Latest News

Town boundary line adjustment reaches final phase

A plan for a boundary line adjustment in the Town of Washington was heard by the Commission on Local Government (CLG), a state agency, marking the final phase for the contentious proposal. Mayor Joe Whited gave a brief overview of the proposal to the commission in Richmond last Friday, and CLG officials will come to the Town of Washington on May 20 for a public hearing on the boundary line adjustment. County and town officials will also give a joint presentation before opening up the floor for questions from the public.

Boundary line adjustment update

The Commission on Local Government, a division of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, will hold its first hearing on the town’s boundary line adjustment proposal on Jan. 5.

Long-awaited new Rappahannock Food Pantry home ‘a gift for everybody’

Thanksgiving is a busy time for most food pantries and Rappahannock’s own is no exception. It’s also a time when many in Rappahannock are thankful for what they see in the near future: Completion of a new, long-awaited permanent home for its food pantry.

Town approves landscape plan for Rush River Commons

The Washington Town Council approved a landscape plan and utilities application Monday for the Rush River Commons’ development as construction continues along Warren Avenue. Some of the landscaping will now encroach onto the town-owned Leggett Lane property. Town attorney Martin Crim said he will negotiate an encroachment license with representatives of Black Kettle, the organization that owns the development, which will be responsible for maintenance of the plants.

Boundary line adjustment proposal nears finish line

Town of Washington attorney Martin Crim told members of the Town Council Monday night that he has received a final proposal for a boundary line adjustment in the town, and the body is expected to take action at its October meeting.

Rush River Commons: Building on an ‘unbuildable’ site

For many in Rappahannock County, the approval process for Rush River Commons was the main game. But behind the scenes teams of engineers already were busy, wrangling with their own major task: how to build on a site that any for-profit developer in their right mind likely wouldn't touch.

Town of Washington considers creating Economic Development Authority to boost business

Washington Mayor Joe Whited on Monday proposed that the Town Council create an Economic Development Authority to assist in efforts to bring more business to town that could diversify and bolster the local economy.

Social Services department to move into Rush River Commons; development organizers in search of restaurateur

With construction of Rush River Commons forging ahead, a clearer picture has emerged of the organizations that will occupy the forthcoming mixed-use development in the Town of Washington.

Supervisors delay boundary change talks; county library to renovate – not relocate

The Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors met for their monthly meeting on Monday, where they received updates from various institutions in the county on major projects, including the revitalization of the Flint Hill Volunteer Fire Company, a potential boundary line adjustment agreement and the status of potential renovations at the public library.

Youngkin’s housing ideas stir worries of lost local control over Virginia land

Virginia needs more houses — tens of thousands of them, including as many as 300,000 affordable rental units. Zoning restraints, land-use policies and environmental regulations have been getting in the way.

Town approves boundary change, edging closer to what’s likely a final decision from Supervisors

Washington Town Council on Monday unanimously approved a boundary line adjustment agreement provided by the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors, and in a rapid succession of votes ruled on the county’s list of sought-after concessions intertwined with the measure.

Rappahannock Supervisors reintroduce contentious concessions sought in Town-County boundary change

The Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors met for their monthly meeting on Monday, where they voted 3-1-1 to send an updated boundary line adjustment agreement to the Town of Washington as negotiations on the proposal continue.

Boundary change talks are on again

Following months of uncertainty, the Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors in the new year have returned to the negotiating table with the Town of Washington in an effort to salvage a boundary line adjustment deal.

Some Town of Washington buildings spring to life, others languish

If Washington’s buildings form a stage set, as is often said, they would offer a perfect backdrop to a sweeping drama mixing elements of renewal, uncertainty and neglect.

Rush River Commons construction underway

The Rush River Commons development began construction last week, with builders clearing trees and laying down dirt to start on a retaining wall before erecting the building structures.

In boundary change talks, Washington seeks to safeguard Architectural Review Board’s power

Washington Town Council on Monday unanimously approved a resolution asking the Planning Commission to make a recommendation that ensures all property in the town’s historic district remain subject to review by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

County-town tensions come into focus as Washington verges on historic change

The Town of Washington is on the cusp of historic change. But the town and county will have to overcome an historically tumultuous relationship if a series of vital building projects are to get a green light.

View from above: The Rush River Commons’ site plan

The site plans for Rush River Commons Were approved last week by the Town Council and project organizers said construction could begin immediately on what’s expected to be the Town of Washington’s first mixed-use development.

Pressed by Rush River Commons organizers, Washington Town Council advances development’s site plans

Washington Town Council on Monday approved a review of the Rush River Commons site plans, edging closer to the mixed-use development being able to start construction.

Have boundary change talks reached an impasse?

As negotiations surrounding a proposed boundary line adjustment to accommodate an expansion of the Rush River Commons development reached a turning point last week, it appears the Town of Washington and Rappahannock County may be approaching an impasse.

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