Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan Update

June 2006 Berkeley County Planning Commission TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – The Role and Purpose of Planning ...... 1 What the Comprehensive Plan does:...... 2 Relationship between the Comprehensive Plan and Other Plans in Berkeley County...... 2 Recommended Review Process...... 2 Chapter 2 – An Introduction to Berkeley County...... 5 Location and Regional Setting ...... 5 A Brief History of Berkeley County...... 5 Quick Facts About Berkeley County ...... 7 Chapter 3 – Key Trends and Issues ...... 9 Demographics ...... 10 Housing...... 10 Land Use...... 11 Transportation ...... 11 Community Facilities and Services ...... 11 Economics ...... 11 Natural Resources...... 12 Historic and Cultural...... 12 Chapter 4 – Values, Visions and Goals ...... 15 Public Involvement Process ...... 15 Planning Advisory Committee...... 15 Project Website...... 16 Public Outreach – Issues Identification...... 16 Public Outreach - A Vision of the Future ...... 17 Public Outreach - The Community Survey...... 22 Chapter 5 – Action Plans and Implementation ...... 25 Planning Strategies and Population Forecasts...... 25 Available Projections ...... 26 Conclusion...... 27 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The Growth Management Plan...... 29 Background...... 29 Creating a Framework for Future Growth...... 29 The Growth Management Map ...... 31 Growth Management Land Use Categories ...... 31 Growth Areas...... 31 Planned Community...... 33 Rural Areas...... 33 Action Strategies for Growth Management...... 34 Effective Land Use Implementation Tools ...... 36 Town Centers- Martinsburg and Hedgesville...... 38 Rural Planning Strategies...... 40 Annexation...... 41 Implementation – ...... 41 Conclusion...... 43 The Housing Plan ...... 45 Current Housing Characteristics ...... 45 Future Housing Needs...... 46 Action Strategies for Housing ...... 47 Growth Management Housing Strategies ...... 47 Housing Revitalization Strategies ...... 48 Neighborhood Preservation Strategies ...... 49 Affordable Housing Strategies for Berkeley County...... 49 Housing Choices Strategies ...... 50 Implementation Strategies ...... 51 Conclusion...... 52 The Transportation Plan ...... 55 Action Strategies for Transportation...... 55 Community Facilities and Services Plan ...... 65 Public Safety...... 65

ii June 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Educational Facilities ...... 68 Health Care Facilities ...... 69 Parks and Recreation ...... 70 Public Sewer Facilities and Services ...... 73 Wastewater Service Action Strategies...... 78 Public Water Facilities and Services ...... 78 Solid Waste Management ...... 79 Litter Control and Abatement...... 81 Economic Development Plan ...... 89 Economic Development Action Strategies ...... 90 Natural Resources Plan...... 97 Natural Resources Action Strategies...... 97 Historic and Cultural Resources...... 105 Historic and Cultural Action Strategies ...... 105 Chapter 6 - Consistency and Interrelationships of the Plan Elements ...... 109 Chapter 7 – Implementation Schedule ...... 115

Appendices Technical Background Studies Geographic Information Systems Mapping* Community Survey

*With the exception of the Growth Management Map, all maps were created by the Berkeley County Planning Department.

Berkeley County shall not be held liable for any damage, loss, or liability, whether direct, indirect, or consequential, which arises or may arise from use of map products, or the use thereof by any person or entity outside of the context of this plan.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Berkeley County Commissioners

Howard L. Strauss, Commission President Steve Teufel, Commissioner Ronald K. Collins, Commissioner

Berkeley County Planning Commission and Staff

Ronald Collins, County Commission Donald G. Fox, President H. Daniel Gantt Eric W. Goff John Jeans Gary H. Matthews Gary Poling Bonnie Stubblefield, Vice President Richard Talbott Patrick G. Henry III, Legal Counsel

Berkeley County Planning Commission Staff

Stefanie Allemong, Acting Planning Director Matthew Mullenax, GIS Coordinator Harry “Sonny” Carter, Planner II Megan Clark, Planner I Melinda Stoner, Executive Administrative Secretary Debbie Laing, Clerk/Secretary Wendy Shaffer, Clerk/Secretary Leah Ann Blakenship, Scanner/Secretary Jamie Rogers, Intern

Planning Advisory Committee

Steve Allen Jon Applebaum Carolyn Bohrer Ted Bostic Steve Catlett Berniece Collis THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Tina Combs Ross Curtis Jeff Feldman Joe Hankins Rick Hertges Scott Honsaker Ray Johnston Curtis Keller Greg Kennedy David Kenney Alecia Knupp Clarence “CEM” Martin III Jerry Mays Nancy Myers, Planning Advisory Committee Secretary Charlotte Norris Randy Rankin John Reisenweber Hoy Shingleton, Jr. Tracy Smith Bill Stubblefield, Planning Advisory Committee Chair Joanne Wadsworrth Bill Weis Jimmie Williams Ed Wilson Hunter Wilson Don Wood

Consultant

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

vi June 2006 TO THE RESIDENTS OF BERKELEY COUNTY

March, 2006

To the Residents of Berkeley County

What does the future hold for Berkeley County? Berkeley County continues to be the fastest growing county in West Virginia as well as one of the fastest growing in the United States. How will we continue to grow and where will growth take place? What are the major concerns and problems that need to be addressed in Berkeley County?

Over the past year we have been asking these questions and getting input from the Berkeley County community. The results have been incorporated into this Comprehensive Plan for Berkeley County. This plan fulfills a state mandate but more importantly provides policies and plans for the future development of Berkeley County. These policies and plans address problems and concerns in the county and provide an agenda for improving the quality of life in the County.

Implementation of this plan is important. Successful and engaged implementation will require public and private partnerships working together to make improvements throughout the County.

The 2006 Comprehensive Plan for Berkeley County is an important step forward. It provides guidance and policies for future activities and should be used on a regular basis to formulate future strategies for the County. The Comprehensive Plan is a vehicle to address the remarkable changes taking place in Berkeley County.

I am pleased to present the 2006 Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan. I urge you to read it and use it as a guide to improving our community.

Sincerely,

Donald G. Fox, President Berkeley County Planning Commission

THE ROLE AND PURPOSE OF PLANNING

Chapter 1 – The Role and Purpose of Planning

The West Virginia Code, Chapter 8A states that the general purpose of a comprehensive plan is to “guide a governing body to accomplish a coordinated and compatible development of land and improvement within its territorial jurisdiction, in accordance with present and future needs and resources.” It also identifies nine specific purposes of the Comprehensive Plan:

1. Set goals and objectives for land development, uses, and suitability for a governing body so that the governing body can make an informed decision.

2. Coordinate all governing bodies and units of government to ensure that all comprehensive plans are compatible.

3. Create conditions favorable to health, safety, mobility, transportation, prosperity, civic activities, recreational, educational, cultural opportunities and historic resources.

4. Reduce the wastes which result from haphazard development, congestion or scattering of population.

5. Reduce the destruction or demolition of historic sites and other resources by reusing land and buildings and revitalizing areas.

6. Promote a sense of community character and identity.

7. Promote the efficient utilization of natural resources, rural land, agricultural land and scenic areas.

8. Focus development in existing areas and fill in vacant or underused land near existing developed areas to create well designed and coordinated communities

9. Promote cost-effective development of community facilities and services.

The Comprehensive Plan evaluates the existing land use, transportation systems, housing, community facilities and services, and natural and cultural resources within the county. The Plan projects future growth trends based on these analyses and proposes the best possible land use and implementation tools to accommodate expected growth while protecting the area’s vast and precious resources.

