The Leesburg Town Council voted 6 to 1 Tuesday night on a resolution that will allow the town to purchase and acquire land needed for right turn lane improvements for the Edwards Ferry Road and Route 15 bypass intersection. During Tuesday’s public hearing Land Acquisition Manager Keith Wilson said land rights were needed from four landowners in order for the fully funded capital project to take place. Three were acquired. The town council was asked to authorize the use of condemnation for the land rights needed across the remaining unapproved lot or partial land needed for completion of the …

Updated Thursday at 8:40 a.m.: The Leesburg Town Council will hold a special meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday to reconsider the following motion related to the "East End Triangle": MOTION 2012-027: I move to direct staff to alter Project D of the Phase I Downtown Improvements Projects, as approved by town council on September 14, 2010, in order to eliminate the concrete curbing extending from the triangle area along the Market Street frontage. Originial Story: Improvements to the town's East End Triangle, also known as the gateway to Leesburg, are currently underway.  Unfortunately, a …

The Leesburg Town Council approved a resolution Tuesday night granting permanent and temporary easements for the Route 15 (South King Street) Widening Phase II project. According to town staff, the easements are necessary to construct phase II, and will go along the roads and sidewalks during construction, though it's not clear when they will be put in place. The project, which is a fully funded capital project for the widening of the roadway to a four lane divided street and a multi-use trail along the west side of the road, is currently underway. The council's consent agenda also included a…

A small park, complete with benches and small trees, will soon take over two vacant parcels located just outside of the town's parking garage entrance on Loudoun Street.  The Leesburg Town Council voted 4 to 3 Tuesday night, with Vice Mayor Kevin Wright and council members Tom Dunn and Katie Hammler dissenting, to move forward with the park idea rather than selling it to a potential buyer. During a previous meeting, council member Dave Butler requested a vote be taken regarding the disposition of the town-owned parcels. They've been vacant for a long time, he said, and it's about time that …

The Leesburg Town Council could vote as early as Tuesday evening on whether or not to seek funding for a signal light at the intersection of Plaza Street and Battlefield Parkway in fiscal year 2014. It is currently scheduled for construction in FY 2017. Elizabeth Whiting, chair of the Standing Residential Traffic Committee (SRTC), said that, following a recent study, there has been an increase in traffic due to new businesses and the opening of Tuscarora High School during the 2010-2011 school year. Although it is anticipated that almost 700 students will soon transfer to the high school in …

The Leesburg Town Council showed little to no interest Monday night regarding a proposed 14-foot telecommunications site within Olde Izaak Walton Park. Director of Parks and Recreation Rich Williams said he was approached just a few months ago regarding the installation. It would consist of a 17 foot by 40 foot fenced cell site within an existing utility easement. The proposed location would be on the western side of the park entrance. A 12-foot-wide gravel access road would come off an existing parking lot along side the top ridge. The site would barely be visible to park visitors, Williams …

The Leesburg Town Council will discuss the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Plaza Street during a work session Monday night following a letter submitted by Elizabeth Whiting, chair of the Standing Residential Traffic Committee (SRTC). Members have requested that council members consider the funding and installation of a traffic light at the intersection sooner than later. It is currently scheduled for construction in FY 2017, however the letter notes that the intersection warrants installing the traffic signal even sooner. The committee is recommending that the council fund the traffic…

The Leesburg Town Council voted 7-0 Tuesday night to endorse a draft letter to the Finance, Government Services & Operations Committee of Loudoun County expressing their interest of keeping the county's court system located in the downtown area. Last month, Town Manager John Wells provided council members with an update regarding the expansion of the Loudoun County court system. The Board of Supervisors have been studying seven potential options, which would help resolve current space issues, including the idea of moving the entire court system outside of Leesburg. As a result, a letter has …

Town Manager John Wells provided the Town Council with an update Monday night on recent discussions that have taken place regarding the expansion of the Loudoun County court system. Wells said that the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors have been studying six potential options and most recently have brought up the idea of moving the entire court system outside of the downtown area. “I think we need to make sure we are capturing in this discussion the lost value,” said Vice Mayor Kevin Wright, in response to the possible move. “You’ve got a value in the properties that you’re already …

Town employees will get an upgraded public safety radio system to meet FCC regulations as part of a supplemental appropriation of $1.852 million that the Leesburg Town Council approved Tuesday evening.   The appropriation will also pay to repave the public works facility parking lot and replace the HVAC systems at Town Hall and Ida Lee Recreation Center. The remainder of the appropriation will pay for other items specific departments need in the coming years.  The council also voted 5-0-2 to defer an ordinance to amend and re-ordain Chapter 34-39 regarding a cross connection and back-flow …

