City Goals: Character, Bike Lanes and Schools Contract with JCC

By Amber Lester Kennedy Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Williamsburg City Council continued to narrow its focus for its Goals, Initiatives and Outcomes at a Monday night work session attended by a mix of longtime residents and college students.

The city has nearly completed its drafting of the biennial Goals, Initiatives and Outcomes (GIOs) document that guides the city’s actions for the next two years. Council has one more work session on Nov. 8 before it’s scheduled to adopt the document on Nov. 12.

The document divides the goals and initiatives into several categories: community engagement, character of the city, economic vitality, neighborhoods and housing, transportation, public safety, education and human services, recreation and culture, environmental sustainability and city organizational leadership. Council has so far taken suggestions from citizens, the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Authority.

During Monday’s work session, citizens were invited to comment on the goals in each category. The majority of comments centered on the city’s character, transportation issues and schools. City resident Terrence Wehle asked the council to clarify its definition of the city’s character, which he said has nothing to do with development.

“I think we need more on character, less on development at least until we can come to an agreement on what character is,” he said, going on to say it felt like Williamsburg had a “development machine.” He suggested separating “development” from the section on character, and adding it to the section on economic development. At the end of the meeting, City Manager Jack Tuttle said character is two things: natural development and built development; Mayor Clyde Haulman agreed.

Multiple citizens expressed concerns about the city’s transportation options, as well. Nancy Carter, an avid cyclist, shared some suggestions for ways the city could become more bicycle-friendly. She would like to see the city build connections for pedestrians and cyclists over the railroad tracks in many areas, especially near the future Quarterpath development. She added that many pedestrians and cyclists have been traveling on Mooretown Road, where sidewalks do not exist.

William and Mary student Grace Hansen said the city should also examine ways to make the Monticello Road/Richmond Road/Lafayette Road intersection more bike-friendly. “I travel that route about twice a week and I always feel vulnerable,” she said. “It feels unsafe and I think it is unsafe.”

Resident Stewart Goddin echoed the concerns about bike lanes, saying expanded bike lanes would be a good idea for Jamestown Road. “Right now it is a safety issue, and riders take bicycles onto the sidewalks,” he said. He added that he would like to see the Williamsburg Area Transportation Authority offer a discounted or even one-time-only free pass for residents to ride the buses and trolleys.

The city will soon revisit its contract with the Williamsburg-James City County school division, and at least two people would like for the city to investigate all of its options before committing to the same contract again. Resident and education activist John Whitley recommended the city “go boldly into” negotiations. “Look at the viability of our city having a state-of-the-art education,” he said.

Councilman Doug Pons said the city should be flexible enough to consider alternatives, and requested a line be added to the GIOs indicating the city will be “mindful of exploring whatever options might be available.”

Council will meet for its next GIOs work session at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Stryker Building and is expected to adopt the document at its 2 p.m. meeting on Nov. 12. At 5 p.m. on Nov. 18, the city will host a “State of the City” event in the Williamsburg Community Building that will summarize past accomplishments and future challenges. To read the full GIO document, click here.