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073-06RESOLUTION BY THE FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Designation of Route 11 from Route 627 to the Warren County line as a Virginia Scenic Byway The Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, in regular meeting on the 24`h day of May 2006, adopted the following: WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Virginia Department of Transportation have determined that Route 11 between Route 627 and the Warren County Line qualifies for designation as a Virginia Byway; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia, properly advertised and held a public hearing on May 24, 2006, to receive comments from citizens on this request; and WHEREAS, Route 11 has many scenic assets; and WHEREAS, the designation of a Virginia Byway offers opportunities for tourism and economic benefits to localities; and WHEREAS, the designation of a Virginia Byway does not affect land use controls and road improvements; and WHEREAS, the land along Route 11 between the southern boundary of Middletown and the Warren County line is primarily zoned Rural Areas; a11d WHEREAS, the Rural Areas zoning does not allow for dense residential or commercial development and allows for uses such as agriculture, forestry and detached single family dwellings; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia, desires that Route 11 be included as a Virginia Byway in the next printing of VDOT's State Scenic Byway Map. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, Virginia, hereby supports the designation of Route 11 between Route 627 and the Warren County line as a Virginia Byway and requests that the Commonwealth Transportation Board take all necessary actions to effect a designation of this section of Route 11 as a Virginia Byway. PDRes# 16-06 This resolution shall be in effect on the date of adoption. Passed this 24`h day of May, 2006 by the following recorded vote. Richard C. Shickle, Chairman Aye Barbara E. Van Osten Aye Philip A. Lemieux Aye Gary Dove Aye Gene E. Fisher Aye Bill M. Ewing Aye Charles S. DeHaven Jr. Aye A COPY ATTEST ~, ~~ John .Riley, Jr. Frederick County Administrator PDRes# I6-O6 BOS Resolution No.: 073-06 COUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development ~M EMO RAN D U M 540/ 665-5651 FAX: 540/665-6395 TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: John A. Bishop, Transportation Planner ~\~ RE: Resolution Designating Rt. 11 from Rt. 627 to the Warren County Line as a Scenic Byway DATE: May 16, 2006 R3L:i@~d8f&VNeJS'4II9~fficF9~d~' YFAGR ~b4R.3ed' 6SYNMti4n~" ~S'.^L:e24N31 A~£ Communication received by VDOT indicates that in 2005, a request by the Executive Director of the Central Shenandoah Valley Planning District Commission led them to study Route 11 from Frederick County to Roanoke County for Virginia Byway designation. Per that review, Route 11 in Frederick County from Route 627 to the Warren County line meets the criteria for inclusion as a Virginia Scenic Byway. In addition to the requirement of meeting the VDOT review as mentioned above, CTB will not include a roadway as a scenic byway without a resolution of support from the locality in which the roadway resides. Staff has reviewed the scenic byway program in an attempt to determine the pros and cons of supporting a designation. The staff review revealed that designation as a scenic byway would cause the portion of Route 11 in question to be added to the statewide "A Map of Scenic Roads in Virginia" and added to the Virginia Scenic Roads web site. Both of these media are tools used to promote statewide tourism. Designation also gives localities the opportunity to participate in the National Scenic Byway program. The staff review further revealed that designation as a scenic byway in no way limits local land use controls and does not limit roadway improvements. VDOT literature states that designation may limit placement of outdoor advertising signs, but a staff call to Mr. Michael Estes, who heads the VDOT local assistance division under which this program falls, indicated that signage limitations refer to billboards, which Frederick County already discourages. Attached please find a draft reso]ution, Virginia Scenic Byway literature from the VDOT web site, the VDOT correspondence, and a map of the affected location. Attachments JAB/bad 107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000 Page 1 of 3 Ir11f~`S @~'11~ ~ Something for Everyo ~a A enc Information Virginia Byway Designation - FAQs ~ • VDOT Leadership Adventure beckons on the roads and highways designated as Vir inia B g yways. More than mere pavement between points A and B, a Virginia Byway offers travelers a y Hame Mission and • V side of the Commonwealth that is uncommon and enlightening. Each byway leads to scenes of natural b t d alues eau y an places of historical and social significance. ,~ ~ :' Regional Offices • • Transportation Currently, there are more than 2,700 miles of roads designated as Virginia