Projects - Halifax

The Town of Halifax has applied for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the Banister Town community. In Phase I of this project, the Town will rehabilitate six (6) low- and moderate-income (LMI) housing units, benefiting nine (9) LMI persons: four (4) owner-occupied rehabs and two (2) owner-occupied substantial reconstructions.

This project area is the Town’s top priority because of the citizens’ drive and commitment to improve their neighborhood. The residents desperately want this project, and the Town desires to foster their community interest. The project area was identified and prioritized in the 2010 Halifax County Housing Needs Assessment, funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Needs Assessment was completed in 2012 and identified the top four (4) project areas in the Town. In 2010, this area was divided into three (3) smaller project areas: N. Main St. I, N. Main St. II, and Back Street. Since 2010, approximately seven (7) severely dilapidated homes/structures have been removed. The Town combined all three (3) smaller areas and renamed the project area the “Banister Town Community” and applied for planning grant assistance in June 2021. On August 26, 2021, the Town received initial planning grant funds to assess the needs of the Banister Town community, and a full planning grant was awarded on January 6, 2022 (21-PG-17). Cost estimates received in March 2022 revealed that the Town had to phase the project, so the project area was divided into east (Phase I) and west (Phase II) phases. This application is for Phase I, consisting of six (6) owner-occupied LMI units. The Town will apply for another CDBG in April 1, 2023 for Phase II, consisting of at least nine (9) LMI units.

Housing plays an integral role in the health of an overall community including recruitment of new businesses to an area. By taking an active role in improving its neighborhoods, the Town of Halifax is taking incremental steps to improve the overall appearance of their Town to further their efforts to attract prospective employers. With the combination of housing rehabilitation, annual neighborhood clean-up efforts, and home maintenance education, residents will hopefully have a renewed interest in their properties. As a result, residents may be inspired to make their own private investments to increase curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics.

In 2019, funding was approved by Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, through their Recreational Trails Program, to assist with a new boating, canoe, and kayak launch in South Boston. The site is located on the south side of the Dan River, at the US 501 (Huell Matthews Highway) bridge. The boat launch will accomodate motorized boats and non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks. SPDC staff is assisting with the DCR grant project, and the project has also received funding or assets from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region's RiverBank Fund Grant Program and the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.

The SPDC provided assistance to Halifax County and coordianted with the Town of Halifax on a Smart Scale grant application for the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of LP Bailey Memorial Highway and Bethel Road.  The project was selected for funding in the amount of $9,921,330 by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in June of 2021.  This project will increase safety and network connection at the subject intersection.  In addition to the roundabout, improvements include the reconstruction/realighned of Back Street to create a traditional 4-legged intersection and pedestrian improvements throughout the project area.  Based on VDOT's Six-Year Improvement Program, this project is anticipated to begin in FY25.

pdf Project Sketch/a> (3.86 MB)

The Town of Halifax is starting off 2015 with a bang after being awarded a $90,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF).  The grant will allow Halifax to grow their Public Boating Access Facilities by constructing two boat ramps along the Banister Lake.

The existing boat ramp at Banister Lake, has been in use for over 30 years, and is in need of major upgrades. The courtesy pier also needs to be replaced as the site is not currently ADA compliant.