Henry County supervisors are scheduled to receive reports on several topics, including engineering projects and updates on new housing throughout the county, during their 3 p.m. meeting Tuesday at the Administrative Building.
Included in the meeting’s informational packet is a report on permits issued for new family dwellings, as well as mobile homes and doublewides.
No permits were issued for doublewide homes while four permits were issued for mobile homes. This includes permits in the Collinsville, Horsepasture, Iriswood and Ridgeway Districts.
Single-family homes accounted for the majority of permits issued, including two in the Blackberry District, three in the Ridgeway District and one each in the Iriswood and Red Creek Districts.
The engineering monthly report states that improvements to U.S. 220 will be included in the county’s comprehensive plan, which staff is currently working to update.
U.S. 220 is the subject of an ongoing regional project. The road runs between Virginia and North Carolina and connects the region with economic hubs like Greensboro. It’s for this reason that there has been a local push to make improvements to what many describe as an important economic portal.
As part of the comprehensive plan, it will become one of several county priorities. The comprehensive plan serves as a guide for the county over a period of years.
Henry County’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 1994.
The Thriving Communities Program has awarded Henry County a $90,000 grant to prepare an Active Transportation Plan. The U.S. Department of Transportation defines active transportation as using bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use trails for travel, instead of traditional roads.
“Investing in active transportation can drive community cohesion and economic prosperity while helping to ensure people are connected to the outdoors and the essential places they need to go each day,” reads information from the U.S. Transportation Department. “Importantly, active transportation networks provide opportunities for affordable, low-emission or zero-emission trips while closing gaps between people and their next ride — after all, active transportation is an essential part of every public transportation trip.”
Part of the $90,000 grant is earmarked for the creation of a trail promotion video. The county commissioned the Berkley Group to draw up the Active Transportation Plan, which they are expected to complete around June of this year.
The county also retained the Berkley Group for the comprehensive plan.
