May 13, 2005
Stanardsville is small town USA. However, beginning tomorrow, that small town is looking towards lofty aspirations. Tomorrow kicks of a fundraising campaign aimed at taking in enough money to rebuild parts of the town.
"We'll be looking at the revitalization both physically and economically of the Stanardsville area," said fundraiser organizer Don Pamenter.
This type of fundraising campaign is not new to the town. This is phase three in a multi year process to make Stanardsville not only a great town to live, but a tourist destination. This phase will focus on burying utilities and installing period style lights, all in an attempt to beautify the downtown area.
"My vision of Stanardsville is a small community where people are coming and walking the streets, finding out what rural Virginia is all about," said Stanardsville Mayor Jerry Bortner.
During the course of fundraising, the commission hopes to take in $250,000 in donations. And while of course the money is important, this campaign is about so much more.
"It is a revitalization attempt. To help preserve the history and bring business back into town," Bortner said.
Lafayette Inn owner Alan Pyles is new to town, having just bought the Period Inn in January. However, he believes the upcoming changes will be good for the town and good for business.
"It would be just phenomenal if the town adopts the improvements that are being spoken of to make it more of a destination and more of a visually appealing place," Pyles said.
