Bedford officials likely will OK fire department addition

A building addition proposed to alleviate a Smith Mountain Lake fire department’s space issues is likely to get approval from Bedford County officials tonight.

Saunders Volunteer Fire Department is seeking to construct a 40-by-60 foot addition to its existing building at 12253 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway in Huddleston.

The purpose is to create bay space for equipment, which has become larger since the building’s construction in 1992. The change would increase the building’s total square footage from 6,000 to 9,000 square feet and would not alter the property’s current zoning.

The Bedford County Planning Commission recently reviewed the project and found it in compliance with the county’s comprehensive plan. The commission voted to recommend the project’s approval to the Board of Supervisors.

The proposal is included in the board’s consent agenda for tonight’s meeting, which means it is unlikely to stir debate among the supervisors.

Also tonight, the board is scheduled to discuss a proposed road realignment for Hendricks Store Road in Moneta near Smith Mountain Lake.

The county is working with the Virginia Department of Transportation on planning the realignment, which accommodates developers who intend to build a Food Lion grocery store with an entrance onto the road. A proposed completion date for the road project is set for April 13, 2010, according to a memo to the board from County Administrator Kathleen Guzi.

The board will meet at 5 p.m. for a work session and convene at 7:30 p.m. for its regular meeting.

The meeting takes place at 122 East Main St. in downtown Bedford. To view the agenda, visit http://www.co.bedford.va.us and click on the Board of Supervisors link.