1 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

WHAT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES:

Focuses on current trends and issues within Berkeley County and addresses them with appropriate solutions Provides the best possible projection on future conditions based on current patterns and identifies strategies to help create a more desirable and sustainable future Directs future change through a vision of community potential. Establishes the framework for consistency between future land use policies and land use regulatory measures Assists county officials in their decision making processes

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND OTHER PLANS IN BERKELEY COUNTY

The Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan is a broad policy document that provides guidance for future decision making. The plan shows a relationship with other plans that have been developed in the community. The Comprehensive Plan reflects these plans and is developed to provide consistency with them.

The following is a partial list of those plans that were considered during the development of the Comprehensive Plan.

Source Water Assessment and Protection Plan (SWAP) Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) Long Range Transportation Plan Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District Sewage Facilities Plan Public Service Water District Countywide Facilities Management Plan Berkeley County Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan West Virginia Eastern Regional Airport Master Plan

RECOMMENDED REVIEW PROCESS

The Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan will only be useful if it is regularly used and updated. Therefore, it is recommended that the County Commissioners and the Planning Commission perform the following actions:

2 June 2006 THE ROLE AND PURPOSE OF PLANNING

Every other year evaluate the Comprehensive Plan and, if necessary, make modifications to ensure it provides adequate guidance regarding future growth in the county. Identify potential new strategies and funding opportunities to achieve stated goals. Prepare a written summary of the evaluation process. The report should also include a record of the major activities undertaken since the last review, as well as a list of the activities scheduled for the next two years. This is also an ideal opportunity to identify any new issues or concerns that may have an impact on the county.

3 June 2006

THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

AN INTRODUCTION TO BERKELEY COUNTY

Chapter 2 – An Introduction to Berkeley County

LOCATION AND REGIONAL SETTING

Berkeley County is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Washington County, Maryland is located to the north of the county and Frederick County, Virginia is to the south. The West Virginia counties of Jefferson and Morgan are found to the east and west respectively. The county is less than 100 miles from the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area and less than 200 miles from Philadelphia, Richmond, and Pittsburgh.

The Potomac River forms the northern and part of the eastern border of the County. North Mountain bisects the county and is the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley, also known as the Great Valley, in the Panhandle. The City of Martinsburg and most of the county’s developed areas are found here. West of the mountain, Back Creek winds through the countryside. The Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area on Third Hill Mountain is along the western border. Here, forested land and farms have traditionally dominated.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BERKELEY COUNTY

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area that is now Berkeley County had been home to successive groups of Native Americans. The earliest evidence suggests that Mound Builders occupied the area over 2,000 years ago. Missionary reports dating to the 1500s and early 1600s indicate that the Huron Indians were driven from the area by members of the Iroquois Confederacy during that time. The various member tribes, including the Mohawk, Onondaga, and Seneca, used the area as a hunting ground during the spring and summer months. These tribes were gradually replaced by European settlers throughout the 18th Century.

Berkeley County was one of the first areas of the State of West Virginia to be settled by Europeans. John Lederer first explored the area in 1670. Others soon followed and in 1726, Morgan Morgan, II founded the first permanent settlement of record in West Virginia on Mill Creek near present day Bunker Hill. Many Quakers and Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, along with the English

5 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN and Dutch, became residents here in the early 1700s. They were followed by the Germans who built many of the present farm complexes.

Berkeley County was formed from Frederick County, Virginia, in 1772 and named for Lord Norborne Berkeley, Colonial Governor of Virginia from 1768 to 1770. The County seat was established in the colonial village of Martinsburg, named for Thomas Bryan Martin, Lord Fairfax's nephew, and was incorporated in 1778.

The arrival of the B&O Railroad in the 1840s gave Martinsburg and Berkeley County a big boost, economically. However, during the Civil War, the county’s strategic location at the northern edge of the Shenandoah Valley and the presence of the railroad meant that control of both Martinsburg and Berkeley County changed hands many times during the conflict. While most families were loyal to the Confederacy, many had divided allegiances.

In June 1861 Stonewall Jackson destroyed the railroad cars at the Martinsburg B&O Railroad complex and commandeered the engines, dragging them through Winchester to Strasburg. The Roundhouse and machine shops were completely stripped. The first major conflict in the area occurred on July 2, 1861, when the North's General Robert Patterson crossed the Potomac River at Williamsport and defeated the South's General Joseph E. Johnston and General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. On October 18 and 19, 1862 the Martinsburg B&O Railroad complex and Roundhouses were burned. After November 1863, Berkeley County became a part of the new state of West Virginia.

In 1872 the Pennsylvania Railroad came to the area, and it, along with the B&O Railroad, gave the area an excellent transportation base. In early times, a major source of the area's income came from selling flour produced by the area's water-powered mills to the Alexandria and Baltimore markets. Electricity, replacing water power, soon followed and the area became a large textile milling center.

Many of Martinsburg's historic and architecturally important buildings were included in seven historic districts placed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 1980. Two more districts were placed on the National Register in December 2002

Today, Martinsburg continues to be the focus of the business area of Berkeley County, although continued development throughout the county is altering the county’s landscape. The county’s economy is in transition from agriculture and manufacturing to more service oriented and government related businesses.

6 June 2006 AN INTRODUCTION TO BERKELEY COUNTY

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BERKELEY COUNTY

Location: Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia

Major City: Martinsburg (Population 14,972)

Project Web Site: www.BerkeleyCompPlan.net

Date of Establishment: 1772

Size: 321.2 square miles

2005 Population: 93,394 persons (Census Bureau estimate)

Population Density: 236.3 persons per square mile

Median Age: 35.8

Primary Watershed: Potomac River Basin

Major Surface Waters: Potomac River, Opequon Creek, Back Creek

Forest cover: 115,368 acres

Recreation: Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area; Yankauer Preserve

7 June 2006

KEY TRENDS AND ISSUES 2006

Chapter 3 – Key Trends and Issues

The first phase of the comprehensive planning process focused on gaining an understanding of the Berkeley County community as it is today. This chapter summarizes the key trends and issues facing Berkeley County, which will then be used to guide the development of the Action Plans found in Chapter 5.

The summary is based on a series of background profiles that were developed using data collected from a variety of sources, including the Census Bureau, the Berkeley County Planning Commission, and many of the key agencies and organizations that are currently working in Berkeley County. In addition, public meetings were held to identify additional issues and concerns during the first phase of the Public Involvement Process. (See Chapter 4 for more information about Public Involvement) The complete set of Background Profiles can be found in Appendix A.

The most important issue in Berkeley County is how to maintain a high quality of life in the face of rapid growth. Berkeley County’s unprecedented growth has impacted every aspect of community life. This is further complicated by sensitive environmental features that impact water quantity and quality in some of the most desirable areas for new development. The challenge will be to address new development in ways that respect private property rights, while considering the overall needs of the community

The following trends and issues have been identified in Berkeley County. They were used to help guide the development of the comprehensive plan.

Commissioner Ron Collins welcomes stakeholders to the first of four public meetings held to identify key issues in Berkeley County.

