Discussions of Minor League Baseball in Winchester Begin

The Winchester Economic Development Authority (EDA) has completed a feasibility study concerning recruiting a minor league baseball team and constructing a new stadium in the City of Winchester.  The EDA has requested that Council approve a conveyance of park land (approx. 12 acres in the northeast corner of Jim Barnett Park near I-81 and Cork Street) to the EDA for this project.

Proposed Project Details:

- The EDA will pay for the construction of the stadium with bonds and will be the owner of the stadium and 12 acres of land
- The 12 acres of park land will hold the new stadium and additional parking added to better accommodate the expected stadium capacity (approx. 4,000)
- Estimated cost of the stadium is $16 million minus any fees paid for naming rights
- The existing BMX track will be relocated to another location in the park
- The EDA hopes to negotiate a lease with a minor league baseball team and begin construction of the new stadium in 2012
- The project is contingent upon Council's vote a the February regular meeting, the EDA's ability to secure a funding package and successful completion of a lease agreement with a minor league team

Council discussed the EDA's request at a work session on Tuesday, January 24th.  An official vote will take place at the February 14th regular Council meeting (7:00 pm, Rouss City Hall, Council Chambers).

Public Welcomed to Comment on the Possibility of Minor League Baseball Coming to Winchester

The City of Winchester values open and honest communication with the public, especially during decision-making processes that greatly impact the community.  The potential for a minor league baseball team to relocate to Winchester is a great example.

Over the next two weeks, the community will have three opportunities to be heard concerning this Winchester Economic Development Authority (EDA) project.

Public Input Opportunity #1
Yesterday, the City’s Office of Public Information launched a minor league baseball informative web page which includes important project information such as a list of frequently asked questions that will continually be updated as questions arise in the community or as this project evolves; press releases; and project information and news.  

Local residents are encouraged to check this web page for the answers to their questions. If questions remain after looking over the web page, the City requests that they submit their question to pio@ci.winchester.va.us.  Within 24 hours, their question and an answer will be posted to this site.

www.winchesterva.gov/minor-league-baseball

Public Input Opportunity #2
A public open house has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm in the Jim Barnett Park Social Hall.  City staff involved in this project will be available to answer questions, provide details and collect feedback from residents who attend.

Public Input Opportunity #3
A public hearing will be held on February 14th prior to Council’s official vote.  At this public hearing, residents can address City Council directly with any concerns or comments.

Refuse Collection Schedule Change

Celebrate C.B. Rouss Day and His Contributions to the Hospital 

Did you know that Charles B. Rouss made a donation in 1901 ensuring the construction of the first hospital in Winchester?  Not only did he help fund the construction of a City Hall building and several fire stations, but he also helped start a medical empire.  

“Mr. Charles B. Rouss, millionaire, philanthropist, merchant prince, Winchesterian and Confederate Soldier, has announced his intention of giving the munificent sum of five thousand dollars to the Winchester Memorial Hospital fund, thus virtually assuring the institution to Winchester.”                 Article in The Winchester Evening Star on July 15, 1901

Each year the City of Winchester and several community agencies organize the Charles B. Rouss Day to celebrate Rouss’ affection for and generosity toward Winchester over a century ago.  This year, the celebration will be held on Rouss’ birthday, February 11th.  

Below is the list of events planned for this joyous occasion.

February 10
First 50 people to enter Rouss City Hall will receive a free birthday cupcake in honor of Charley Rouss.

February 11

• 11:00 am - Panel Discussion (Old Hospital, 333 W. Cork St., Level I Conference Rm) Local historians will discuss C.B. Rouss and the 'founding of the Winchester hospital.
• 1:00 pm - Wreath Laying at Rouss Monument (Mount Hebron Cemetery)

Visit the City’s Charles Broadway Rouss web page for more information about Rouss and his contributions to Winchester.

As Rouss biographer A.V. McCracken wrote in 1896, “There are bands, baseball clubs and every sort of organization in old Winchester which bear the name of the New York merchant…The name Charles Broadway Rouss will go down to unborn generations of Winchesterians as a synonym of all that is charitable, good and benevolent.”

New Fatherhood Program Coming Soon

The Winchester Department of Social Services is proud to offer a new program focused on "Men helping men become better dads and build stronger families."

This FREE 16-week program begins Thursday, March 1 and meets every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Jim Barnett Park's War Memorial Building.

If you want to achieve stronger relationships with your children and obtain better financial stability, then this program is the perfect way to learn from others and share resources and ideas.  Childcare and transportation is available if needed.  A light dinner is also provided each week. Click here for the poster.

Contact: Mike Ellis at (540) 686-4804 or Franklin Ortez (Spanish-speaking) at (540) 686-4816.

City Business License Renewals Due March 1

Autopark Rates to Increase February 1st

For more information about parking in Old Town Winchester, please click here to download the brochure.

Winchester Transit Route Change Scheduled to Begin February 6th

In an effort to improve customer service to City transit passengers, several minor changes will take place to the Berryville Avenue bus line as of February 6, 2012.

BERRYVILLE AVENUE
The Berryville Avenue route will now include a stop at Jim Barnett Park's War Memorial Building. The route will no longer return to the transfer station via Liberty Street and Kent Street but will utilize Cork Street when returning to the Boscawen Street transfer station.

The new bus stop locations will be as follows:

Eastbound Bus Stops
Kent Street @ Fairfax Lane
Kent Street @ Elk Street
Kent Street @ Kern Street
Kent Street @ Liberty Avenue
Liberty Avenue @ Highland Avenue
Liberty Avenue @ Gray Avenue
Kern Street @ Fairview Avenue
Van Fossen Street @ Virginia Avenue
341 N. Pleasant Valley Road (across from Post Office)
Berryville Avenue @ Woodland Avenue
Berryville Avenue @ Baker Lane
Berryville Avenue @ CVS
Berryville Avenue @ Elm Street
Elm Street @ Berryville Avenue (bus shelter)
Elm Street @ Woodland Avenue
Elm Street @ Franklin Street
Franklin Street @ Allen Drive

Westbound Bus Stops
Woodstock Lane @ Morgan Apts.
Woodstock Lane @ Pine Street
Christopher Street @ Woodstock Lane
Grove Street @ Purcell Avenue
Jim Barnett Park @ War Memorial Building
Boscawen Street Terminal

Check Out this NEW Program for Preschoolers at Jim Barnett Park

Call Winchester Parks & Recreation at (540) 662-4946 for more information or to register over the phone. Click the ad above for the program flyer and registration form.