Transportation issues dominated the first public hearing on the City of Williamsburg’s 2016-2020 Capital Improvement Program.
The Williamsburg Planning Commission began the discussion on the city’s CIP through a public hearing at its meeting Wednesday.
The CIP summarizes municipal spending on major-dollar construction projects over a five-year period, but funds are allocated only for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The subsequent four years are used for planning purposes only. City staff revisit the CIP annually.
The 2015-2019 CIP included nearly $29 million in construction projects, with $5.84 million approved for use in the fiscal year 2015 budget, which ends June 30.
Deputy City Manager Jodi Miller presented the current draft of the CIP prepared by city staff members for the Planning Commission.
The current draft lists several large-scale construction projects related to transportation in Williamsburg, including $900,000 for the city’s street repaving program, $50,000 to explore a realignment of the intersection of Ironbound and Longhill roads, and $50,000 to prepare designs for a realignment of the intersection of Capitol Landing and Bypass roads.
Other projects include $835,000 for improvements at Quarterpath Park and Waller Mill Park, and $20,000 for the improvement of the city’s bicycle facilities, including additional bike racks, signage and lane markings.
The public comment period was dominated by residents speaking in support of bicycle improvements for the city.
Seven speakers voiced support for increased bicycle access in Williamsburg, and commended the city for including funds to do so.
Speaking on behalf of the Historic Triangle Bicycle Advisory Committee, James City County resident Ted Moorland said the city should devote resources to improving bicycle access, as increasing numbers of residents – especially seniors and students – relied on bicycles for transportation.
Moorland added increased bicycle access could be an economic benefit for the city.
“[Bicycle touring is] big business, and the more bike-friendly we are, the more bike tours we’re going to have,” he said.
Florakis said bicycle issues would be a part of the continued discussions regarding the CIP.
“In the past, we have addressed a lot of bicycle issues, especially along Jamestown Road, and I’m sure we’ll continue to look at that at our work session on Feb. 4,” Florakis said.
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