In the City This Week
Tuesday, December 1st, 2020
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Zoning Board of Appeals
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2:30 pm
City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room
The Valdosta-Lowndes County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) was established to hear appeals and variance requests of the City of Valdosta Land Development Regulations (LDR) as well as the Lowndes County Unified Land Development Code (ULDC).
The ZBOA meets the first Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex Building, Multi-Purpose Room located at 300 North Lee Street. View the 2020 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Matt Martin, Planning & Zoning Administrator, at (229) 259-3563 or E-mail.
Holiday Shopping Season Tips from VPD
The Valdosta Police Department Investigative Bureau welcomes the general public’s continued assistance in keeping the community safe during the holidays. Residents have played a vital role in crime prevention by providing crime tips that have helped solve past and present crimes and prevent future criminal activity.
Theft of packages could be a bigger problem this year due in part to COVID-19, and Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan offers some valuable tips to avoid porch piracy.
“We know that due to the Pandemic, there will be an increase in the number of packages delivered to your home. These may be left unattended for hours, leaving them vulnerable to possibly being stolen,” said Chief Manahan. “We encourage all of our residents to invest in security systems or camera doorbells. These devices will not prevent crimes, but it does help during investigations and allows homeowners to keep an eye on their packages until they can return home to bring them inside.”
Additional tips for package delivery include:
- If you order something online, sign up for delivery alerts/pick up packages immediately. If allowed, have your packages delivered to your work
- Have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home.
- Utilize ship-to-store options
- Request packages are signed for or ask the carrier to place the package somewhere out of open view.
“We hope that our community remembers to support our local businesses this year. These business owners are our neighbors, friends, and a big part of our community. We want the community to feel safe shopping local still and remember social distancing measures,” said Chief Manahan.
When you are out shopping, remember:
- Never, ever leave your vehicle unlocked. Do not leave anything in plain sight inside your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area when shopping and pay attention to your surroundings walking to and from your vehicle.
- Place all purchased items in the trunk and take them home as soon as possible.
- Have your keys ready to open your car door when returning to your vehicle, and immediately lock your car doors upon entering your vehicle.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Trust your instincts. There is safety in numbers. Walk to the parking lot area with other shoppers.
- Protect your purse or wallet at all times. Never leave these items unattended in a shopping cart, vehicle, or baby stroller. Don’t carry large sums of cash or extra credit/debit cards. Keep a master list in a safe place at your home of all credit/debit cards and the credit card companies’ contact number if your cards are lost or stolen.
- Citizens should also be cautious when it comes to home or business security during the holiday season. Keep your doors and windows locked. If you have an alarm system, use it. Don’t leave empty boxes on trash piles, as they advertise items that may be inside your home.
Additional holiday safety tips can be found at the National Safety Council website at www.nsc.org/holiday-safety-
It is important to remember that crime prevention is a two-way street between law enforcement and the community. Those who are willing to provide these tips have the option to remain anonymous.
When providing information about criminal activity, please be as detailed as possible. Give as much information about the crime, such as the people involved, the location, the time and date the crime occurred, and any other information to solve the crime effectively.
To report any criminal activity, call the VPD “Tip Line” at 229-293-3091 or email crime tips to [email protected]. The Valdosta Police Department wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen's Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
3:00 pm
Southern Georgia Regional Commission
The Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen's Advisory Committee (MPO CAC) is responsible for promoting public meetings, leading and participating in focus groups, identifying recipients of surveys, and recommending stakeholders to include in plan development. The MPO CAC will also ensure the representation and consideration of disadvantaged citizens and provide extra outreach to those without a voice. The MPO CAC will also make project recommendations as well as review plans and provide input.
The MPO CAC meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission located at 327 West Savannah Avenue. View the 2020 MPO CAC Meeting Schedule.
For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Corey Hull, AICP, Transportation Planner/MPO Coordinator at (229) 333-5277 or E-mail or view the Southern Georgia Regional Commission website.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Citizens are invited to join Mayor Scott James Matheson and Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter as they officially kick off the holiday season in Valdosta – Lowndes County at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Friday, Dec 4, at 6:00 p.m. Attendees of all ages will enjoy a special visit from Santa Claus sponsored by Lowndes County Public Works, following the lighting of the fully-decorated Christmas tree located on the Historic Courthouse Lawn in Downtown Valdosta.
Members of the Valdosta High School Chorus, under the direction of Jonathan Headen, will lead the crowd in singing a few holiday favorites. While enjoying the festivities, citizens may enjoy hot cocoa and other light refreshments.
“The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony serves as a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate the holiday season. This year’s event holds special meaning for the Valdosta-Lowndes community as it is the first of many joint celebrations held in conjunction with the City of Valdosta," said Chairman Slaughter.
“The Tree Lighting Ceremony brings the community together in the spirit of the season during the most wonderful time of the year,” said Mayor Matheson. “This event gives local families a fun place to spend quality with their loved ones and connect with their neighbors. We hope everyone joins us for this tree lighting event to help us kick off the holidays together.”
Citizens are encouraged to stay downtown after the Christmas Tree Lighting to enjoy the fun dining, shopping, and entertainment experience of First Friday, which will also feature a Tacky Christmas Sweater theme.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, citizens are invited back downtown to enjoy the Greater Valdosta Community Christmas Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. The parade will start at Woodrow Wilson Drive, proceed down N. Patterson Street, and end at the Department of Health Building in Downtown Valdosta. The creative holiday floats will be judged on overall appearance, special effects, creativity, workmanship, and use of the theme, which this year is “Christmas Lights and Winter Nights.”