More than a year after it was started, the Boones Mill Town Council approved growth and development plan called Boones Mill 2040

Boones Mill, Virginia – Long-term growth and development plans for small towns and areas are very important for people living in those communities. These plans ensure that a specific community is prepared to meet the needs of the local residents, both now and in the future. By considering factors such as infrastructure, housing, and economic development, a sustainable vision should be created for a certain town that will promote growth and prosperity.

Planning for the long-term also helps to foster a sense of community pride and involvement. When residents see that their local government is committed to thoughtful and strategic planning, they are more likely to feel invested in the future of their town. In addition, having a clear plan in place can attract new businesses and residents, which can contribute to a thriving local economy.

Long-term growth and development plans are crucial for small towns and areas. They allow local residents to proactively address challenges and create opportunities for the future, ensuring that our community remains vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.

That’s the Boones Mill Town Council has just approved the most recent growth and development plan called Boones Mill 2040, a plan aimed at area’s development in the coming years and decades. The initial plan was adopted in 2015, but more than a year ago, the city council started re-working the initial plan and the final project was presented earlier this week. Town Manager B.T. Fitzpatrick confirmed that the initial plan was completely re-done as significant changes were made to the initial 2015’s comprehensive plan.

The re-done and rewritten plan is more understandable to everyone since it now includes various diagrams and graphs that explain things in a more creative and detailed way. According to Fitzpatrick, the most recent version of the plan was made to be visually easy to understand so local residents can chime in and provide their own ideas and thoughts.

The council’s approved plan showcases a comprehensive strategy focused on four key priority initiatives. These include fostering business growth, enhancing the infrastructure along U.S. 220, promoting diverse housing options, and safeguarding the historical significance of existing structures while also addressing the necessary demolition of structures beyond reasonable repair. Fitzpatrick highlighted that the majority of these initiatives were derived from constructive feedback received during numerous public meetings. He additionally said that the four things taken into consideration were of the highest priorities to the local community.

As Boones Mill experiences growth, planning for its future development has become paramount. In recognition of this, three public meetings were held in February and March last year. The information and feedback gathered from these meetings were then provided to the Western Piedmont Planning District Commission, which played a key role in developing the finalized plan approved by the council.

Boones Mill has experienced measurable growth in the past decade and is one of the few areas in Franklin County to do so. The town’s population increased from 239 residents in the 2010 U.S. census to 259 residents in the 2020 census. As such, it is essential that the town continues to plan for future growth.

The approval of the comprehensive plan will allow the town to apply for grants that could assist in funding proposed priorities. These priorities include a new stoplight on U.S. 220 to improve traffic flow and an emergency light for traffic at the Boones Mill Fire and Rescue Department. The latter will ensure that fire and rescue vehicles can safely exit onto U.S. 220 in times of emergency.

With the approved plan, Boones Mill can now look towards a bright future, filled with sustainable growth and development.