9 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

DEMOGRAPHICS

Continued rapid population growth - Census Bureau estimates indicate that since 2000, the county’s population has been growing at a rate of approximately 4% per year. This is having a significant impact on enrollments in the county’s public schools Relatively Young Population - 65.3 percent of Berkeley County Berkeley County Age Group Distribution Percent of Total County Population, 1990-2000 residents were under the age of Source: US Census Bureau 44, compared to only 59.5 percent of West Virginia residents 45.0 40.0 Educational Attainment – 77% of 1990 the county’s 25 years old and 35.0 2000 older population has at least a 30.0 high school degree. However, 25.0

only 20 % have some type of 20.0 college degree

Percent of Total 15.0

Racial Diversity is increasing only 10.0

slightly in the county, with most 5.0 minorities living in Martinsburg 0.0 Household sizes are decreasing School Age Young Adult Mature Age Senior Age Group (Under 19) Group (20 - 44) Group (45 - 64) Group (65+) in Berkeley County and throughout the country, which is 1990 28.8 39.9 19.6 11.8 impacting housing demands 2000 28.2 37.1 23.6 11.2

HOUSING

Housing is growing as fast as the population and dramatically changing the character of the county in many areas The cost of housing has been steadily increasing as demand continues to grow and land values escalate. This has had far reaching affects, particularly on property assessments The types of housing available to county residents are limited - 63% of the housing stock is single family detached and 19% is mobile homes Most of the county’s housing stock is relatively new – approximately 70% is less than thirty years old There were fewer vacant homes in Berkeley County in 2000 than in 1990

10 June 2006 KEY TRENDS AND ISSUES 2006

LAND USE

Land use issues focus primarily on the location of new development, including The location and density of new housing The location of new commercial and industrial development The location of new community facilities, including recreation, schools, health care, as well as sewer and water Appropriate interchange and gateway land uses

TRANSPORTATION

The transportation system has not been able to keep up with new development in the county, which has resulted in a number of problem areas The existing system provides very limited choices for resident mobility

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

The County needs to ensure adequate facilities and services of all types to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community Outdoor recreation facilities are highly prized in the county, and need to be prioritized

ECONOMICS

Many residents are commuting outside of Berkeley County to their place of employment, which is having a significant impact on the transportation system

11 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

There is a need to match available jobs with the skills of the resident workforce There must be sufficient available land for desired economic development The changing face of agriculture in the county, especially fruit farming, is impacting land use trends as retiring farmers are selling their properties for development

NATURAL RESOURCES

Protecting surface and groundwater in the County is essential for the health and safety of all county residents There are opportunities to protect the county’s streams and provide for recreation activities at the same time through the development of greenways There are a variety of sensitive environmental features throughout the county that should be protected, for example, floodplains, wetlands, forests, steep slopes, and sink holes

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL

The county’s history has great potential for tourism development Many historic properties have been identified in the county, but they are not protected from development, particularly cemeteries There is a growing demand for more arts and cultural activities in the county Historic preservation, especially in Martinsburg, should be supported and encouraged

12 June 2006 KEY TRENDS AND ISSUES 2006

The county could also take advantage of their position as the “Northern Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley”

13 June 2006

VALUES, VISIONS, AND GOALS

Chapter 4 – Values, Visions and Goals

Residents of Berkeley County have chosen to live here for a variety of reasons, including community character, the natural environment, and family ties. This section of the comprehensive plan examines the opportunities in Berkeley County and the visions for the future that will make it an even better place to live, work, and play.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS

The development of the Comprehensive Plan Update has utilized several public involvement techniques to determine what the residents of Berkeley County see as the current issues and what they would like to see in the future. Residents were provided several opportunities to answer these questions and to establish what is valued in the communities, as well as what the vision of the future should be. The results of this process are the foundation for the plans and implementation strategies found in Chapter 5.

Public involvement has been multi-faceted so that the planning process would allow as many people as possible to participate in the planning effort. The following reviews the various levels of participation that have led to the development of the values, visions and goals for the update to the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan.

Planning Advisory Committee

At the very beginning of the planning process, a Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) was formed. The purpose of the committee was to provide input, feedback and pertinent information pertaining to the development of the comprehensive plan, as well as to present issues and concerns facing the future of Berkeley County. Thirty individuals from a variety of organizations were selected to serve on the committee. They met monthly throughout the planning process and their input was critical to ensuring the plan would meet the needs of Berkeley County.

The goals of the committee were

To convey the concerns of local residents and other constituents To provide productive input to Berkeley County and the Consultant Team in a collaborative fashion To facilitate a deeper understanding of project needs, issues, and constraints

15 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

To maximize broad-based public participation in the decision making process

Project Website

In order to facilitate sharing the plan with the community at large, a project website was developed: www.berkeleycompplan.net. In addition to providing information about public meetings and their results, sections of the plan were made available as they were completed. The results of the community survey, basic background information about the plan and the PAC were also available.

Public Outreach – Issues Identification

The first series of public meetings were used to discuss the issues Berkeley County is facing today and will face in the future. This discussion was organized around four topics: Quality of Life, Socio-Economics, Land Use, and Infrastructure.

At the first meeting approximately 60-70 stakeholders from many county agencies, the school district, state government, and several private sector industries and organizations attended. They were clearly concerned about the impacts of recent growth on the physical and social character of Berkeley County. Throughout the discussions, stakeholders expressed concern for and suggested ideas to address:

the availability and quality of natural resources, i.e. water and the land resources that ensure clean water supply the adequacy and quality of public facilities and services and public amenities the diversity of private sector services the affordability of living in Berkeley County the availability of jobs, and the economics of a county in transition from its rural heritage to its current suburban condition

16 June 2006 VALUES, VISIONS, AND GOALS

Three additional public meetings were held at different locations to attract a wider range of county residents. Citizens who attended the meetings expressed similar concerns to those of the stakeholders regarding the impact of growth in the county, more specifically,

Availability and quality of natural resources, particularly water and open spaces Adequate transportation, schools, medical care for all residents Affordable housing for average wage earners Diversity of job opportunities within the county How to effectively manage growth

Public Outreach - A Vision of the Future

The second round of public meetings was held to develop a Vision Statement that would provide a foundation for the development of the Comprehensive Plan’s Goals and Objectives. Attendees at each of the meetings voted on alternative vision statements for the future. Once consensus was reached, discussion turned to ways that the visions might be achieved.

The vision statements on the following pages reflect the discussion of these meetings. Each statement has been translated into one or more specific goals with supporting objectives. Planning strategies that outline the specific actions needed to achieve these goals and objectives are found in Chapter 5.

17 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Land Use and Housing- A Vision of the Future:

Growth in Berkeley County will occur in an orderly fashion through working partnerships between the Berkeley County Planning Commission and the community at large.

Goal: Accommodate orderly growth and development while preserving the rural character of Berkeley County

Objectives

Implement effective land use controls and regulations to control the impacts of growth on the county’s sensitive natural resources Establish a county-wide system of growth areas to direct growth and preserve natural resources Encourage residential, commercial and industrial growth to locate adjacent to current town, village and growth centers Protect important scenic overlooks and vistas Provide for alternative land use preservation measures Integrate new development with traditional patterns of growth Ensure that land use is consistent with available groundwater

Goal: Improve the quality and diversity of housing opportunities for residents across Berkeley County

Objectives

Improve the quality of the County’s existing housing to encourage continued use and re-use in order to preserve the character and quality of residential neighborhoods in exiting towns and villages Improve the diversity of housing in the county to include apartments and assisted living facilities in addition to single family homes Assess the need and provide for residential opportunities for senior citizens Provide affordable housing Create new housing developments that maximize open space and protect environmentally sensitive features such as sinkholes and surface waters

18 June 2006 VALUES, VISIONS, AND GOALS

Transportation- A Vision of the Future:

Berkeley County will work effectively with state and federal agencies to develop a responsive organizational structure to implement needed changes to the county’s infrastructure.

