automatically sound an alert tone alert. For those participating in the drill, including schools and businesses, turn on your NOAA Weather Radio by 9:40 am and listen to the voice broadcast. Those listening to the broadcast will hear the audible test alert broadcast at 9:45 am. Local radio stations, TV stations, and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Information and resources are available at https://www.weather.gov/akq/2020VAswpw.

“When a tornado warning is issued, that isn’t the time to figure out how to keep your loved ones, coworkers, friends and neighbors safe. Virginians should use the statewide tornado drill on March 17 as an opportunity to test their tornado emergency procedures and discuss preparedness efforts for these deadly and unexpected storms which can touch down in Virginia throughout the year,” said Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator Dr. Jeff Stern.

“Tornadoes can occur any month of the year. In 2019, 19 confirmed tornadoes touched down throughout the Commonwealth impacting 21 different jurisdictions,” said Jeff Orrock of the National Weather Service in Wakefield. “Looking back over the past decade, tornadoes occurred in every year, though there were active and quiet tornado years. 2011, 2016 and 2018 were the deadliest years for tornadoes while 2004 was by far the most active year with over 80 tornadoes reported that year. 2007 was the quietest with only two tornadoes recorded.”

Tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year, but are most likely from April through September. Have a plan, know your location and surroundings and have a way to receive Watches and Warnings from the National Weather Service. Check to see if your smartphone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. When a tornado watch is issued for your area, review your plan and know where to seek safe shelter when a tornado warning is issued.

For more information about tornado preparedness, visit vaemergency.gov/tornadoes.

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2020 “BEST OF” Abingdon, Virginia

2020 “BEST OF” Abingdon, Virginia

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot? Do you have a favorite grocery store? We are searching for Abingdon’s BEST- chosen by you.

The month of May is Business Appreciation Month throughout Virginia. The Town of Abingdon’s Economic Development department has collaborated to create the “BEST OF” Abingdon initiative.

This initiative will help promote businesses throughout the Town of Abingdon and give them extra promotion during the month of May. Abingdon businesses play an essential role in strengthening our community through their innovation, creation, expansion, and employment of area workforce that preserves the economic well-being and quality of life for all our citizens. This initiative is a small token of the town’s appreciation for all the businesses and what they do for our community.

“I appreciate the challenges that small business owner’s face,” said Economic Development Coordinator, Tonya Triplett. “It is my goal to continue to promote small business development in Abingdon, VA.”

The “BEST OF” initiative will feature a public driven survey with twenty-eight (28) different categories. No one knows Abingdon better than the people who live here or visit here, so cast your VOTE for the “BEST OF” Abingdon.  Please only VOTE for businesses in the Abingdon Town limits. The survey will run from March 3, 2020, to April 3, 2020. Click the link to participate in the survey- https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BestofABN.

*Note: Only ONE ballot per email address. The email addresses will only be used for the survey and not shared in any way.

Below is a list of the categories included in the survey:

Best Abingdon Breakfast Spot

Best Abingdon Lunch Spot

Best Abingdon Dinner Establishment

Best Sweet Shop/Dessert Place

Best Supermarket/Grocery Store

Best Retail Shop

Best Entertainment

Abingdon Best Clothing Store

Best Antique Store

Best Art Gallery/Museum

Best Medical Provider

Best Dentist

Best Optometrist

Best Pharmacy

Best Chiropractic

Best Law Firm

Best Financial Advisor

Best Realtor

Best Bank/Credit Union

Best CPA/Bookkeeper

Best Insurance Agent

Best Flower Shop

Best Auto Service Center

Best Auto Dealer

Best Hair Salon

Best Spa

Best Nail Salon

Best Fitness/Gym

At the May 4, 2020, Abingdon Town Council Meeting, Mayor Craig will read a proclamation designating May 2020 as Business Appreciation Month. The winners of each category will be announced on the Town of Abingdon Facebook page within the following weeks of May.

Thank you for your participation in the survey and for helping share the town’s passion for small business!

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