INSIDE
ASHLAND
Hanover Progress 2015
Amtrak commercial shot at Ashland Visitors Center
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11
Vol. 1 No. 21 | Richmond Suburban News | November 25, 2015
Council toughens rules on long-term motel stays By Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local
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SHLAND — For years, Ashland Town Council has struggled with the problem of homelessness and longterm rentals at the town’s 14 hotels and motels, and has considered numerous measures to combat the situation. Last week, members took action that begins to address the problem. Prompted by an increase in police calls to area motels regarding longterm residents involved in crime, and a willingness of the local faith community to assist and fill gaps the new regulations might create, council unanimously approved new rules regarding
long-term rentals at Ashland motels. The action does not target residents who are experiencing hard times and using the motels for transitional housing, but, according to Mayor George Spagna, put teeth in current ordinances governing the rentals. Hotels or motels with 25 rooms or more and two floors must obtain an extended stay permit that allows long-term rentals of 30 days or less in 5 percent of the rooms on the site. The changes do not affect motor courts along U.S. 1 because they don’t Jim Ridolphi for The Hanover Local have 25 rooms or two floors. Lewis Rogers of Shiloh Baptist Church praised faith-based groups for cooperating and coming together to help Ashland Inn owners Siddharth homeless families in Ashland, but expressed support that would limit long-term stays at area motels and hotels. Rangan told council members the new He spoke during a public hearing period at last week’s Ashland Town Council meeting. Shown are, from left, Town see MOTEL, pg. 4
Manager Charles Hartgrove, Town Attorney Andrea Erard, council member Faye O. Prichard, Vice Mayor Ned Henson, Mayor George Spagna and council members Steve Trivett and James Murray.
Ashland celebrates Olde Time Holiday Parade
Natalie Pedraja for The Hanover Local
The Annual Ashland/Hanover Olde Time Holiday Parade, presented by the Ashland Kiwanis Club, was held Sunday throughout the town. At left, the Lee-Davis High School Color Guard performs for the audience outside Randolph-Macon College’s Brook Commons. Center, Cinder and Tender wave to the crowd as they promote Ashland Train Day. At right, the St. Andrew’s Legion Pipes & Drums marches along the parade route. More photos may be found on www.mechlocal.com.