Goal: Provide an efficient and well maintained transportation system to maximize the accessibility and safe movement of people and goods through cooperative transportation planning with Berkeley County and the state of West Virginia

Objectives

Work with the state to ensure the completion of existing and planned highway projects that will improve mobility throughout Berkeley County Prepare a county-wide transportation plan that considers all modes of transportation Relieve traffic congestion throughout the roadway network to improve commuter and freight movement, air quality, and overall quality of life Encourage alternative transportation forms by creating livable communities through implementation of walkable communities and transit oriented development Provide corridor planning and improvements for WV Route 9 from Virginia to US 522 and WV Route 51 from Charles Town to WV Route 45

Community Facilities and Services - A Vision of the Future:

Berkeley County’s emergency services, health care, education and recreation facilities will expand and diversify to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Goal: Assure that public services are available across the County.

Objectives

Assure that county residents and businesses receive public safety services that are efficient in response time and are fiscally responsible Manage sewer and water systems in a way that is consistent with sound planning and land use regulations

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Provide recreational opportunities for County residents that meet both current and future needs Coordinate and expand recreational planning, development and marketing, including private recreation development, to provide residents with a wide variety of recreational resources that are easily accessible Coordinate the location and development of public educational facilities with targeted growth areas Provide comprehensive solid waste services, including recycling and trash disposal throughout the County Invest in quality facilities for public libraries in the County. Assure access to adequate health care and wellness services. Assure access to the county’s social services. Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center

Economic Development - A Vision of the Future:

Berkeley County will diversify its economy to take advantage of access to regional markets, opportunities for recreational-, heritage-, and ecology- based tourism, and continues to support a strong agricultural sector.

Goal: Build on the existing economic strengths of Berkeley County and create new job generating opportunities for the County

Objectives

Encourage new economic development by identifying growth opportunities for businesses already located in Berkeley County Encourage the development of new employment opportunities Promote educational and training opportunities to meet skill requirements and technology needs of existing and potential businesses Provide ready sites for business development and expansion in areas deemed desirable for growth Promote the agriculture and agri-business industry in Berkeley County Attract and retain technology related jobs to Berkeley County Promote the development of tourism based industries in the County

20 June 2006 VALUES, VISIONS, AND GOALS

Preserve and protect the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport as a tool for economic development

Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources - A Vision of the Future:

Berkeley County will use a combination of enforced guidelines and regulations, as well as incentives for property owners and developers, to ensure the protection of the county’s most sensitive natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Goal: Conserve the character, quality and livability of Berkeley County by preserving its natural assets.

Objectives

Protect and restore groundwater and surface water resources in Berkeley County for continued use by residents and natural systems Provide residents and visitors with a variety of natural resources based recreational opportunities that are easily accessible Protect and improve surface waters and adjacent green spaces for recreation, tourism and scenic values Maintain and protect prime agricultural soils in Berkeley County Promote and protect Berkeley County’s natural environment for the benefit of all residents Provide and protect open space in the county

Goal: Enhance the quality of life through the conservation, promotion, and interpretation of cultural and historic resources.

Objectives

Conserve the features and sites, including historic buildings and cemeteries that define the historic and cultural character of Berkeley County Encourage sensitive community development in the vicinity of identified cultural and historic resources Increase the awareness and inter-relationships between Berkeley County’s history, its residents and the tourism economy Promote the arts, culture, and history throughout the county

21 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Public Outreach - The Community Survey

In January 2006, a community survey was conducted to validate current issues and concerns in Berkeley County. A total of 3,335 surveys were mailed to a 10 percent random sample of households in Berkeley County. The sample was selected from the County Assessors Office. Of these, 253 were returned to the county offices by the Post Office as “undeliverable”. Of the 3,082 that were delivered, the county received 606 completed surveys, which is a return rate of approximately 20 percent.

Based upon accepted statistical analyses, there is 95 percent certainty that the results based on this sample differ by no more than 4 percentage points in either direction from what would have been obtained by interviewing someone from each household in Berkeley County. The following provides a general summary of the results of the survey. Detailed survey results can be found in Appendix C. In summary, the survey yielded the following results:

Most residents (67%) agree to some extent that the quality of life in the county is very good, although less than 6% of respondents strongly agreed. More than 75% of respondents agreed to some extent that the location of new development, affordable housing, a lack of employment opportunities, protection of water resources, traffic congestion, the pace of new development and the cleanliness of the county were major issues. Based on the mean, or average, scores1, traffic congestion (1.6) and the pace of new development (1.8) rank as the top two issues. With regard to the types of housing that should be encouraged in Berkeley County, single family detached homes and retirement villages/assisted living facilities received strong support with average scores of 1.9 and 2.0 respectively. Multi-story apartments and the conversion of single family homes to apartments received little support from respondents, with scores of 3.6 and 4.1 respectively. More than half of respondents agreed to some extent that the availability of community services and utilities in the county are adequate with the exception of street and road maintenance, which had an average score of 3.6.

1 Average scores are based on the 1 to 6 scale used on the questionnaire, with 1 equaling “Strongly agree” and 6 equaling “Not sure”

22 June 2006 VALUES, VISIONS, AND GOALS

Each of the identified transportation related projects received very strong support, with between 80 and 95% of respondents agreeing that the county should pursue them. Based on average scores, priorities would be to “Reduce congestion in and around Martinsburg, Inwood, Hedgesville and Tablers Station”(1.4) and “provide transportation related services to the elderly and the handicapped (1.7). Citizens do not appear to be satisfied with County Government, particularly with regard to Planning and Zoning Regulations (3.9) and Building permits, codes enforcement and inspections (3.7). Although “cooperation with other governments received a high average score (3.8), this is largely due to the fact that 20% of respondents indicated they weren’t sure about this question. More than half of respondents agreed to some extent that the county needs a variety of recreational facilities. “Places to walk and hike” and “Bike trails/paths” received the strongest support with average scores of 2.1 and 2.2 respectively. “Neighborhood parks/playground facilities also received strong support, with an average score of 2.3. There is also agreement on the need for additional community and cultural activities in the county. Protected greenways along streams and scenic roads received the strongest support with an average score of 2.1.

23 June 2006

ACTION PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Chapter 5 – Action Plans and Implementation

Chapter 4 outlines a preferred vision of Berkeley County’s future. This chapter presents the action plans that correspond to the vision and related goals and objectives.

Action Plans answer the question “How can we change what we do today in order to become the community we want to be tomorrow?” They recommend policies for decision making and tasks for initiating change in the community. It is important to recognize that the action plans reflect a partnership of public and private entities working together to improve the quality of life in Berkeley County. Contributions of time, talent and financial resources will be needed to make this plan a reality. The Action Plans are organized as follows:

Growth Management Plan (Land Use) Housing Plan Transportation Plan Community Facilities Plan Economic Development Plan Natural Resources Plan Historic and Cultural Resources Plan

The Plans include recommendations regarding organizations that would be appropriate partners for implementation, potential funding sources and prioritization of the strategies.

Implementation is scheduled over the next fifteen years in the Recommended Implementation Schedule presented at the end of this chapter. A Ten Year Capital Improvements Program is also proposed.

