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Streetscape update: council hears easement, VRE and rail‑safety concerns as consultants finalize plans
Summary
Clifton’s Streetscape committee reported engineering comments on Phase II plans and discussed easement negotiations, potential VRE service changes tied to Norfolk Southern right‑of‑way transfers, and pedestrian crossing challenges near the railroad.
The Clifton Town Council and its Special Projects Committee heard a detailed Streetscape update on Oct. 1, focusing on engineering comments, easement negotiations and rail-related safety and traffic concerns.
Geri Yantis, chair of the Special Projects (Streetscape) Committee, said engineering plans submitted Aug. 15 have returned with comments the committee must address. The committee has met with business owners affected by the project to keep communications open as construction planning progresses.
The council discussed utility‑easement negotiations. Bowman Consultants — the Town’s utility‑easements consultant — indicated it is willing to proceed under its original 2018 engagement but at updated billing rates. Committee members noted that because the scope of easement work has decreased, and Bowman bills hourly, the original estimated fee of about $23,000 is expected to be maintained. Councilmember Jay Davis moved to approve the updated billable rates pending receipt of a written change order; the council approved the motion, 6-0.
Members and citizens also raised concerns about rail traffic and pedestrian access. Mike Davis of the Clifton Betterment Association and Citizen Geri Yantis discussed earlier VRE interest in a permanent stop and noted that changes in Norfolk Southern ownership and a transfer of right‑of‑way could increase VRE use. Council members observed that a permanent VRE stop would affect traffic and parking and that past council positions opposed a permanent stop for those reasons. The group also discussed limited space for sidewalk improvements, possible bridge solutions to connect floodplain parking to town, and VDOT guidance that a mid‑road crosswalk may not be acceptable at a curved location.
The committee will continue work on responses to the engineer comments and will seek Bowman’s final change order before authorizing negotiations that require compensation under the updated rates. The council asked staff and committees to provide written submissions where needed so proposals can be reviewed formally.
What’s next
Bowman Consultants is to provide a written change order for review; the Streetscape committee will schedule a meeting to address engineering comments and coordinate next steps with affected business owners and VDOT as needed.
