I am thrilled to update those who haven’t heard that the Warrenton Town Council has approved our rezoning request with a vote of 5-2. We are grateful to council members McGuire, Hartman, Hamby, Sutphin, and Mooney for carefully evaluating the complex facts and landing on the side of our veterans, our elders, and attainable housing for all.
We are also thankful to Mayor Carter Nevill for his consistent leadership and advocacy that every project should receive fair and impartial consideration.
I would like to thank Jessica Pfeiffer and John Foote of Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh P.C for their expert counsel and guidance over the last year. Jessica’s knowledge, attention to detail, and determination were crucial to our success. Being a Vietnam Veteran himself, it meant so much to me to have Mr. Foote by our side as we advocated for this special generation of veterans.
The Church, our amazing partners in this project were steadfast and determined. They own one of the largest pieces of undeveloped land in the Town and had many options. Instead of profiting greatly their leadership chose to do something small and meaningful for their community.
I would like to thank the wonderful staff, volunteers, and Board members of Hero’s Bridge. They ran our other programs and initiatives seamlessly as I was entrenched in this year-long legal battle. Our veterans remained our heroes and inspirations. They handled themselves with class and dignity despite some very unfortunate treatment throughout the process.
Going into this vote, I was running on fumes. After months of negotiations, adjustments, resubmissions, and jumping through every hoop asked of us the votes remained uncertain. I struggled to decide if I should speak; the Town had heard so much from me over the last year. I had notes prepared, but in the end, I didn’t need them.
Each of you picked up the torch when I had no strength left to carry it. I like to think we channeled our inner veteran ethos and mimicked their behavior of carrying each other at the height of battle. On Tuesday, you were each a Battle Buddy, and I will be eternally grateful that you bore everything as a community…you were heard, and you prevailed!
So what’s next?
We have 10 million more dollars to raise and a period of design, site planning, permitting, and construction to execute. While this may sound challenging, I do not doubt we can accomplish it together given what you have helped us achieve so far!
These next few weeks are for rest and celebration. I appreciate God’s blessings and protections over our veterans this Christmas and this immensely special project.
Please enjoy your holidays and look for updates and next steps in the New Year!
