Northeast Triangle Group Discusses Traffic Issues

By Amber Lester Kennedy Tuesday, April 26, 2011

To revitalize the northeast corner of Williamsburg, planners will have to find a way to both boost and manage traffic in the area.

The Northeast Triangle Focus Group learned that traffic is one of the main concerns of businesspeople and residents in the area at their last public meeting, held on April 13. But while business owners want to see more traffic bringing customers to their doors, citizens agree the area needs to become more pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

The seven-member focus group was appointed by City Council in December 2010. They have one year to study and develop a vision for the northeast corner of the city, bounded by Second Street, Capitol Landing Road and Merrimac Trail. That vision will include a name that will make it a marketable destination in the city.

The topic of traffic dominated discussion at the group’s Monday afternoon meeting. City Planning Director Reed Nester shared figures from the Virginia Department of Transportation that indicate traffic has decreased on the area’s major roads, including Second Street, Capitol Landing Road and Route 132, since 2001.

He was quick to note, however, that traffic has decreased in other parts of town, too. He also plans to find out how the area has been affected by the completion of Route 199 and the addition of a direct exit to Busch Gardens.

Group co-chair Mickey Chohany, owner of the Second Street American Bistro, said some residents wouldn’t mind more traffic as long as it’s managed in a tasteful way. He envisioned traffic circles, beautification projects, bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings. He also said improvements could include hiding utility lines underground; Nester said it could cost between $3 to $6 million to hide utilities on the major thoroughfares of the area.

Chohany also proposed the group solicit an expert to help the group identify development opportunities that could simultaneously attract visitors off the interstate and enhance the area’s offerings. He noted the area is perfectly located — walking distance to Colonial Williamsburg, a short drive to Busch Gardens and just off the interstate. Nester said the city would like to see more commercial development; in the entire city of Williamsburg, only 5 percent of land is devoted to commercial use, he said.

Sam Wasaff, a nine-year resident of Williamsburg, suggested the northeast corner could position itself as a family-friendly area by encouraging businesses like miniature golf, laser tag or game centers. He explained that mixed-use development High Street is more adult-oriented, but the Northeast area could be aimed at families.

The Northeast Triangle Focus Group will have its next public meeting on residential issues at 7 p.m. on May 17 at the Williamsburg Community Building. To fill out a survey or share thoughts on the city’s Open Forum page, click here.