Shenandoah and Its Future
Community and Economic Development
The Shenandoah Town Council is working in conjunction with local stakeholders to transform Shenandoah into Virginia’s most sustainable small community through a comprehensive revitalization effort that encompasses economic development, recreational development, environmental protection, and community participation. The Town has successfully leveraged various forms of public and private resources including state and federal grants, technical assistance from James Madison University and the University of Virginia, and local volunteers to assist with this effort.
Shenandoah received a $350,000 Brownfields Demonstration Pilot Project Grant in July 1998 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct an environmental assessment, community outreach, and remediation planning for the 68.6 acre Big Gem tract – the site of a former iron foundry located in the center of town. In April 2002, the Town received from the EPA their long awaited "comfort letter", which advised of no major contamination and gave the "go ahead" for redevelopment.
Redevelopment plans for the Big Gem site include both recreational and historical development, with linkages to adjacent neighborhoods. Possible recreational uses for this site include a historical park, trails, ball fields, and much more.
Revitalization of Shenandoah's Downtown Business District
The Town has:
- Acquired $954,000 in grant funds:
- $800,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- $54,000 Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Grant
- $100,000 Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Grant
- Appropriated $188,000 in town funds
- Leveraged in-kind donations from various community service organizations
- Established public/private partnerships with local banks and universities for technical assistance
- Devised a generous incentives package to include real-estate tax relief, façade grants and low interest loans, micro enterprise start-up and expansion loans, and business planning assistance
- Continues to assist property owners and real-estate brokers in finding tenants and prospective buyers for downtown buildings and storefronts
Riverfront Development
The Town of Shenandoah operates a boat landing and river park, known locally as Shenandoah Landing, on the banks of the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah Landing is one of the Town’s greatest assets, given its river frontage and proximity to the First Street Commercial District. The park is heavily utilized by canoeists, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts during the spring and summer months. The Town recently repaved the access road to Shenandoah Landing and constructed permanent restroom facilities. The Town intends to further improve recreational opportunities at the river by constructing additional amenities such as sand volleyball courts, concession areas, and a walking trail along the river.