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Committee recommends approval for city acquisition of easements for Millwood Avenue project
Summary
The Planning and Economic Development Committee on March 27 recommended approval of a resolution authorizing city staff to negotiate and acquire five easements and rights of way needed for the Millwood Avenue project, a VDOT-led bridge replacement and road-widening effort that the city says may begin construction in 2026.
Winchester City Planning and Economic Development Committee members on March 27 voted to recommend approval of a resolution authorizing city staff to negotiate acquisition of easements and rights of way needed for the Millwood Avenue project.
The resolution covers five parcels — four owned by Shenandoah University and one privately owned — and would allow city staff to seek permanent right-of-way, construction easements and related utility relocations required to widen Millwood Avenue and accommodate a Virginia Department of Transportation bridge replacement over the interstate. The city said the schedule calls for VDOT to advertise the construction contract in December, with construction hoped to begin in 2026.
"Hopefully this will be a pretty simple, straightforward item," said Terry Eisenhower, a city staff member presenting the item. He told committee members the city is responsible for acquiring some of the easements even though VDOT is managing the overall construction.
Committee members asked procedural and timing questions. Staff confirmed appraisals will be obtained as part of the standard process, and said the city’s acquisition approach is largely consistent with VDOT practices. Committee members were also told that part of the easement work is needed to permit box culvert replacements scheduled to begin later this summer, and that those short-term construction needs create time pressure to secure the properties.
Staff also discussed estimated cost-sharing for the section under city jurisdiction. The city indicated the current estimate splits roughly 70% city, 30% VDOT for that section, and said staff intends to apply for additional revenue-sharing funds to move the project closer to a 50/50 split.
The committee approved a motion to forward the resolution with a recommendation for approval; members voted in favor and the motion carried. The item will move to the City Council for further consideration.
Details clarified at the meeting: the resolution authorizes negotiation and acquisition only; it does not itself authorize eminent domain. Staff said that if condemnation became necessary, council would have to return to authorize it.
Next steps: staff will complete appraisals and negotiations and bring any necessary final approvals and contract actions back to City Council.
