by Madison White
HEATHSVILLE—The Callao business revitalization project continues to attract community support. Some 20 citizens and business owners on March 8 attended a related public hearing before the Northumberland board of supervisors.
Following the hearing, the project received the county’s financial support, up $25,000.
The hearing was the second required to submit the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the project, said Northern Neck Planning District Commission executive director Jerry Davis.
Reuben Thrift of the Callao Hometown Community Association read a statement in support of the project.
“Callao is the first village you encounter when you enter Northumberland County,” he said. “According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, an average of over 8,000 vehicles travel through Callao on a daily basis. With that level of traffic, we want travelers to have a favorable first impression when they enter the county, so they will continue their experience not only in Callao, but throughout the county. We want to encourage our residents and visitors to stay, eat, shop and continue their visit to experience and enjoy Callao and all that Northumberland County has to offer.
“Callao is also the business hub of Northumberland County. It is the only village in the county that offers the full range of day-to-day goods and services needed by residents,” said Thrift.
If Callao is successful in attaining the proposed grant, there will be improvements in signage, sidewalks, crosswalks and lighting to improve safety, he said…
