THIS ARTICLE IS COMMENTARY AND PUBLISHED IN OUR EDITORIAL SECTION.
New weekly YouTube show dives into various issues in the Page Valley, while also reporting the Week in Review and checking out the Weekend Ahead
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Nov. 10 — This week “Page Valley Livin'” digs into details surrounding the proposed Page Valley Cultural Center and Business Hub. We talk with Nina Fox, director of the county’s Economic Development and Tourism Department, and Rebecca Armstrong, coordinator of communication and marketing, about their vision for the new facility.
In the fourth installment of our weekly series, we take a closer look at a proposal to invest more than $5 million into a brick-and-mortar capital project — as well as funding support for annual staffing and maintenance — to put more “heads in beds,” generate more retail sales, and improve the overall local economy by capturing more of the tourist dollar.
Both Fox and Armstrong, two key leaders behind the project, sat down with Page Valley Livin’ to talk about how the project would be funded, where the idea came from, and what they hope to accomplish.
The discussion confirms that such a move has been driven by new state legislation (in terms of use of Transient Occupancy Tax funds), reviving and revamping an idea presented previously (although it’s completely different), active involvement from TOT Council members (without knowledge of the county), explanation of the earmarked $200,000 to develop the plan (which was denied by supervisors), pluses and minuses of the location (including the flood plain), and where we go from here.
Direct from those now forming a steering committee to develop a business plan for the proposal, hear how many might serve on the committee, who may be selected, and what they will do. Information is provided that should explain away some incorrect rumors surrounding the project, and possibly create others.
Either way, this interview is meant to shed more light on a controversial topic in our community. Hopefully, by viewing it, both those for and against will learn a little more about the process, the though behind it, and what is ultimately believed will benefit the entire Page Valley.
We regret getting off our regular Wednesday schedule and will return soon. We also regret the length of this video, as we normally try to keep each episode under 15 minutes; however, we felt the topic deserved a little more time and attention to detail given its discussion in the community in recent weeks.
(Page Valley Livin’ ~ Episode 4 was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 9 and first aired Friday, Nov. 10).
Coming up on Page Valley Livin’…we’re working on shows that will talk with those behind offering a free Thanksgiving meal; and we’re trying to schedule a sit down with a local teenage hunter who’s already known all across the country and beyond.
The aim and purpose of these videos are to provide more information about more things that make up the wonderful place we call the Page Valley of Virginia. Serious issues will be handled seriously, while lighter issues may offer more opportunity to have some fun. There is no theme or agenda other than promoting the Page Valley, and trying to better inform the people who both live here and those who love to visit.
If you have suggestions for future shows or other recommendations, comment below…or comment on our videos on YouTube. If you like even a portion of what you see, please don’t forget to “Like” and Share the video, and hit that “Subscribe” button on our YouTube channel.
A special “Thank You” to our Page Valley Livin’ sponsor, Luray Caverns.
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OTHER EDITORIALS INVOLVING OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Page Valley Livin’ previews upcoming election
Page Valley Livin’ previews upcoming Halloween events
Page Valley Livin’ shoots inaugural YouTube show at Darkwood Manor
PVN airs fourth and final ‘debate’ focusing on race for Sheriff of Page County
PVN airs third ‘debate’ in four-part series with Bailey and Breeden discussing clerk’s race
PVN airs second ‘debate’ in four-part series on 2023 election in Page County
PVN airs first ‘debate’ in four-part series launching new YouTube channel
So much of this interview is county staff expressing their opinions and what they believe the effects will be.
At no point can they provide an example of this model …a tourist center on a bypass ..being successful and not damaging the downtowns anywhere in the country, especially in a small rural county like this one.
Will this just be a fancy rest stop? No evidence to the contrary is presented.
What is the evidence for a business hub to be successful. The argument of needing offices for a variety of entities be in one place is archaic…that’s what we have zoom meetings for.
Sorry but it still makes no practical sense.
What the county does need is an overall business development plan to replace the 2012 version. The even older cardinal plan, cited by one supervisor, focused only on agriculture and tourism, I believe.
The county as a whole needs a solid direction before any large project is considered.
Why build office space when everyone has zoom meetings?
Are there any examples of this type of project working anywhere in the country?
Please provide data and examples of this type of project helping and not hurting downtowns.
The analogy with Savannah is very flawed. There, you visit historic sites located in close proximity. Who would take a half hour or more ride to Shenandoah?
By the way, what plans can you offer to bring tourism to Shenandoah and Stanley?
Will there be a Food Court?