Afton Post Office
Changes to the mail delivery service in Afton have been under discussion by residents on social media. Comments include the closed service window during business hours with a sign posted to inform customers that the attending employee is out delivering mail. Many residents described their experience of extended periods without mail delivery. A recent change in delivery service may allow the window for customer service to remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mail carriers are now working out of Waynesboro, which has a larger branch for the sorting and delivery vehicles for Afton mail.
The Afton Post Office facility has been a tenant of the Goodloe family for generations. Brenda Saunders inherited the U.S. government contract and has been in contention with the management. Recently Saunders has taken her issues to NBC29 to show the damages that trucks have caused and express her frustrated efforts to be reimbursed for recurring costs for the past seven years. Saunders said, “I have done everything in my power to work with the management to reimburse my cost, and I am no longer willing to make unreimbursed repairs of continual damages.”
The rent paid to Saunders by the government lease is $330 monthly after a raise two years ago. Saunders has met with a representative of Congressman Bob Good’s office to provide her documentation and ask for assistance.
Board of Supervisors
The Nelson Board of Supervisors approved new appointments to boards and commissions February 8. The Central District vacancy on the Planning Commission was filled by Robin Hauschner, a resident of Faber. Hauschner is a Massies Mill native and 2013 graduate of Nelson County High School. Carl Stellwag, a Lovingston resident, was appointed to the JABA Advisory Council.
A position is now open for a representative on the Board of Directors of Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA). The member will serve a two-year term as an adviser representing interests of Nelson County. More information about MACAA can be found at www.macaa.org/. Apply online at Nelson County Boards & Commissions Application Form.
Action on a Special Use Permit application under a “campground” designation on Truslows Lane in Nellysford was postponed until March 8. Public comments from a dozen neighbors spoke against the idea described as tiny homes for overnight visitors. Property owners Charles and Gwylan Carson want to sell roughly 30 acres.
Lovingston-Rockfish Ruritan Club
The Lovingston-Rockfish Ruritan Club met February 7 at the Lovingston Café and recognized new officers and members. Tom Nelson presented the membership with Gold Honors based on service achievements in 2021. Community Service Awards acknowledged volunteer hours in environment, citizenship, social development, public service and professional business.
Tracy Sides from Virginia Career Works spoke on services offered through the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act to eliminate barriers to employment. Sides offers matching services to employers with positions and job seekers. Office hours are every Friday at Nelson Center. Appointments can be arranged (540) 513-9886. More information is available through www.vcwpiedmont.com.
The Ruritan Club raises funds to provide scholarship support for Nelson High School seniors. Consider joining this civic organization to help our community. Camille Hicks, club president, invites new members to bring ideas and choose any committee to serve in the community. Reach out to (434) 361-9349 or by email [email protected]
Real Estate Assessments Hearing
The Nelson County Board of Equalization (BOE) will be scheduling hearings for property owners in March to address complaints of inequities in real estate assessments, including errors in acreage, evidence of assessment in excess in fair market value, or lack of uniformity with other similar property assessments. Appointments may be requested by calling 434-263-7003. Hearings will be scheduled every 30 minutes in either the morning or afternoon as follows:
March 22, 25, 29, 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 21, 23, 24, 28 from 2 to 8 p.m.