Byways, ~"~` Board yet several hundred more miles of Commonwealth roadway could qualify. To help attract visitors and support economic development through tourism, the Virginia Scenic Dries Transportation • Financine Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB ), encourage local governments to nominate roads for Virginia Byway designation. vDOT Divisions What's the purpose of the Virginia Byway program? order Mop Research Council Public Meeti~ The program identifies road corridors containing aesthetic or cultural value near ar f hi eas o storical, natural or recreational significance. By designating certain roads as Virginia Byways, widely distributing "A Map of Scenic Roads in Virginia "and Pro rams Adopt a , promoting the Virginia Scenic Roads Web site,the program encourages travel to interesting destinations and away from high-traffic corridors • Hi hwa . P~~fas Bicycling & By`mays also stimulate local economies by attracting visitors to lesser-known _ • Wa lking destinations. One study showed visitors spent $1.8 billion in counties adjacent to the - Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. This supported nearly 75 000 • Neiehborhoods , jobs and generated more than $147 million in tax revenues in the region. • Scenic Bywavs • Workers' What makes a Virginia Byway different from other roads? FAQa Memorial Roadway Services People like to explore. The 2000 Virginia Outdoors Survey, conducted by Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), finds that driving for pleasure is • Potholes the second most popular outdoor activity, with more than 62% of the population participating. Online Work Request By following the highlighted byways on the state transportation map, the scenic roads map and the scenic roads Web site, visitors are directed to places where they publications & can tour wineries, explore Civil War battle sites and historical attractions view ns , beautiful scenery and enjoy recreational resources. HIGHWAY Once designated, a byway becomes part of the coordinated promotional strategy for Virginia tourism. http://www.virginiadot.org/infoservice/faq-byways.asp 5/2/2006 Home I Scenic Drives I Print Map I Order Map I Photos I FAQs Page 2 of 3 HELPLINE What are other important considerations regarding 1-800-367-ROAD Virginia Byway status? ,Y users, ca11711) • Virginia Byway designation gives localities the opportunity to participate in the National Scenic Byway Program. • It might limit placement of outdoor advertising signs. • It does not affect land use controls. • It does not limit road improvements. What is a Virginia Byway? Per Virginia Code, "Virginia Byway" means those highways designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) pursuant to articles §33.1-62 through §33.1-66. The Virginia Outdoors Plan, from DCR, identifies roads that have been considered as having intrinsic qualities of Virginia Byways for many years. In addition, there are other roads that meet the criteria for designation. What are the criteria? To be considered, a segment of road must substantially meet the following criteria: • The route provides important scenic values and experiences. • There is a diversity of experiences, as in transition from one landscape scene to another. • The route links together or provides access to scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, natural and archeological elements. • The route bypasses major roads or provides opportunities to leave high- speed routes for variety and leisure in motoring. Landscape control or management along the route is feasible. • The route allows for additional features that will enhance the motorist's experience and improve safety. • Local government(s) has/have initiated zoning or other land-use controls, so as to reasonably protect the aesthetic and cultural value of the highway. What are the steps to designation? 1. Anyone can request byway designation, but local government(s) must adopt a resolution of support. 2. Upon receipt of a request and historical documentation from an interested party/local government, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) collect information on local zoning laws, traffic volumes and accident reports before evaluating the roads according to the criteria. 3. Based on a joint review according to the criteria, the DCR Director recommends qualifying roads for consideration by the CTB. 4. Before the CTB acts, VDOT offers the local government the opportunity to hold a public hearing. If a public hearing is requested, VDOT's Local Assistance Division and DCR will provide assistance. 