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Planning commission reviews VDOT comments, bicycle-trail map, forestry data and animal-shelter options
Summary
In a lengthy work session the commission discussed VDOT's delayed review of the draft comprehensive plan and agreed to forward plans after 90 days if agencies do not respond; it approved adding Department of Forestry data, updated the bicycle-trail map to reflect the Potomac Heritage route, and reviewed animal-shelter site constraints and property‑sale options.
During the work session portion of the Jan. 15 meeting, Northumberland County planning staff and commissioners focused on several items related to the draft comprehensive plan and county property strategy.
Stewart, the planning staff member presenting the materials, said VDOT’s comments arrived well after the statutory 90‑day review window and recommended that if an agency does not respond within 90 days the commission forward the plan to the Board of Supervisors with a staff note documenting whether the agency reviewed or did not respond. Stewart said the practice would encourage agencies to prioritize reviews and provide the county with a clear record of agency engagement.
Transportation and funding: Staff described the SmartScale scoring system and its tilt toward urban congested areas, saying Northumberland County is unlikely to receive major SmartScale funding unless a defined safety or project-specific submission is made. Commissioners debated whether to keep a previously requested four‑lane highway project in the plan to preserve future eligibility; some members favored retaining the language while others questioned its realism.
Traffic safety: A representative speaking from the sheriff’s office raised concerns about school-period traffic and staffing constraints, saying deputies responded to about 360 traffic events in 2025 and warning that morning visibility and limited deputy availability make the school drop‑off location hazardous. "It’s a matter of time before you have a head on collision," the representative said.
Bicycle‑trail map: Staff proposed replacing an overbroad local-trail map with a corrected map showing only the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and its spur; commissioners agreed the simplified map matches signage and regional designations and voted to update the map.
Forestry data: The Department of Forestry supplied updated data (2014–2024) on forest products. A motion to append a forestry data table to the end of chapter 1 of the draft comprehensive plan passed by voice vote.
Animal shelter and county properties: Staff presented aerial, LIDAR and soils maps for a proposed animal shelter site and cautioned that gullies, a septic field, wetlands inventory results and road-extension costs could significantly raise site-development expenses. Commissioners discussed alternatives including using flatter county parcels, potential land swaps, timber harvesting to raise funds, and the need to coordinate an archaeological/historic-resources site visit. Staff said the Department of Historic Resources offered a pro bono site visit to locate cemeteries and artifacts before development proceeds.
Next steps: Staff will forward the commission’s recommendations and plan edits (bicycle map change, forestry table addition) and document agency responses or nonresponses; the animal-shelter applicants and Board of Supervisors will be invited to future meetings with updated site details.
