The towns of Kenbridge and Victoria voted at their respective town council meetings to approve the comprehensive plan for Lunenburg County and the towns of Victoria and Kenbridge.

The county comprehensive plan outlines the goals and vision of a particular county. The Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC) has been assisting Lunenburg, Victoria and Kenbridge with the plan.

Melody Foster, CRC Executive Director, spoke during the Kenbridge Town Council public hearing for the comprehensive plan. Foster commended the county and towns for their collaboration over the approximately 2-year process to create the plan.

“I know a lot of people have worked hard on the comprehensive plan, and we appreciate your work, you’ve done an excellent job,” Kenbridge Mayor Emory Hodges said to Foster.

Hodges thanked the CRC for its assistance in helping the Kenbridge Fire Department apply for grant funding.

The Lunenburg County Planning Commission is expected to take a vote on the comprehensive plan in April, and depending on the discussion and action taken by the planning commission, the Lunenburg Board of Supervisors is expected to consider the comprehensive plan in May.

The comprehensive plan includes strategies to strengthen the county economy, according to a presentation and joint work session during the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors meeting in November 2018.

These strategies include improving public infrastructure such as roads and utilities, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting area small businesses and attracting new industries and retail options.

The top five community issues reported by approximately 320 people who responded to a survey include employment opportunities, education, economic development, internet/ cell service, retail and services, according to the presentation.

County residents who participated in workshops earlier this year for the comprehensive plan emphasized supporting economic growth while maintaining the rural and community-oriented characteristics of the county. Participants also emphasized removing vacant buildings and keeping out large landfills, according to the presentation.