PLANNING STRATEGIES AND POPULATION FORECASTS

Future needs in Berkeley County will depend largely on the size and composition of its population; therefore, reasonable population projections for the area are needed. There are a number of projections available for Berkeley County. This section reviews available projections and compares them with census data and statistics from the West Virginia Health Statistics Center in order to validate a projection for the Comprehensive Plan. A summary table is found at the end of the discussion.

25 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Available Projections

Berkeley County Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan - This plan was completed in April 2005 by the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority. It utilizes the population projections prepared for the 2003 West Virginia Solid Waste Management Plan, which indicate a total increase in population of approximately 22.7 percent by 2025. Population projections were obtained from the Regional Research Institute at West Virginia University and are computed “using birth and death rates from 1995, and average in-migration and out-migration rates from 1975 through 1995. Average migration rates are used. When migration fluctuates, average rates generally are a better indicator of long term migration rates than the rates from any single time period.”2

Berkeley County Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan - The Regional Research Institute also provided the projections for this plan. Two series were completed; however, 1998 data was the most recent available at the time they were completed and as a result, they are understated. In fact, the higher series indicated that the population would reach 93,900 by 2020. However, the Census Bureau estimates that there were already approximately 89,000 residents in 2004. Unfortunately, this is creating serious problems for the school system, as even the newest facilities are experiencing inadequate space for the current enrollments.

HEPMPO Long Range Transportation Study - The Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle MPO developed population projections as part of the Long Range Transportation Plan. Their projections were developed for 2030 and used a number of sources, including historical population changes, regional projections from Woods and Poole Economics, and county level data provided by Maryland Department of Planning and the Regional Research Institute at WVU. According to these projections, the county will have an additional 50,000 residents by 2030.

WV Health Statistics and Census Bureau - According to the West Virginia Health Statistics Center, Berkeley County has grown approximately 2.8% per year since 1970. Natural increase (births minus deaths) has accounted for between 20 and 22 percent of the total growth. The remaining 78 - 80 percent has been a result of net migration – more people moving in than out.

Census Bureau estimates indicate that since 2000, the county is growing even faster, over 4% per year. In addition, if one were to assume that in 2005, an average of 2.5 persons moved into the 2,075 new residential units approved in 2004, it would be an additional 5,187 residents in a single year, a 5.8 percent annual increase.

2 West Virginia Solid Waste Management Plan, 2003

26 June 2006 ACTION PLANS AND IMPLEMENTATION

Public Service Water District Countywide Facilities Management Plan - This plan was completed for the PSWD in August 2004. The Projected Annual Residential Growth rates used for this plan were as follows: 2003 – 2008: 6.51% average; 2009-2013: 4.74% average; 2014- 2025: 3.0%. These rates are the closest to the actual rates of growth in the county.

Conclusion

A review of available data indicates that Berkeley County is growing faster each year, with no signs of slowing. While most projections range as low as 1% per year to 3% per year, recent demographic and housing data suggests that even 3% may be low. However, with the implementation of the recommendations of this updated Comprehensive Plan, it is likely that a 3 to 4% annual increase could be maintained, therefore, the plan is assuming a 3.5% annual growth rate for purposes of estimating future needs in Berkeley County

Comparison of Population Projections Projected 2005 Projected Projected Source Annual Census 2010 2025 Increase Estimate HEPMPO Long Range Transportation Plan 0.022 93,394 105,722 115,995 Berkeley County Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan 0.0113 93,394 99,726 105,003 Berkeley County Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan 0.0118 93,394 100,006 105,517 PSWD Countywide Facilities Management Plan - 2003 - 2010 0.065 93,394 129,818 160,171 PSWD Countywide Facilities Management Plan Variable 93,394 129,874 177,992 Gannett Fleming 0.035 93,394 113,007 129,351 Continuation of Trend since 2000 0.04 93,394 115,809 134,487

.

27 June 2006

GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN

THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN

This plan establishes an overall direction for managing growth in Berkeley County. It focuses on the background for growth management, the growth management map, which outlines future land uses, and specific growth management planning strategies. The goal of growth Background management is to accommodate Berkeley County is a community in transition from a rural, agricultural orderly growth based community to a more suburban community. It is experiencing the and development growing pains of rapid development. The county is not alone. The entire while preserving Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and nearby counties in Virginia, the rural Maryland and Pennsylvania, have seen similar growth in residential and character of commercial development. In Berkeley County, growth has been Berkeley County. stimulated by many things including, land prices and mortgage rates, good transportation that provides access to jobs, a robust economy, and the attractiveness of the county’s rural character and natural environment.

However, growth pressures are impacting the quality of life in Berkeley County. During the public outreach efforts, managing growth to improve the quality of life in the county was a consistent message. Berkeley County has been especially vulnerable to the negative impacts of unmanaged growth because there are few growth management tools available to the planners and government leaders of Berkeley County.

During the The Growth Management Plan provides a general framework for visioning process managing growth by identifying areas appropriate for growth and those residents of that should be protected. If managed properly, growth will have positive Berkeley County benefits for current and future residents. This will require coordination with supported transportation improvements and the provision of public utilities, as well as policies that with sensitivity for the county’s natural resources. would manage growth, protect and preserve natural resources, create a Creating a Framework for Future Growth sustainable economy and Growth management develops a spatial framework for future develop a livable development in Berkeley County. It will be implemented through a variety community that of strategies that are further outlined later in the plan to achieve the land everyone can use goals and objectives outlined in Chapter 4. They are also consistent enjoy. with the direction provided by the Berkeley County Planning Advisory Committee (PAC).

As previously discussed, the PAC was established to provide oversight and direction to the comprehensive plan. Members played an active role in establishing focus areas for the comprehensive plan, especially growth management. These focus areas are listed below.

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Zoning based on water availability

High growth areas should be directed to areas currently served by water plus projected service areas for the next 15 years Low density growth areas would utilize on site well and septic systems. Density would be determined by the ability of groundwater systems to support development Overlay districts would be established to protect historic and archeological sites, sensitive stream bank areas, and water resources

Provide critical infrastructure planning and protection “A major objective of the Growth Promote growth management strategies that provide for the Management Strategy protection, coordination and implementation of critical in this plan is to infrastructure such as water, wastewater, energy, communication protect our and transportation groundwater and Plan and preserve corridors for communications, wastewater, water surface water supply and transportation infrastructure. resources through the careful coordination Provide for riparian buffers of growth management with the Growth management implementation tools availability of public water infrastructure” Establish land use controls (zoning/subdivision and land development) Designate land uses in the County Bill Stubblefield, Chair, Planning Advisory Provide consistent definitions for county land uses Committee Provide acceptable development standards

Parks and Recreation

Identify and provide for active and passive recreational/open space opportunities that will enhance the quality of life in Berkeley County

Annexation and Eminent Domain

Provide for coordination of growth management policies with proposed boundary changes to avoid changes in future growth management strategies and visions

Identify and Revitalize Brownfield’s

Provide guidance for redeveloping and revitalizing brownfield areas as a means of preserving “greenfield” areas Provide for mixed uses opportunities

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THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT MAP

The Growth Management Map focuses on the future use of land throughout Berkeley County. It depicts the key land use concepts outlined in this plan. The purpose of the map is to ensure compatibility between existing and future development in the county. It also provides the necessary flexibility to allow initiatives and innovation to flourish.

