Issue:

 Privacy Fences.

•  There are several HOUSES along the trail that are very close. I highlight “house” because they are not outbuildings. There are more than the 3 pictured below, but these are probably the worst. They could be used to set standards.
•  DeRail has discussed this with VDOT. Sometimes on location, or in meetings, and in emails.
•  VDOT’s plan does not include helping them (unless enough people step up and say something).

Green lines shows trail path. Red lines show boundary of state property. The red lines are shown in #3 to show that the trail is not always in the center of the Right of Way. Green line is offset from corridor because of terrain

Above: Subject 3 – Distance 62′

This trail is meant to bring in a large amount of visitors from outside the area. It won’t be just your neighbors using this trail. Would you want a constant flow of complete strangers being so close to your house? What if you had kids. Can they play in your own yard without worries? Who’s watching? Who’s scheming? Who will come back later? This is not a car going down the road at high speeds. If that car stops, you take notice. This is a trail that people can legally mull around on, take breaks, and see what’s going on. Granted most trail users are good people, but if you research a bit or ask law enforcement, they will say 1 out of 10 people are suspicious/bad. If given the chance they will take advantage.

A privacy/security fence would prevent window shopping. Give a bit of a barrier, some time to react. It would define the space as to “no trespassing”.

Building a privacy/security fence in situations like this should be a common courtesy, especially if business-type enterprises are creating the issue. VDOT is hoping that the counties or special interest groups will raise funds for this. That is a diversion tactic. They want to get the trail built and leave the aftermath of their poor decisions be someone else’s problem. VDOT knows the counties are strapped for money. Meanwhile, VDOT has a current budget of $19.5 Million, but wants to selfishly keep that for padded, inflated expenditures.

VDOT claims that if they start building fences it gets controversial. Who gets a fence, and who doesn’t. I would agree, there are fine lines that need to be established. Boundaries could be set like saying fences will be built “within 65′ from the edge, window, or entrance to the house”. They spend Millions per mile for sound barriers on Highways. They must have established rules there. This would be such a minuscule amount of money in the whole big picture of the 19.5M. It would help the most adversely affected residents and go along way in creating “good will” and “peace and harmony” on the trail.

 There should be no reason a homeowner that lives this close to the trail should have to foot a bill for a fence for protection. This is being forced upon them. VDOT needs to work with these homeowners and make it right.

It’s suggested that you comment:  ” I oppose this trail due to lack of privacy fences.” and fill in the rest with some description of how VDOT should build privacy fences and possibly a guide to what scenarios you think would be fitting.

Take a moment right now and send a comment to VDOT declaring that you oppose the trail. This trail is in it’s final stages for final approval.  They are currently gathering comments in regards to it. Please send one.

There is an active link below to send comments. Some computers have security features that block the use of the email button. When that happens, you need to use your regular email service and type in the email address given below.

 Be sure to include in the Subject Title….

“Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail: Comment“

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You can also mail Comments to:

VDOT: Mr. Kelly Dunn

Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail; Comment

731 Harrison Ave.

Salem , VA. 24153