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Agenda Item
21. 21-327 Designation of Routes 240 & 810 as Virginia Byways. To receive comment on the proposed Virginia Byway designation for Routes 240 & 810. The Virginia Byway designation recognizes a road having relatively high aesthetic or cultural value, and leading to or within areas of historical, natural, or recreational significance.? This designation may promote local tourism by providing an awareness of local significance and aesthetic opportunities regionally. A county with a proposed byway may choose to hold a public hearing on the proposed byway designation. On May 19, 2021, the Board authorized staff to hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the designation of Virginia Byway. A resolution of support from the Board of Supervisors will be needed for the Commonwealth Transportation Board to proceed with designation.
I have no objection to this designation, but contrary to the staff report, there is a land use impact: a Tier 2 Wireless application (treetop pole) is by-right, but automatically becomes Tier 3 (requires SUP) if along a scenic byway. So a by-right application now requires a community meeting, 2 public hearings, longer review process, and substantially more resources, which is a deterrent, especially in rural areas like Rt 810 where return on investment is low and need is high. Staff can review a Tier 2 for impacts on a scenic byway; the automatic Tier 3 trigger is unnecessary and requires additional staff resources. I mention this so you are aware how this provision of the wireless ordinance impacts broadband and wireless service in the rural areas when you update to the wireless policy and ordinance. Shentel is working on fixed wireless broadband in this general area. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss further, and thank you. - Valerie Long vlong@williamsmullen.com
I have no objection to this designation, but contrary to the staff report, there is a land use impact: a Tier 2 Wireless application (treetop pole) is by-right, but automatically becomes Tier 3 (requires SUP) if along a scenic byway. So a by-right application now requires a community meeting, 2 public hearings, longer review process, and substantially more resources, which is a deterrent, especially in rural areas like Rt 810 where return on investment is low and need is high. Staff can review a Tier 2 for impacts on a scenic byway; the automatic Tier 3 trigger is unnecessary and requires additional staff resources. I mention this so you are aware how this provision of the wireless ordinance impacts broadband and wireless service in the rural areas when you update to the wireless policy and ordinance. Shentel is working on fixed wireless broadband in this general area. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss further, and thank you. - Valerie Long vlong@williamsmullen.com