The Growth Management Map divides the county into various categories that reflect current land uses, as well as the underlying policies of this Comprehensive Plan. The foundation for the growth management categories in Berkeley County is the availability of water. Areas where public water facilities are in place or are planned over the next 15 years have been designated to accommodate growth in the county.

Growth Management Land Use Categories

The future land use categories shown on the Growth Management Map are described in the following sections. They include Town Centers, Growth Areas, Rural/Low Density Residential Areas, Natural Resource Protection Areas, and Planned Community. The categories are derived from the traditional patterns of development in Berkeley County in order to organize development and investment in a way that compliments those patterns, provides for sufficient land to meet future needs and builds upon the future expansion of public services throughout the county. The availability of public water will be the main “driving force” that will stimulate new, higher density development activity in the county. Low density and rural development is targeted for those areas that fall outside of the water service areas.

Growth Areas

Growth areas of the Berkeley County are those areas that are appropriate for future development and contain enough land to accommodate future needs through either new development or revitalization. Growth areas should be provided with public infrastructure services, especially public water service.

Town Center/Urban Core (Martinsburg and Hedgesville)

The Town Center/Urban Core land use category includes the City of Martinsburg and the Town of Hedgesville. Martinsburg is designated as the primary Town Center/Urban Core area. From a traditional market and transportation center, it has grown into the governmental, education and service center of Berkeley County. It continues to grow through annexation, with the most recent being the acquisition of land west of I-

31 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

81, also known as the “West Side”. Martinsburg is characterized by a mix of higher density housing and neighborhoods, retail establishments and business services. The county’s offices are located in the city, as are many educational opportunities. There is a wide variety of housing types in a wide range of price ranges. Health services, the Berkeley County Historical Society and a variety of arts and cultural activities are also found in Martinsburg. Continued revitalization of Martinsburg is vital to the future health and well being of the entire county. These are all typical land uses found in a Town Center/Urban Core area.

Industrial Investment Centers

The Industrial Investment Centers category focuses on the need to identify areas best suited for industrial development in Berkeley County. It includes both existing areas devoted to industrial development, as well as new areas that provide for the expansion of existing and the relocation of new businesses. A primary goal of this category is to coordinate the proposed development of new areas with new infrastructure investment to ensure a seamless interface between the county’s economic development initiatives and the ability to provide shovel ready sites for any business desiring to expand into the County. These areas include: Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, Tabler Station Business Park, Falling Waters Industrial Center, Spring Mills Business Park, Cumbo Yard Industrial Park, the Exit 20 area, and the Liberty Business Park. In addition, several areas with good rail and highway access have been targeted for future industrial investment. Appropriate uses in the Industrial Investment Centers would include: light industrial, heavy industrial, commercial, office parks, and warehousing.

Growth Areas

This category comprises a large part of Berkeley County. These areas are characterized by family housing on smaller lots. Housing is mostly single family detached but there are also town homes, garden style apartments, and other styles of higher density housing. These areas are or will be served by public water and either public sewer service or public sewer maintained systems. They are automobile-oriented communities with some amenities, such as sidewalks and recreational facilities. It is important to recognize that these areas are where most of the County’s population growth has occurred. They will continue to support substantial growth, as there are an enormous number of subdivision plans that have been approved, as well as plans for the expansion of water supplies.

However, this Future Land Use plan has placed boundaries around these areas based upon the availability of supporting public water facilities. Available areas should be able to accommodate population estimates for the county for many years to come, while concentrating infrastructure investment into these areas. Appropriate land uses in the Growth Areas include: single family homes, multifamily homes, institutional uses, recreational uses and neighborhood commercial development.

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Planned Community

A planned community provides for a mix of residential housing and commercial. It is based upon a master plan that guides the location and mix of development. A planned community will often provide its own infrastructure for water, wastewater and transportation. The designation on the Growth Management Map is for “The Woods”, which is a planned resort, conference center, golf and recreation community.

Rural Areas

Designated rural areas are intended to be protected and to contribute substantially to the quality of life in Berkeley County. They offer an alternative experience to those lands set aside for the growth areas

Rural/Low Density Residential Areas

The Rural/Low Density Residential Areas of Berkeley County are made up of traditional family farm operations, commercial agricultural operations, open spaces, forests, low density residential areas, and natural resource production operations. The purpose of this area is to delineate those portions of the county where a rural living environment is the desired and most appropriate use. It also delineates those areas that will not be served by public water or sewer but will instead rely upon on-lot or small community systems. The Rural/Low Density Residential Areas designation will help preserve the county’s existing agricultural community and resources and also meet the needs and desires of Berkeley County residents to continue a rural tradition in many parts of Berkeley County. Proposed land uses in the rural residential areas would include: large lot single family detached housing; recreation; agricultural operations; and natural resource production.

Natural Resource Protection Areas

The purpose of this land use category is to identify unique landscapes and environmental resources, as well as to identify areas posing severe constraints on land development. These areas include steep slopes areas, flood plains, wetlands, surface waters, woodlands, park lands and other public lands.

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ACTION STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH MANAGEMENT

This section of the Growth Management Plan outlines the strategies and tools recommended to meet the guidance provided in the Growth Management Map. The Action Strategies include a variety of planning initiatives that promote growth in designated areas and the preservation the rural areas of the County.

Goal for Growth Management: Accommodate orderly growth and development while preserving the rural character of Berkeley County.

Desired Outcomes:

Implement effective land use controls and regulations to manage the impacts of growth Ensure that land use is consistent with available groundwater Establish a county wide system of growth areas to direct growth and preserve rural resources Encourage residential, commercial and industrial growth to locate in growth areas Provide for alternative land use preservation measures Integrate new development with traditional patterns of growth

Plan Future Land Use based on Water Availability

Throughout the development of this comprehensive plan there has been widespread community support for stronger growth management and land use controls in Berkeley County. The development and implementation of an effective zoning ordinance will provide the Berkeley County Planning Commission and the Berkeley County Commission with a necessary tool to achieve the goals for growth management and target areas for development that can be supported by the necessary infrastructure.

Much of the development that has occurred in Berkeley County has been stimulated by the ready availability of public water. The Public Service Water District has plans to continue to expand public water service in Berkeley County. Areas that will be provided with public water service over the next 15 years have been identified. (See the Community Facilities and Services Plan) This water service distribution network has been driven by the sensitivity of the groundwater in Berkeley County. Groundwater in the limestone (karst) terrain of Berkeley County is highly sensitive ground water extraction from individual wells. Expansion of the public system will help to protect this essential resource.

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Land use based upon water availability will allow for higher densities in those areas that will have public water. Also these areas will be expected to support much of the commercial and industrial development that will occur in the county.

Areas that will not be serviced by public water will require on site development of wells and on lot septic systems and will have lower densities. These will be determined by the ability of groundwater supply to support individual well systems.

Prepare and adopt a county wide zoning ordinance

Berkeley County should proceed to develop and adopt a county wide zoning ordinance for Berkeley County as provided by the requirements of Chapter 8A of the West Virginia Code. This ordinance should be based upon the plans and strategies outlined in this comprehensive plan, most notably the ability of existing and planned water resources to support existing and future development.

The ordinance should accommodate and encourage growth where it will be supported by public infrastructure investment and protect other areas of sensitive and valued natural resources. The zoning ordinance should promote the development of a wide range of uses within each zoning district, yet still be compatible with existing development patterns throughout the region.

