September 29, 2023

New Account Management and Payment Portal Now Online; Events Continue at Riverwalk Landing

County Launches New Portals for Managing Personal, Business Accounts
 Earlier this week, York County mailed postcards to all residences with information about the new account management and payment portals. The County will continue to mail tax and utility bills to its customers. Payments are accepted in person, by mail, deposited in the drop-box, and online. The new software program has an improved layout. The Taxpayer Portal provides users with direct access to tax accounts including bill history, payments, submissions, and correspondence. The Utility Billing Portal allows citizens to view multiple utility accounts at the same time and view/download billing statements. Utility bills mailed this week contain the account number and portal access code needed to add accounts after registering with the new portal. 

 
Special Event Next Weekend: Yorktown Wine Festival  Life is a Cabernet at the Yorktown Wine Festival next Saturday (10/7) from 12 to 5 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing. Sample vinos and spirits from 14 wineries and distilleries, taste 10 brews from five local breweries in the beer garden, and enjoy musical entertainment from Wonderland and Brasswind, live from the Riverwalk Landing stage. Tickets are still available for this sip-sational event!
 
Stop by Riverwalk Landing for Market Days and Live Music! 

This week’s Yorktown Market Days is the pick of the crop! Stop by Riverwalk Landing between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. tomorrow (9/30) to purchase fresh seasonal produce, cheeses, seasonings, desserts, seafood, flowers, and more. You’ll also find jewelry, metal works, woodworking, decoupage, and baskets designed by local artists. While you’re there, enjoy music from singer/songwriter Lane Rice. Return to the waterfront Thursday (10/5) to experience the toe-tapping, boot-stomping sounds of local bluegrass musicians, the County Seat Band, at the next Rhythms on the Riverwalk concert. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., this seven piece high-energy ensemble unites traditional bluegrass instruments with impressive vocal harmonies. Grab a bite to eat from one of Water Street’s restaurants before the show, or purchase dinner fare from Nomads food truck during the performance. The Yorktown Trolley runs until 9 p.m.

October is National Crime Prevention Month  Almost 40 years ago, October was designated as a month when citizens should take time to focus attention on crime prevention and personal safety. The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office has a Crime Prevention Unit dedicated to educating the public on personal safety, home security, identity theft, Neighborhood Watch, Refuse to be a Victim®, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events©, and internet safety. In addition, the Crime Prevention Unit helps coordinate special programs like Sheriff’s Citizen Academy, Project LifeSaver, Robbery Prevention, CarFit, and several others. The Yorktown Library has partnered with the Sheriff’s Office for two special presentations in October: Identify Theft & Scams on Sunday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. and Personal Safety on Wednesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. Other special events in October include Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday (10/4) at 9 a.m. at IHOP on Rt. 17; Senior Safety Summit at Northside Church on October 17 at 9 a.m.; the Crime Prevention Trailer at the Poquoson Seafood Festival October 20 - 22; and the Drug Take Back event on October 28 (see informational graphic below).  Visit the Sheriff’s Office website for more information about topics offered to the community. Civic groups and neighbors interested in receiving a presentation are asked to send an email to crimeprevention@yorkcounty.gov.
 
Parking Lot Maintenance Beginning Soon
The upper level of the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace is closing for maintenance beginning Monday, October 9. Repairs will be made to the damaged substrate and expansion joints, and parking blocks and speed bumps will be installed. During the project, portions of the upper level may reopen for limited parking. For updates on parking terrace maintenance, visit the Public Works website. In addition, all public parking lots at Yorktown Beach are closed from midnight to 6 a.m. effective immediately. The Yorktown Trolley continues its run throughout town stopping at public parking lots seven days a week, including the Thursday night concert series. Also closing for repaving is the lot at Chisman Creek Park (1314 Wolf Trap Road) beginning Monday (10/2) for three to four days (weather permitting). 

Last Call for Photo Submissions in Calendar Contest
The final day to submit your photos in the 2024 Beautiful York County Calendar photo contest is Sunday (10/1). Share your photos displaying sustainability goals in York County for a chance to win $100 and see your work printed in the calendar. The Beautification Committee will select 13 winning photos based on the quality of the images and their adherence to the theme. Contest details and the electronic submission form are available online.

“Discover York County” Businesses in New Video Series
 The Department of Economic & Tourism Development recently released a series of videos highlighting the diverse benefits York County offers to current and prospective businesses, residents, and visitors. Told from the perspective of eight existing business owners and executives, the videos provide viewers with a look at the special attributes of this historic area. This interesting series is available to view on YesYorkCounty.com and Facebook.
 
Additional Notes for the Week. . . BugFest is tomorrow (9/30) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grafton Middle School. At this free event, kids and parents may view insect displays, meet local experts, make a bug-related craft, and more! Sweet Frog and Boyd’s Tasty Dogs will be there too.  Mark your calendars for Movies in the Park next Saturday (10/7) with a showing of “Hocus Pocus” at New Quarter Park (1000 Lakeshead Drive). The film begins at sundown. More information is available online.

Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by York County Public Affairs each Friday to share news and events ­­with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Gail Whittaker, Public Information Officer: 757-890-3310 or whittgl@yorkcounty.gov.