AGENDA DATE: 6/2/2021
TITLE:
Title
Rivanna Greenway Project Study Update (Old Mills Trail Extension)ODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Provide the Board with a status update of the planned Rivanna Greenway, including a summary of a feasibility study for the planned Old Mills Trail Extension.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson; Henry; Crickenberger; Smith, Padalino
PRESENTER (S): Tim Padalino
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan identifies the future development of a public greenway and blueway (water trail/linear park) along the Scenic Rivanna River. The section of the planned “Rivanna Greenway” through the Pantops Development Area, the adjoining Rural Area, and the Village of Rivanna Development Area is referred to as the Old Mills Trail. Relevant excerpts from the Comprehensive Plan are provided as Attachment A.
Implementation of the Old Mills Trail Extension between Pantops and Milton will require the acquisition of easements across multiple properties. This easement acquisition process is partially complete. The remaining properties where greenway easements must be obtained are now all owned by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (Monticello) following their recent acquisition of the last remaining privately-owned riverfront parcel in this planned greenway corridor.
Accordingly, Ms. Liz Russell, Assistant Director for Safety + Sustainability at Monticello, has recently indicated to Parks & Recreation (ACPR) staff Monticello’s ability and intention to begin engaging with the County on the planning and coordination process for the dedication of the remaining necessary greenway easements. These intended dedications are largely pursuant to the terms and obligations established in Monticello’s Proffer Statement for ZMA200400005 (ZMA-04-05) for the “Monticello Historic District” that was approved by the Board on June 8, 2005. The Approval Letter and Proffer Statement for ZMA-04-05 are provided as Attachment B.
These intended greenway easement dedications are time-sensitive, relative to the terms of ZMA-04-05 Proffer 1.o, which establishes a deadline of August 16, 2027 for the County to commence greenway trail development. Therefore, there is an element of timeliness to this upcoming coordination between Monticello and Albemarle County, and to the County’s planning, funding, and construction of the Old Mills Trail Extension.
Additionally, Land Planning & Design Associates (LPDA) recently completed a feasibility study for ACPR to help guide and catalyze implementation of the planned Rivanna Greenway. The feasibility study for the Rivanna Greenway - Old Mills Trail Extension is provided as Attachment C; additional details are provided in the project update report (Attachment D).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: Staff are providing this Executive Summary, the associated project update report (Attachment D), and other attachments for Board awareness only, and for the following purposes:
1. To provide the Board with background information and recent updates relating to the County’s anticipated easement acquisition process with an important, high-profile stakeholder partner that is necessary for project implementation; and
2. To provide the Board with a summary overview of the feasibility study’s analysis of opportunities and constraints, recommendations for proposed greenway improvements, and planning-level cost estimates.
Additionally, staff are providing the Board with this project update prior to a number of upcoming public-facing activities relating to the Rivanna Greenway, including public outreach efforts in collaboration with Communications and Public Engagement (CAPE) and Community Development (CDD) staff. More detailed information on these public-facing activities are contained in the project update report (Attachment D).
The feasibility study (Attachment C) includes detailed information about the planned development of approximately four (4) miles of new greenway trail that would be six (6) feet wide with a crushed stone surface, and which would require seven (7) bridges of varying size and type, as well as some fencing and gates in strategically important locations.
As this planned greenway project progresses from feasibility study to schematic-level design, additional project management decisions relating to material specifications and project scope will need to be made. One set of future decisions relates to the potential inclusion of the County’s planned project to develop a trailhead park at the County’s property in Milton to provide improved, expanded vehicular access to the greenway corridor and to provide improved blueway access for water recreation activities. Another issue requiring additional attention is protecting historic archaeological resources and extant ruins, and the associated opportunity for interpretive signage to provide educational value.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no immediate budget impacts associated with this informational update. Any future action towards implementation would come back before the Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This Executive Summary and attachments are provided for informational purposes only. No action required at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Comprehensive Plan Excerpts
B - Approval Letter and Proffer Statement (ZMA-04-05 “Monticello Historic District”)
C - Feasibility Study (June 2020)
D - Project Update Report (May 12, 2021)
E - Project Maps