Develop supporting groundwater studies

Groundwater is a very sensitive resource in Berkeley County. Much of the County is underlain by limestone (karst) geology. The quality and quantity of groundwater in these areas is highly sensitive to man made development impacts, including storm water runoff and groundwater well development. The zoning ordinance needs to be sensitive to groundwater resources in the county and will require the most current and accurate data to support its implementation.

Develop a proactive and aggressive land use policy education program

During the comprehensive planning process it was clear there is a need for public education about the need for land use controls and their true impact on the county and on private property. There is always a significant amount of confusion about the things land use controls can and cannot control. In order to develop and implement effective land use controls in the county it is imperative that educational and public

35 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN forums be organized and conducted. The program needs to be centered on the facts of zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances so that adoption of effective land use controls is not hindered, which could negatively impact the future of the Berkeley County community.

EFFECTIVE LAND USE IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS

The following land use tools will be an important part of effective growth management in Berkeley County and should be considered in the implementation of the Growth Management Plan.

Update subdivision and land development regulations

Berkeley County currently has a subdivision and land development ordinance as provided for in Chapter 8A of the West Virginia Code. This ordinance governs the subdivision of land and how development will occur on that land. It can also provide specific guidelines for the construction of streets, storm water management facilities, the placement of utilities, and the location of parks and open space. Berkeley County has been working on amendments to the current subdivision and land development ordinance to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community. Updating of the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance will encourage more effective and innovative land development techniques that will benefit the entire county.

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)

The primary goal of the traditional neighborhood development concept is to recreate small town character in new developments. It is a smart growth technique that takes themes from our past development practices and applies them to today’s development. TND creates a diversified community that incorporates mixed uses in a pedestrian oriented design. Public spaces, narrow streets and architectural codes can all be part of this innovative land design concept. It would be provided for in the zoning ordinance and further encouraged in the provisions of the subdivision and land development ordinance. TND can be used in new development, as well as in the redevelopment of older communities. It has become increasingly popular throughout the United States and many developers are embracing this concept as a smart and economically successful tool to develop land and revitalize communities.

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Planned Residential Development (PRD) –

This well used development tool permits innovative, well planned development. PRD’s provide for a diversity of housing types, while creating common open space areas at the same time. Nonresidential uses may also be permitted in a PRD. PRD also allows for innovative housing designs that blend a variety of housing and other types of development. It would be implemented though the adoption of a zoning ordinance.

Overlay districts -

An overlay district means that, due to some special characteristic(s), more than one zoning district regulates the type of development that might occur in a specific area. The underlying district designates the basic zoning controls, while the overlay district usually provides more restrictive or innovative development regulations. Of course, zoning must be in place in order for the overlay to work. If zoning is adopted in Berkeley County there would be innumerable applications, including, but not limited to the protection of historic places and structures; heritage areas; riparian buffers and flood plains; water supply and source water protection areas; storm water management areas, flood control protection and areas for mass transit facilities.

Agricultural land preservation –

Agricultural land preservation is a popular topic in many communities including Berkeley County. There are many tools available to preserve agricultural land, including the purchase of agricultural land easements from farmers by a governmental entity or private land trust. The public or private entity pays for the development rights of the land and a conservation easement is established, which allows the farmer to gain the financial value of the land and then to continue farming the land without threat of future development. The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board currently performs this function in the county. It is an effective method to preserve farmland but is restricted by limited public funds available to purchase conservation easements.

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Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) –

The Transfer of Development Rights is a zoning tool that preserves land for agricultural opportunities. Growth is directed to a preferred location within the county through the sale and purchase of development rights. Development rights are established for a given piece of land and can be separated from the title to that property. These rights are then transferred in fee simple to another location where development is preferred. The sale of TDRs leaves the land owner in possession of title to the land and the right to use the land for farming, open space or related purpose. They are an effective and renewable method of preserving farmland and open space, while at the same time transferring the development rights to an area where higher density development is planned. Transfer of Development Rights is provided for in Chapter 7-1 of the West Virginia Code. They can be implemented in growth counties as defined by the code and are authorized only in counties where there is county-wide zoning. A referendum to adopt transfer of development rights must be placed before the voters of the county.

Preventing neighborhood deterioration –

Communities often overlook the preservation an improvement of their existing neighborhoods. While property maintenance is the job of each individual property owner, some properties for a variety of reason deteriorate and detract from the neighborhood community. Blighted properties can severely discourage new investment in a neighborhood.

Town Centers- Martinsburg and Hedgesville

The Town Centers/Urban Cores of Martinsburg and Hedgesville should be revitalized for the purpose of attracting appropriate commercial services and investment. The following are recommended tools that can be used for revitalization.

Redevelopment planning and implementation programs – Establish planning and implementation programs that focus on redevelopment and improvement. Merchants groups, property owners and the municipality would work together to plan and implement redevelopment programs such as street and pedestrian improvements, streetscape improvements, facade treatments, and similar improvements meant to create a theme and provide visual improvement to the City.

Linking mobility and access with development patterns and design - Provide for movement of goods and services, while at the same time

38 June 2006 GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN providing safe and convenient access to the downtown areas. Access management tools should be used to provide coordinated access, along with protected crosswalk areas and traffic calming principles. Also provide for adequate off street parking.

Promote pedestrian access – Make the Martinsburg area safe for pedestrians. Provide well marked and safe crosswalk areas, improve sidewalk systems, institute good streetscapes that beautify and also provide well marked pedestrian ways that link to parking areas. Use traffic calming principles to slow down vehicular traffic in areas where they are in contact with pedestrians. The zoning and the subdivision and land development ordinances should be used to foster these improvements.

Infill with new buildings that are sensitive to their surroundings – Provide design guidelines for new buildings that will enhance community themes downtown. Also provide guidance in the zoning ordinance for these areas to manage the height, bulk and setback of properties.

Promote mixed use development to create livelier communities – Encourage the mixed uses and traditional neighborhood development principles to guide redevelopment to Martinsburg. While these centers need to function as business and cultural centers, they also need to provide opportunities for alternative housing, dining, and niche retail businesses.

Provide zoning/subdivision and land development ordinances that allow for traditional neighborhood character – Prepare provisions in both ordinances that will facilitate the development/redevelopment of Martinsburg and Hedgesville.

Brownfield/land recycling – Berkeley County, the City of Martinsburg and Hedgesville should establish a core group of planning and land recycling experts to facilitate the redevelopment of former industrial and commercial sites in the county. These sites should be identified and prioritized, with the top sites selected for more detailed planning and analysis to successfully redevelop these sites.

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Rural Planning Strategies

Maintaining rural areas in Berkeley County is one of the major objectives of this Growth Management Plan. Throughout the planning process, there was general consensus that the comprehensive plan should develop strategies to preserve rural areas in the County. Many Berkeley County residents either remain in the county or were attracted here because of its rural amenities. Their loss would significantly reduce the overall quality of life in Berkeley County.

Many of the action strategies in this growth management are meant to place development in designated areas and protect rural areas of the County from further encroachment. It is important to sustain the county’s rural communities by maintaining the integrity of its rural resources.

The Growth Management Map designates Rural/Low Density Residential Areas and Natural Resource Areas. They are the areas that have been targeted for preservation and limited growth.

Use of village centers - Direct growth and development to village centers in the rural areas. These centers are not intended to stimulate growth but rather to capture growth that might occur and service the local areas. This type of development should have the highest priority in the County’s rural areas.

Scale of development - Limit the scale of development that it relates to the rural community.

