Leesburg Today Articles

This article is about a new church that was built in Purcellville, Virginia and how the land it was placed on is where they held Emanicipation Day celebrations. The church decided that they would hold a celebration for Emanicipation Day and invite the whole community. It's a celebration of history in which marks the day the Emanicipation Proclamation was signed.

• http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2006/09/25/news/towns_and_villages/tv98emancipation092206.txt

This article is about an organization called Liberty's Promise that helps young immigrants that have just moved to the area get more involved. The organization is a non-profit and offers placement of immigrants into internships or other business opportunities as well as educational opportunities.

• http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2006/09/19/news/leesburg/lb55liberty091506.txt

• Park & Ride: Philip Bolen Park Location Stirs up Controversy
  By Laura Peters
  Correspondent
  
  The approved Park & Ride location at Philip Bolen Memorial Park is not a good option, according to Councilman Ken Reid who has been encouraging his fellow council members for several weeks to look for other sites.
  
  To access the Bolen Park lot, commuters would use Sycolin Road, which is already burdened with local traffic. Reid said the location is inconvenient and less efficient then other potential sites because access is so limited.
  
  A temporary Park & Ride lot is currently located at the former Barber and Ross site off Catoctin Circle. The Leesburg Town Council approved a special exception in April 2005 to allow a park and ride lot at this site for two years. Current property owners Mitchell and Best Homebuilders approved the temporary use. The contract, which cannot be extended, expires next April.
  
  Nancy Gourley is transit division manager for Loudoun County and oversees the commuter bus program. The Bolen Park site is divided into two phases, the first of which includes 400 spaces, Gourley said. A design contract has been awarded for phase one, she said, and work should be completed by the fall of 2007.
  
  To fill the time gap between the Barber and Ross’ lot contract expiration in April 2007 and the Bolen Park’s lot expected opening in the fall, Gourley said she will attend the Sept. 25 Town Council work session to discuss extension options. Because the contract for use of the Barber and Ross can’t be extended, Gourley said she needs to find another way to prolong the use.
  
  According to Reid, Bolen Park is a last resort. Reid finds it hard to believe that the town of Leesburg, the council members and the Board of Supervisors have not found a location within town corporate limits while the towns of Purcellville and Hamilton have.
  
  Reid said elected officials haven’t shown any leadership to find a good location. Since transit is significant to the majority of Loudoun County residents, Reid said there should be more leadership in such a big decision.
  
  Councilwoman Katie Sheldon Hammler raised the concern about the timing of the lights at the intersection of Sycolin Road and the Leesburg Bypass, saying it takes many cycles to get through.
  
  At the Barber and Ross site 365 spaces are available for parking and about 300 of them are filled each day, Gourley said. The first phase at Bolen Park gives 400 spaces, the second phase, which will add an additional 300 spaces cannot be built until Sycolin Road is improved.
  
  Reid describes commuting as a grueling and extensive activity, to have the new location off Sycolin Road would only cause more traffic and delay, he said.