News
CSPDC Kicks off Data Training Series for Regional Housing Study
The CSPDC recently began a Regional Housing Study in partnership with the Virginia Center for Housing Research (VCHR) and HousingForward Virginia. As part of the study process, VCHR will host a series of data trainings that are available to both CSPDC staff and the region’s local government staff. The purpose of these trainings is to introduce participants to the variety of publicly available data that can be used to assess regional housing issues. Additionally, the trainings hope to empower staff to update data in comprehensive plans, housing studies, and other projects without needing to engage a consultant.
The trainings will be held virtually, and will begin on Thursday, July 14th from 10am-11am, with the first session focusing on American Community Survey and U.S. Census data. The series will span across seven sessions and cover a variety of topics, including economic data, housing affordability data, and MLS and real estate assessment data.
Local government staff interested in attending any of the data training sessions can fill out a registration form here no later than Wednesday, July 13th.
Schedule:
Thursday July 14 – American Community Survey/U.S. Census
Thursday July 21 – Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)/Jobs EQ
Thursday July 28 – Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data
Thursday August 4 – Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) Data #1
Thursday August 11 – PUMS #2
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TBD – MLS Data
TBD – Assessment
Dayton Receives CDBG Planning Grant
The Town of Dayton received a Community Development Block Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to develop a downtown revitalization plan that will guide the Town’s efforts to reenergize Downtown Dayton. Through this process, the Town hopes to create a collaborative vision for transforming Downtown Dayton into a year-round destination through streetscaping, local business, and pedestrian-oriented development.
To kick off the planning process, the Town will hold a public meeting later this Summer that will introduce the project and gather community input to guide the vision for the Downtown. Throughout the Summer, a Project Management Team will be formed and a physical inventory of buildings and open spaces in Downtown Dayton will be completed to establish a foundation for the full planning process that will be started in the Fall. The CSPDC is providing grant writing services and grant administration support.
Afton Express Experiencing Increased Ridership
The Afton Express has seen an increase in ridership as gas prices remain high. Ridership has been steadily growing since the service launched in September of 2021, but has really taken off in the last few months. From February to May, the CSPDC saw passenger counts increase by about 5% each month as more people learn of the service. From May to June that number jumped to 25%. As of June, the Afton Express sees between 45 and 50 passenger trips per day Monday through Thursday. Ridership is slightly lower on Friday, as people may take vacation, or may drive their own car to get a head start on their weekend plans.
CSPDC Planners attribute the increase in ridership to several factors. Gas prices are likely a factor. Additionally, more employees are transitioning back to an in-person work schedule. And finally, the partnership with the University of Virginia’s Parking and Transportation Office has made it easier for UVA employees to purchase Afton Express farecards.
An expansion of the service is planned for the fall of 2022. The CSPDC seeks to add an additional run in the evening that would allow the Afton Express to better serve hospital staff who work 12-hour shifts and get off work later than the service currently runs.
For more information about the Afton Express, visit www.aftonexpress.org
Bath-Highland Network Authority Public Meeting
On July 11, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., the Bath-Highland Network Authority will hold a meeting at the Bolar Ruritan Club, 38 Bolar Ln Monterey, VA 24465. For more information about the meeting, please contact Ms. Hunter Moore at 540-885-5174 or hunter@cspdc.org.
Buena Vista’s $1M CDBG Downtown Revitalization Project is Underway
Buena Vista is moving forward with downtown revitalization activities. This spring, the City jumped into its $1M Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the Department of Housing and Community Development. The $1M CDBG project will fund streetscape enhancements along the City’s 21st Street Corridor, upgrade wayfinding signage throughout downtown, and develop a façade improvement program.
In May, Buena Vista installed an official project sign outside City Hall to note the project location, contractors, and funding source. The City has also launched its new, CDBG Façade Improvement Program. City staff and the project architect are currently collaborating with 14 downtown property owners to create façade design proposals. With approval from DHR, Buena Vista will finalize improvements with property owners, procure a contractor, and begin work to the downtown building exteriors. The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is providing grant management services for the project.