Following an earlier request this month for a monetary donation in the amount of $5,000, organizers with the Loudoun Symphony have reevaluated their plans for its War of 1812 Centennial event, which was previously planned to take place at Morven Park. The event will help commemorate the bicentennial and Leesburg’s part in the War of 1812. During a public hearing July 10, the Town Council voted against the donation, which would have helped meet the concert’s projected budget. Although a number of council members said they wouldn’t mind donating the money, they don’t normally provide support to…

Staff is continuing to work with town residents regarding the Lowenbach Street Improvements Phase III (Prince Street) project, which includes drainage and street improvements along the west side of Prince Street Road between Edwards Ferry Road and North Street.  As of Tuesday night, 26 out of 29 signatures have been obtained by landowners, which are nessesary to acquire right of way dedication and easements in order to construct the project.  Prince Street resident Nicholas Richard told Town Council members on Tuesday that he would be more than happy to kick off the project but it's his …

Bike racks will start appearing at town hall and elsewhere later this summer. Town Manager John Wells provided a brief update to the Town Council Monday night regarding several efforts to implement a Bike and Pedestrian Plan across Leesburg.    A bike rack has been ordered for town hall and should arrive within 4-6 weeks. In addition, a bike rack is being added to Georgetown Park. Additional bike racks are being planned throughout the downtown area, he said.  Council members also had a chance to view images of the new bike depot at Raflo Park, which features a bike rack, water fountain, …

The Leesburg Town Council will meet with local state legislators on Monday night for a recap discussion of the 2012 General Assembly Session and preliminary discussions regarding issues for the 2013 Session. Sen. Mark Herring (D-33), Sen. Barbara Favola (D-31) and Del. Randy Minchew (R-10) have confirmed that they will be in attendance. Some items that will be discussed include the following: • Town charter amendment • Conditional zoning (Cornerstone Chapel issue) • Storm water service districts • Utility line relocation • Flexibility in use of cash proffers • Diversion of local fine revenue …

Following a recommendation from town staff last Tuesday, the Leesburg Town Council decided it would be best to hold off on voting on a resolution that would authorize staff to acquire right of way dedication and easements necessary to construct the Lowenbach Street Improvements Phase III (Prince Street) project. The phase III project is a funded capital project for drainage and street improvements to include curb and gutter and a brick sidewalk along the west side of Prince Street Road between Edwards Ferry Road and North Street. Right of way dedication and easements are still needed in order…

The Town Council voted 4 to 3 Tuesday night against a monetary request in the amount of $5,000 in support of the War of 1812 Centennial event at Morven Park. About a month ago, President of the Loudoun Symphony Board of Directors Ara Bagdasarian made the request to support the celebration of the War of 1812 Centennial and Leesburg’s role in the war. The Loudoun Symphony and Journey through Hallowed Ground are planning to sponsor the event, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 23. On Tuesday, Bagdasarian said private sponsorships are expected to provide the majority of the $30…

The Town Council voted five to two Tuesday night to not support a pipeline to the Raspberry Falls community. Council members Tom Dunn and Dave Butler dissented. The conversation remained similar to Monday night’s in regards to the potential price tag, possible plant expansion, higher taxes and a number of other unknowns as reasons against supplying the water. The future of Raspberry Falls’ water supply is now in the hands of Loudoun Water. The Town Council did approve the following: A resolution allowing the Leesburg Police Station to construct a Technical Support Building contract to Roy C. …

Members of the Leesburg Town Council were divided Monday night as they shared their thoughts and concerns regarding the Raspberry Falls community and its water supply. Approximately 140 homes are located within the community, which has a water system operated by Loudoun Water with two communal wells as the water source.  One of the two wells (PW-1) serving the community was shut down November 16, 2011 after the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) determined the well was groundwater under the direct influence of surface water or GUDI.  Though it was stated that the water supply is safe for …

Leesburg's Town Council will meet for a work session Monday night where they will receive an update on Raspberry Falls. Since November 2011, Loudoun Water has continued its discussions with the town regarding the appropriate long-term solutions for the preferred water treatment for the neighborhood.  Water has been supplied to both areas by two community wells in a system operated by Loudoun Water. However, one of those wells was found to be under the influence of ground water back in November 2010.  Though it was stated that the water supply is safe for those in the local community, staff …

On Tuesday, the council voted 4 to 3, to see what the Commission on Public Art can come up with for proposals for a mural on the Loudoun Street entrance to the Town Parking Garage. Council members Katie Hammler, Dave Butler and Kevin Wright dissented.  “The site was originally supposed to be built upon but since it appears it is not going to happen anytime soon I thought it would be a great place to locate public art,” said council member Kelly Burk, adding that she has spoken to local merchants and businesses who say they aren’t happy with just the plain tan wall. “We could put a mural on …