Council Discusses Court Expansion, Library Funding with Supervisors

The Leesburg Town Council and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors met for a special joint meeting Monday night where they discussed possible court expansion plans.

Chairman Scott York (R - At Large) said there are two options that have been discussed regarding the project, he said. One would be the construction of an overhead bridge, which would provide access between both facilities.

The other option would include a partial closure to Church Street. York said that during a discussion with Judge Thomas Horne there was concern about the proposed bridge from a security standpoint.

Horne requested that a plan be created that would close part of Church Street and suggested that a committee be formed. Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd said she doesn’t think that local residents and business owners on or near Church Street would be in favor. 

“Those of us in the town might be able to predict that Cornwall and Church Street residents wouldn’t be in favor of closing down the street,” Umstattd said, adding that the committee would include residents of the street along with business owners. If predictions are correct, Umstattd said a new approach would have to be taken.  

“This town is two-hundred years old,” said Councilman Terry Titus. He strongly opposed to closing the street and recommended moving some of the courts to other locations within the county.  

Ultimately, the final decision would come from the Town Council, York said. Understanding of the concerns, York said he’d be willing to discuss other alternatives with his board.  

Balch Library

The conversation continued Monday night to include the Thomas Balch Library. Not feeling too optimistic, Umstattd asked board members if they'd be interested in helping to fund the library, which she said is the only one of its kind located within the county.

In order to continue its operation, $400,000 is needed each year. 

Library Director Alexander Gressit said the library sees at least 15,000 visitors a year. Whether it’s to use available resources, participate in programs, or visit the monthly exhibits the library is known locally, state-wide and beyond for anyone who attends.

Vice Chairman Janet Clarke (R - Blue Ridge District) suggested looking into grants and partnerships that might help cover some of the expenses. George Mason is currently the only sponsor.

Geary Higgins (R - Catoctin District) said he has visited the library before.

“I don’t think it’s something that we want to see go away,” Higgins said. “It’s an asset that’s not available anywhere else in Virginia.”

Councilwoman Katie Hammler agreed and said she hopes it will continue to serve the county. She invited board members to visit the location before making a final decision.

The Town Council and Board of Supervisors continued Monday night's discussion with a number of other topics. Click below to be directed to those articles:

• Raspberry Falls water service options 
• Cable TV production studio partnership