National Parks Services Visits Pulaski

Twenty stakeholders and Pulaski residents attended the Trail Planning Exercise Tuesday, March 28, 2017 with Ursula Lemanski, representative from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. The meeting included a driving tour of the Town’s top trail corridors, existing and potential, as well as an afternoon of discussion on how to create a more cohesive and strategic trail system.

Mayor Nick Glenn opened the interactive afternoon session to discuss new trails and connectors, stressing awareness of how these assets encourage economic development and will ultimately lead to a healthier Pulaski.

This planning session is the result of a grant application to the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program. The Friends of Peak Creek worked closely with the Town to submit an application. Funding in Virginia was limited this year, but the NPS proposed a day-long session to encourage development of a comprehensive trail plan. A representative from Pulaski County was also in attendance.

“This was a good start to envisioning what kinds of planning and development should happen in the coming years,” noted Cathy Hanks, president for Friends of Peak Creek. This organization had nine members in attendance.

“One thing that I liked seeing during the day was the openness to immediate needs while also discussing long-term opportunities,” said Mike McMillion who owns Pulaski Bikes and has been instrumental in developing the Draper Mountain Trail system.

Some goals emerging from the session include:

  • Promoting what we have
  • Looking more closely at connections to Gatewood Reservoir
  • Building overall awareness of numerous benefits of trails — economic return on investment and community health
  • Better data on trail use

A definite need in the future is someone who might be the local champion for trails. The Town has staff to manage and support efforts, but a citizen champion can help keep the project going. Anyone interested in playing this part should contact Nichole Hair, Deputy Town Manager, nhair@pulaskitown.org, (540) 994-8610

Mayor Nick Glenn opened afternoon proceedings at the train station.
Mayor Nick Glenn opened afternoon proceedings at the train station.
March 28 activities included a tour of various recreational assets. The morning’s group is shown here at Gatewood Reservoir (left to right): Nichole Hair, Linda Hall, Catherine Van Noy, Ursula Lemanski, Mike McMillion, Dave Hart, Ron Hall, Cathy Hanks, Bill Pedigo
March 28 activities included a tour of various recreational assets. The morning’s group is shown here at Gatewood Reservoir (left to right): Nichole Hair, Linda Hall, Catherine Van Noy, Ursula Lemanski, Mike McMillion, Dave Hart, Ron Hall, Cathy Hanks, Bill Pedigo

 

Downtown Revitalization Management Team Meeting

The CDBG Downtown Revitalization Project’s Management Team will be hosting a meeting on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 6 p.m.  The meeting will be located in the Town Council Chambers at 42 First Street, N.W.  Attached is the agenda and a consumer survey to be discussed.

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Kick-Off Meeting – Downtown Planning

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Join the Town of Pulaski in the Kick-Off Meeting of Downtown Planning on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Pulaski Train Station.

Meet the consultants selected for the planning efforts.  Learn more about the project timeline and tasks to be completed.  Most importantly, be a part of the process in achieving the Vision for Downtown Pulaski.

 

Pulaski on Main Unveiling: Friday, October 7, 11 a.m.

Pulaski on Main (POM) will unveil its new office space at 83 West Main Street on Friday, October 7 at 11:00AM. At an Open House event sponsored and catered by ETHOS Technologies, POM invites the public to visit the new space, which will be used as a resource center for current and potential residents and business owners. Utilizing all local 13312879_233539153698983_2630001442822710517_ntalent and a limited budget, the office showcases the Town of Pulaski’s industrial heritage, agricultural appeal and technological capabilities.

Throughout its two and half year growth and development phases, POM has been able to research and develop methods that will benefit Town business owners and residents. In March, Pulaski Town Council approved a proposal from POM to implement an organization that will assist and promote existing Town businesses and work to cultivate a new base of downtown businesses.

By working with a diverse steering committee and the Town of Pulaski over the past six months, a business resource guide has been developed which provides direct access to applicable Town resource offices such as business license/tax information, zoning stipulations, and inspections, among others. A directory of Town businesses and vacant buildings has also been compiled for prospective or current business owners. Pulaski on Main will also provide new Pulaski Town residents with a welcome guide, providing easy access to information about utilities, trash collection, town office contacts, etc.

Additionally, POM participated in Community U, a series of planning sessions facilitated by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and supported by the Town of Pulaski, to develop a cohesive vision to support the Town’s future.

Pulaski on Main looks forward to working with downtown businesses and organizations to promote a vision of strength, unity, and progress as the Town of Pulaski transitions into a hub for recreation and entrepreneurship.

From The Pulaski Patriot

Pulaski’s Downtown Vision

A crowd gathered at the Pulaski Senior Center for the September 6 Town Council meeting, and community development was a steady theme.  It’s clear that there’s both optimism and a will to continue supporting the positive changes seen in the heart of the community.

Kicking off the meeting was a well received presentation by four of the 40 community leaders who participated in Community U. (Thanks to Linda, Cathy, Mike, and Tyler for a very professional and clear presentation.)  Council showed strong support and appreciation for the work.  Additionally, Council later approved the Our Town application process, dedicating a $7,500 match to the effort.

Next steps:  More outreach and the pocket park mock-up at PulaskiFest, close work with consultants to define specific investments, and the completion of the Our Town grant application, led by town grant writer, Catherine Van Noy. We’ll keep you posted here.

Even if you haven’t been involved yet, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in coming months. Contact Nichole Hair.

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