3/2/23

Blasting ahead of planned construction in Staunton is moving forward, against the wishes of some residents.

In a release yesterday, city manager Morgan Smith and deputy fire marshal Perry Weller said blasting will continue in the Vista Heights neighborhood. Crews are preparing the site on Middlebrook Avenue for a new apartment complex.

Smith and Weller said the city has received complaints regarding the blasting, including concerns that a fabled system of underground caves could be damaged. The duo said two pre-construction surveys last year found no such system exists.

Weller said concerned residents can contact the Staunton Fire Marshal’s Office with complaints. Any complainants should provide the following information:

  • Name, full address, phone number;
  • Location of the blasting operation causing the complaint;
  • Person or name of the company causing the complaint, including address, phone number, license numbers, etc. or any other identifying information. Please provide as much information as possible.
  • Description of complaint, dates and times of incidents as best as you may be able to determine.