5. After the public hearing, or if no hearing was requested, the CTB officially lttp://www.virginiadot.org/infoservice/faq-byways.asp ~,~,.,,,,,~ Page 3 of 3 designates the byway(s) at their next scheduled meeting. Subsequently, signs are posted, and changes are made to the appropriate maps. How can I get more information about the Virginia Byway program? Contact Wade Chenault, Virginia Department of Transportation, at 804-786-2264 or H;Chenaultlc~r VDOT Viroinia.oov or Lynn Crump, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, at 804-786-5054 or L_ynn.Crumo(~dcr virginia oov. You can also call the Transportation Enhancement and Scenic Byway Helpline at 1- 800-444-7832. For additional copies of this brochure or others in the VDOT Answers Your Questions series, please contact: Virginia Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804) 786.2802 (TTY users, call 711) Email: vdotinfo~~inn_Vi;c,~-~ ia. Aov About VDOT Home ~ Scern~iVeS I pent Mao ~ Order Mao I Photos I FAQs ---- ~ Mates ~ Road Conditions ~ Trave_ 1__Center ~ Busin__ess Center ~ Planning ~ proiect_~_ & Studies ~ Careers News ~ Contact Us - ~ Privacy Statement ~ Access__ ibih ~ FOIA O 2006 Virginia Department of Transportation tp://w•,vw.virgiiuadot. org/info service/faq-byways.asp c i~ i~nnc <~ ~=~ 1 '0 r-. ' Preston Bryant, Jr. o ctary of Natural R, A IFesources 'i./®~lVi®L V Y'I ~~YJY Y Y ®~ ~LL~~LL~~6 1 DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION 203 Governor Street, Sui[e 302 Richmond, Virginia 23219-2010 Phone: (804)786-6124 Fax: (804)786-6141 March 31, 2006 Mr. Gregory A. Whirley, Acting Commissioner Virginia Department of Transportation 1401 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Joseph;hl Maroon A j ~iJrtector t: +' /~.. -..~ '~ , / ~ t. ~ . _. .' . fT ~~ i ~`~'~ (tih r;° ~~~ "` ~~ c f'> -. ~, , ~ e. IFS ~.~ Subject: Virginia Byway Designation for Segments of Route 11 from Frederick to Roanoke Counties Dear Commissioner Whirley: In June 2005, Mr. William Strider of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission requested an evaluation of U.S. Route 11 from Frederick County to Roanoke County for Virginia Byway designation under the provisions of § 33.1-62 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. This letter serves as a progress report on the continuing evaluation process. Recently, a review team comprised of personnel from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Virginia Deparhnent of Transportation (VDOT) completed its review of the entire U. S. Route 11 corridor as requested by Mr. Strider. They determined that some segments of U.S. Route 11 qualify for Virginia Byway designation, but others do not. While a great deal of the road corridor does have varied vistas of the surrounding countryside and mountains as well as historic and recreational sites, the evaluation team determined that some of the following detracting features preclude designating all of Route 11 as a Scenic Byway. • Some viewsheds along the routes have already been developed with strip residential, commercial and industrial construction, and the scenic significance of those comdors is compromised by that development. • Poorly maintained properties adjacent to the road in some stretches detract from the scenic values of the corridor. • Intense development along some sections of the corridor creates safety hazards for the touring public. • Various road sections do not provide a unique Scenic Byway experience. For the gaps in the continuous route, we look to the localities to propose alternative routes that will be more in keeping with the integrity of the Scenic Byway Program. Staff will study each proposed option to determine if it can be brought into the system. State Parks • Soil and Water Conservation • Natural Heritage • Outdoor Recreatiat Planning Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance • Dam Safety and Finndpiain Management • Land Conservation Mr. Gregory A. Whirley, Acting Commissioner March 31, 2006 Page Two The route segments, as identified below and on the attached maps, meet the adopted criteria for Virginia Byways. Boards of Supervisors resolutions are needed to endorse the designations, citing the roads' scenic qualities and their proximity to significant historical sites, including battlefields and historic districts; intersections with nine other Scenic Byways (and sections of Route 11 already designated); intersections with six Birding and Wildlife Trails and provision of access to three others; intersections with several hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trial; and provision of the primary access to several museums, other cultural sites, colleges and universities. The review team from VDOT and DCR believes that the road segments described below qualify for designation. Contingent upon receipt of the resolutions of support from the affected localities, DCR will be forwarding a recommendation requesting that you present the roads described below to the Commonwealth Transportation Board for consideration as candidates for addition to the Virginia Byway System. By copy of this letter, we are requesting that the affected localities transmit their resolutions of support to Lynn Crump of my staff at the address on this letterhead. 