received via email:
The Crozet Trails Crew is asking for support on an issue that affects our trails in Crozet. They are seeking signatories on a letter to insure that construction of the new Eastern Avenue does not interfere with the Crozet Connector Trail. As you may know, Albemarle County staff are currently reviewing plans for construction of the new Eastern Avenue, which will connect Foothill Crossing to Westhall and West Lake. We are particularly concerned about the elevation of Eastern Ave. over the existing Crozet Connector Trail and the adjacent stream. The new road will pass about 20 feet over the trail, and will require a large land fill that will block the greenway. A culvert will be placed at the bottom of the fill for passage of the stream.
Dan Mahon, Albemarle County Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, has proposed that a second culvert be placed at the bottom of the fill next to the stream to permit passage of the trail through the fill. An alternative proposal is to move the Crozet Connector Trail to climb the bank and cross Eastern Avenue at grade.
Below is a letter that The Crozet Trails Crew plans to send to Rachel Falkenstein, Senior Planner at the Albemarle County Planning Office, our supervisor Ann Mallek and others. We are inviting members of the community add their names to this letter. If you are in agreement, please send an email to: [email protected] indicating how you would like your name to appear and the neighborhood or subdivision where you reside
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To: Rachel Falkenstein, Senior Planner, Planning Division
Albemarle Co. Department of Community Development
Cc: Ann Mallek, White Hall District Rep., Albemarle Co. Board of Supervisors
Dave Stoner, Crozet Community Advisory Council
Dan Mahon, Albemarle Co. Outdoor Recreation Supervisor
The Crozet residents whose names are listed below urge the County Planning office to require that the Eastern Avenue Road extension between Westhall and Foothill Crossing include a culvert for the Crozet Connector Trail in addition to the culvert for the creek. The trail culvert should be of sufficient height for pedestrians and cyclists to pass through. The rationale for this request is to allow access along the greenway without requiring users to climb to the elevation of the proposed road.
This popular trail is currently used by the public for running, biking, and walking by both adults and children. A disruption in the continuity of the trail experience would have a negative impact on the enjoyment and recreational benefit of this Crozet amenity, not to mention the safety aspect of requiring the public to cross what may prove to be a well-used road. There is also a concern that the use of a ramp to connect the current trail grade to the road grade above will not be universally accessible and will therefore exclude a significant group of potential users.
The Connector Trail is consistent with The Crozet Master Plan which promotes connected neighborhoods and walkability. It is also a community asset that is being promoted by developers in their advertising. Feedback from the public tells us there is significant support for our request.
Respectfully submitted.
