Board to take property for road project

STAFFORD — The Stafford County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to the condemnation of portions of several properties as part of a Poplar Road project meant to make the road’s curve safer.

The decision came after a public hearing during which some property owners spoke up about how the actions could possibly affect them and their neighbors.

Some even offered alternative solutions to the problem.

Poplar Road is notorious for its history of car accidents.

In total, the board is focusing on five properties within the project.
In other news, the county expects its customer service to improve.
On Tuesday, the county announced a new Community Development Service Center that will improve customer service by streamlining the building and development permit process for residents and businesses. It will also make it easier for them to track their construction projects, according to a county press release.

“The center is another initiative in our ongoing mission to make Stafford the most business-friendly and customer-oriented location in Virginia,” said Chairman of the Board Mark Dudenhefer. “It will send a message to anyone who has to do business with Stafford that we are here to help them from the beginning of their project until its successful completion.” 

The board approved $400,000 in funding to construct the center, which will centralize most planning, zoning and building permit functions in a single location, and will simplify and expedite the process of acquiring building and development permits for residents and businesses, according to the county.

“These funds are more than an investment in revamping the physical space. We are streamlining government and modernizing this area…” said Stafford Supervisor Susan Stimpson, R-Falmouth.

The center will open in the spring of 2012 and will be on the first floor of the Stafford County Administration Center, in the departments of Public Works and Planning and Zoning.

Tracy Bell is managing editor of the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at (540) 659-7897.