VDOT’s

Public Hearing

who, what, why, & how

Absolutely everyone. Federal and State taxes are going into this project. You’d think just the localities that are affected would qualify, but at the last VDOT meeting a very high percentage of participants were from Roanoke. A big city forcing small town america to bend to their will. So I am asking our whole readership base to participate. After all, some of your money is going into it, no matter where you live.

It actually lasts for one month. June 15th to July 26th. People think that it is just two evenings where you walk in and see the design boards for the project. In reality, you can view the content right now online, or you can set up an appointment to go see it at VDOT. At the two open meetings, there is no “hearing” where a judgement is made. There will be no speech or talk. There are VDOT people to answer questions, but often with unsatisfactory answers. The open meetings do allow for you to begin conversations with others, and that’s what leads to finding out other problems and solutions. This sharing of knowledge is also what happens thru our newsletters and FaceBook site.

This really boils down to creating comments. The more comments sent in on different topics,  the better. To spread the work load out, a little each day is better than all at once.

At the past one, the survey showed 82% knew about it because of social media and “word of mouth”. That means individuals make it happen. It’s crucial we all do our part of spreading the word. Share DeRail’s FB posts, send emails, and put up DeRail signs in your yard (Contact us for signs).

Two things happen:

1). Your name/email is kept track of, and your viewpoint is recorded. For example; are you opposing, undecided, supportive, etc. It is important to clearly state your position. I have seen some past participant’s comments which ramble on and it becomes ambiguous, and then VDOT doesn’t know how to record it and becomes a “0”.

The names/emails are kept track of similar to a vote(but it’s not). It lets VDOT see the overall stance on the project. So it does matter to get as many DIFFERENT people in opposition to it as possible to send in at least one “I oppose”.

2) The comment(s) gets categorized. This has been the case with other Public Trail Hearings held across Virginia that have been studied. I would suspect and hope that is the case with this one. And there has been times were enough comments have been made that the trail design changed. That’s a good thing! The comment numbers do matter.

This is also the reason to send different comments on everything that you see wrong, want to change, or to help others. You want people to help with your problems, and you can do the same for them. Alone you don’t stand a chance. It does require knowledge of the different problems, and that’s where DeRail comes in. Sign up for the newsletters to learn of specific issues. We have gone over many in the past weeks, there may be more. You can go to “exlore the issues” on the website to see many topics.

In short, it is their legal obligation to do so. In today’s governmental climate, it’s hard to have faith that they will listen. However, if you don’t do it, you have no right to complain later. Now is the time for action. Exercise your right to be heard. If VDOT doesn’y act on suggestions/comments and something goes wrong (and it will), it is on record and it may help you legally.

The comments will be used in creating the final design. That design is approved by whom I think is the Transportation Board. The design will NOT be brought back to the public by means of a meeting for any more input. 

Before the approval by the Board of Transportation,  the project manager may or may not revamp the design (again based on comments). That’s who we hope makes changes.  If the project manager doesnt make changes, the Tranportation Board may mandate changes depending on the comments or their own knowledge.

As DeRail has said from the start:

Since the beginning, we have pointed out issues of this trail. It is not a matter of “we hate trails”, but rather we are for “better, safer trails”. We are for the landowners who will have to live with this 24 hours a day, for life. To have conflict everyday will only lead to a failure of the trail. We have been accused of being arrogant, hateful, and not helping to make a better trail. Those that want a trail usually just say “yes, good idea” and “do it” without consideration of details or impacts. Past comment reports show this. Then, once the trail is done, they complain about it.

In this time period of design, those who may sound negative are needed just as much as anyone else. They are the ones who spur ideas, and in the end create a better product.

And Why the name “DeRail the Trail”?

There are issues with this particular trail that can’t be solved. We realized that from the start and is the basis of why the name “DeRail” was establish. The core plan is flawed. We have made suggestions all along to VDOT with no change in their main plan. There are some good features with this trail, if taken in small bites. The many different areas that need revamping will hopefully be brought to light by all the comments. If the project manager doesn’t see it that way, then maybe his boss will.

This current trail plan still needs to be “DeRailed” and a better one born.

Tell VDOT  that you do not support the trail.

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“

email hidden; JavaScript is required

You can also mail Comments to:

VDOT: Mr. Kelly Dunn

Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail; Comment

731 Harrison Ave.

Salem , VA. 24153