Infrastructure investments in the town of Hillsboro continue to impact its economic well-being, according to Mayor Roger Vance, as he outlined the town’s current projects and plans for the future at the annual State of the Gap breakfast gathering on March 11 at the Old Stone School.
In 2022, the town kicked off a nearly $2 million project to construct three multimodal trails named GapWay, Gaver Mill and Janney Mill, Vance said. It was constructed by Archer Western with Transportation Alternative Grant funds, along with local and county funding. Along with the new sidewalks, the town now has about two miles of pedestrian walkways.
“I’m thrilled to see so many residents and visitors alike taking advantage of them every day. I think for those of us who’ve lived here for more than three years, we still marvel every day at the fact we can safely walk from one end of town to the other,” Vance said.
The next step will be to restore the Janney Mill truss bridge across Catoctin Creek, he said, which has already been funded through another Transportation Alternatives grant.
Vance said the new Wastewater Treatment Package Plant is currently being constructed with an anticipated completion date of June. This will allow the town’s residents to connect to the wastewater system.
“Bringing modern wastewater treatment to Hillsboro and thus eliminating our biggest public health and environmental hazard is huge,” Vance said. “In addition, this critical infrastructure, along with our new drinking water system, is having a significant positive impact to property values now, and will allow the type of economic development that will ensure Hillsboro’s long-term sustainability.”
Vance also announced that the town will host the Appalachian Trail Festival – which was previously held for several years in Round Hill – on June 10. The all-day celebration will feature bands, vendors and activities for people of all ages.
Other additions to the town’s economic growth include a regular presence of a Moo Thru ice cream truck, and new this year Ford’s Fish Shack will set up a food trailer several days a week at the Old Stone School.
Beginning in April, the town will host a Farmers Market on Sunday afternoon, Vance said. Vendors and more details will be announced soon.
Another addition is the town has been approached to be one of the Northern Virginia sites for Virginia’s Historic Garden Week Tour in April, 2024.
In addition to the town itself being on tour, four property owners have agreed to open their homes and gardens for the Historic Garden Tour: the Oxmans, Morgarts, Burnsides and the Tozers at Fieldstone Farm.
“Look for much more to come about this exciting event and how we will coordinate our annual Gardens in The Gap to fully leverage Historic Garden Week,” Vance said.
Other upcoming signature events in 2023 include:
Gardens in the Gap on May 20; Eat, Drink & Be Literary series on May 19, June 10 and July 1; Independence Day the Hillsboro Way June 25; and the Music in the Gap series beginning June 30.
Community Awards were presented to:
- Good Governance: Supervisor Tony Buffington, R-Blue Ridge
- Award for Innovation: Internet Service Provider KGI Communications
- Business Service Award: Jeff Darby and Ohm Productions
- Community Service Award: Hillsboro Preservation Foundation
- Volunteer of the Year Award: Inez and Steve Morgart
- Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael and Laney Oxman
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