5.91 miles Route 11 in Frederick, Warren, and Shenandoah Counties from the intersection with connector road 627, Chapel Road, which connects with I- 81 at exit 302 south to the beginning of the designated portion of Route 11 (in the Town of Strasburg), which is just beyond the junction of Routes 11 and 55 in Shenadoah County (Map Section 1) 14.25 miles Route 11 in Shenandoah and Rockingham Counties from the intersection with US Route 211, which is the end of an already designated portion of Route 11 in Shenandoah County, south to the connector of I-81 at Exit 251 in Rockingham County (Map Section 2) 3.35 miles Route 33 in the City of Harrisonburg from the intersection with I-81 at exit 247 west to the intersection of Route 11, Main Street, then south on Route 11 to Route 331, Port Road, then southeast on Route 331 to its intersection with I-81 at exit 245 (Map Section 3) 18.0 miles Route 11 in Rockingham and Augusta Counties from the connector road at exit 243 of I-81 in the City of Harrisonburg south to the intersection of Route 275 in the City of Staunton (Map Section 4) 33.8 miles Route 11 in Augusta County, beginning just south of the City of Staunton at the connector road 262, which connects with I-81 at exit 220 south, then continuing south on Route 11 through Augusta and Rockbridge Counties, then into the City of Lexington on Business Route 11, and ending at the southern City line, where it meets with an existing Scenic Byway section (Map Section 5). 31.76 miles Route 11 from the intersection with Route 130, which is currently the end of the designated section of Route 11 in Rockbridge County, to the intersection with service road F-055 (which runs on the east side of and parallel to Route 11/I-81); then continuing south on F-055 to the intersection of Route 614 in Botetourt County; then heading west across I-81 and Route 11 to F-054, which is the service road on the opposite side of Route 11/I-81; south on F-054 to its intersection with Route 11; then south on Route 11 to the entrance of Hollins College in Roanoke County. (Map Section 6) Mr. Gregory A. Whirley, Acting Commissioner March 31, 2006 Page Three These segments of Route 11 would add approximately 107 miles to the Virginia Byways network. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Lynn Crump, Environ- mental Program planner, at (804) 786-5054, or by a-mail mailto:Lvnn crumnndcr v_ i~nia.gov Thank you. Sincerely, Xosenh arnnn v ~ Attachments: 6 cc: Mr. William H. Strider, Executive Director Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission Alisa Bailey, President and CEO Virginia Tourism Corporation Eddie Bumbaugh, Executive Director Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance John Davy, Division Director, Planning and Recreation Resources H• W. `Wintry' Chenault, VDOT Local Assistance Division Robert S. Munson, Planning Bureau Manager, Planning and Recreation Resources Pam M. Liston, VDOT Local Assistance Division Lynn M. Crump, Planning and Recreation Resources County of Augusta County of Botetourt County of Frederick County of Rockbridge County of Rockingham County of Roanoke County of Shenandoah County of Warren City of Harrisonburg City of Lexington City of Staunton Town of Buchanan Town of Middletown Town of Mt. Crawford Town of Mt. Jackson Town of New Market Town of Stephens City Town of Strasburg Town of Troutville Mt fp'I 7 I I~`44 CORM®1lTWEAI.TH of Vg~CjINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION t401 EAST BROAD STREET GREGORY A. WHIRLEY RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23219-2000 ACTING COMMISSIONER April 18, 2006 Mr. John R. Riley, Jr. County of Frederick 107 North Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 SUBJECT: Virginia Byway Designation -Route 11 Dear Mr. Riley: ~' L'-~ ~ ~ A ~~ In accordance with a request received from the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, a qualification review of the subject route has been completed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Department of Transportation. As a result, it has been determined that sections of Route 11 qualify and that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) should consider designating the following described section of Route 11 as a Virginia Byway: Route 11 from the intersection of Route 627 (Chapel Road) to the Warren County Line Prior to CTB action, Frederick County should provide us with a resolution in support of designation of the route identified above. In addition, Frederick County is hereby notified that in accordance with Section §33.1-62, a county or municipality wherein the proposed byway is located may choose to hold a public hearing on the byway designation. if the County elects to hold a hearing, please notify me within the next 30 days including information on the time and place for the hearing. VDOT staff will be glad to assist with this hearing upon your request. Upon receipt of the County resolution and after disposition of the Public Hearing issue, we will move forward with CTB consideration of the designation. Sincerely, ; Michael A. stes, P. E. Director, Local Assistance Division Cc: Dr. James A. Davis Ms. Lynn M. 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