Slow down, Little Washington: Town Council votes to lower speed limit

The Washington Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday to lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph in the Town of Washington.

A recent amendment to the Virginia Code allows localities to reduce their speed limits to under 25 mph, but above 15 mph. Mayor Joe Whited said the town’s legal counsel brought the state’s changes to the council’s attention, and because of tourist foot traffic and a lack of sidewalks throughout the town, he recommended lowering the limits from 25 mph to 20 mph.

Main Street, Piedmont Avenue, Warren Avenue, Mt. Salem Avenue and Harris Hollow Road — all key corridors — were specifically named as the streets that will have lowered speed limits.

A written notice will be sent by the Town Administrator to the Virginia Commissioner of Highways, who will have 30 days to install the new signage.

Council member Jean Goodine said the main problem with speeds in town is enforcement, and suggested that when the limits are changed, Sheriff Connie Compton be contacted to discuss plans for how to effectively enforce them.

“I’m okay with lowering the speed limit, but it does nothing if not enforced,” Goodine said. “Something could be done about enforcing the speed limits, especially if they’re adjusted even lower, to make sure people pay attention.”

Council member Brad Schneider said the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) may have signs indicating the speed limit has been adjusted that could be posted alongside the new speed limit signs.

In other key developments:

• Town resident Joan Platt’s appeal of the Architectural Review Board’s (ARB) decision to approve the demolition of an historic barn — owned by The Inn at Little Washington — was denied. Whited said Platt does not have legal standing to appeal based on “several Virginia case laws,” but said the council could vote to grant her that standing. Council ultimately voted 3-1 not to allow the appeal. Patrick O’Connell, inn owner and a longtime member of the Town Council, recused himself from discussion of the barn.

Schneider, the only dissenter, spoke in favor of allowing the appeal to go through. He said he recognizes Virginia law, but since Washington is a small community, changes like the demolition affect everyone.

• The council voted unanimously to approve a lot line adjustment recommended by the town Planning Commission, allowing 603 and 615 Mt. Salem Ave to be separated into two lots. The separation restores an historic line that once separated the properties into two parcels, but was “lost” during the renovation of The Washington School.

• This year’s town holiday party was set for Sunday, Dec. 15 from 5-7 p.m. The town will provide ham and refreshments along with a potluck-style meal.

• The council discussed the stairs at 322 Main St., which jet onto the sidewalk. Whited said the issue has been delayed for some time and is “overdue for action,” recommending that a letter be sent to the owner asking for removal of the stairs. The council passed a motion allowing the zoning administrator to send such a letter to the owner, requesting the stairs be removed within 90 days, after which VDOT will be contacted about removal from the right of way.

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