Public and institutional uses - Direct public and institutional uses to the designated growth areas in the county. This would include public agencies, private institutions, and large educational facilities such as high schools, which would strongly influence the rural community.

Rural businesses – Provide for existing rural businesses through either infill or on-site expansion.

Rural neighborhoods – Focus future residential development in areas where it currently exists on subdivided land or those adjacent to subdivided land. In addition, development should be at densities consistent with the surrounding area and supportable by on lot water and wastewater systems.

Farmland preservation – The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board should continue to acquire agricultural easements from farmers in the rural areas of the County.

Create an agricultural development strategy – Examples of strategies that might be developed could include: developing agritourism; identifying

40 June 2006 GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN emerging markets for farm products; expanding horticultural, equine, nursery and greenhouse industries to take advantage new residents interests in the “country”; explore new niche markets in agriculture such as cheese, organics or hydroponics; improve rural roads; provide technical assistance and training; and provide for the management of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs).

Annexation

Annexation has been frequently used in West Virginia by municipalities who wish to extend public services to growing unincorporated areas adjacent to their municipal boundaries. In Berkeley County the City of Martinsburg has acquired a substantial portion of unincorporated land to the west of I-81 know as the West Side.

The growth management plan urges that future annexations be well coordinated between the municipalities and the County to insure their consistency with the growth management strategies in both this and the City’s comprehensive plan. These would include:

Coordination with identified growth areas Consistency with infrastructure expansion including water, sewer and transportation. Consistency of adjacent zoning district and land uses Consistency of subdivision and land development standards such as roads, lot sizes, storm water, and pedestrian facilities

Implementation –

The ability to implement the growth management plan will depend largely on the ability and steadfastness of the county to follow through on the action strategies. However, the county cannot accomplish these strategies alone. They will require building partnerships and coalitions with other public and private entities to meet the goals and objectives of this growth management plan. The following actions will need to be undertaken to ensure good implementation.

Education and Outreach – The main obstacle to good planning in communities is the lack of knowledge and misconstrued facts and ideas. These can be dispelled through an ongoing program of education and outreach. Successful implementation requires public officials, property

41 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN owners, developers and the general public to “buy into” good planning principles. The growth management plan proposes an education and outreach program for adopting the proposed county wide zoning ordinance. However, a regular program that works with the public and stakeholders to continually review the plan and make revisions to reflect changing conditions and public input. Some of the activities that can be used might include:

Ongoing workshops on timely issues and topics Involving others, public and private sector, as part of the coalition building Utilize the media effectively to get the word out about current activities and actions Dedicate a part of the County’s website to comprehensive plan strategy topics and initiatives Prepare and distribute a Berkeley County Planning Commission newsletter that provides timely information on current topics, initiatives and implementation of the comprehensive plan

Capacity building – staff – The successful implementation of the comprehensive plan will create new expectations for the staff of the Berkeley County Planning Commission. The County needs to assure there is sufficient staff capability to implement the plan. In addition, the Planning Commission should create partnerships with other public and private organizations to assist with implementing the strategies in the plan. Important steps would be to hire specialists to address the special needs of the plan such as zoning, subdivision and land development, and town center revitalization, rural preservation, funding resources, grants preparation and comprehensive plan maintenance

Build partnerships and coalitions – This plan recognizes that Berkeley County cannot undertake or implement all of the initiatives in this plan. However, the action strategies in this plan provide the opportunity to build better partnerships and coalitions to work together to improve the Berkeley County community. These organizations can include but not be limited to:

Municipalities Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board West Virginia Department of Highways Berkeley County Public Service Water District Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District Berkeley County Historical Society

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West Virginia Development Office Berkeley County Development Authority Berkeley County Fire Service Board Local Realtors Land Developers West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Berkeley County School District Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board Surrounding counties in West Virginia/Virginia and Maryland Academic Partners – West Virginia University and Shepard University

Conclusion

Unfettered growth has been the norm in Berkley County over the past 15 years as the County has experienced unprecedented growth. If the current trends of scattered development continue in Berkeley County the goals and objectives stated in this Growth Management Plan will be at risk. The Growth Management Plan provides numerous action strategies and tools for managing growth in the County. The goal of good growth management is to direct growth to areas that are consistent with the county’s ability to service and absorb that growth.

Implementation of the growth management action strategies presented in this chapter is necessary to accommodate future growth where it is designated and to reduce growth and preserve other areas of the County. It is important for each of the partners identified in this plan to work together and to move quickly on implementing the action strategies and growth management tools outlined in this growth management plan. The County and its’ partners will need to organize to promptly implement the plan and monitor the success of plan implementation.

43 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Growth Management Plan – Lead Priority Partners Funding Sources Action Strategies Organization Berkeley County Plan future land uses based on water availability High Public Service Water District County and PSWD Planning Commission Berkeley County Planning Develop supporting groundwater studies High USGS Commission, Public Service USGS. County, PSWD Water District County Commission, City of Prepare and adopt a county-wide zoning Berkeley County Martinsburg, Zoning Advisory ordinance that provides for overlay districts and High County Planning Commission Committee, the Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) Builders/Developers Develop a proactive and aggressive land use policy education program that would include Berkeley County Berkeley County High County ongoing workshops, media coverage, a Planning Commission Commissioners permanent website, and a regular newsletter. Berkeley County Update subdivision and land development Berkeley County High Commissioners; County regulations Planning Commission Builders/Developers Revitalize Town Centers by supporting redevelopment programs, promoting pedestrian County, City, CDBG, Berkeley County City of Martinsburg, Town of access, encouraging infill development and land Med Private Development Planning Commission Hedgesville recycling, and the promotion of mixed uses, Community including housing.

Continue to develop the county's planning staff to ensure sufficient capacity to implement the Berkeley County Berkeley County Planning plan, including specialists for zoning, rural Ongoing County Commissioners Commission preservation, grant applications, and other tasks. Continue to build public and private partnerships Berkeley County Berkeley County Planning Ongoing N/A and coalitions to implement the plan. Commissioners Commission

44 June 2006 2 HOUSING PLAN

THE HOUSING PLAN

Current Housing Characteristics

Housing Stock

During the period from 1980 to 2000, Berkeley County’s housing stock grew by a whopping 14,341 housing units or 77 per cent. This was by far the biggest increase in the three-state area surrounding the county. Since 2000, an additional 6,500 building lots have been approved and between 2000 and 2004, residential building permits for over 7,500 building units have been issued. The increase in housing activity has been unrelenting as Berkeley County continues to be a popular location for new residential development.

Most existing and new housing in Berkeley County is single family. The 2000 Census data indicate that 63 per cent of all housing in the County was single family detached. Building permits issued since 2000 by the County have also been overwhelmingly for single family detached housing. Mobile homes are the second largest component of the housing stock, accounting for 19 per cent of the total in 2000. During the 2000 -2004 period, the county issued 1,550 building permits for mobile homes. Mobile homes continue to provide affordable housing to residents of Berkeley County.

Multi-family and town homes account for the remaining 18 per cent of the housing stock in 2000. Since 2000 this type of housing has accounted for just over 500 of the building permits issued by the County

Age of Housing

Much of the housing stock in Year Structure Built in Berkeley County Berkeley County is relatively Source: U.S. Census Bureau new. Roughly one third of all new housing units in the 1939 or earlier County were built between 1990-2000 15% 1990 and 2000, with 74 30% percent of the county’s 1940-1969 16% housing stock less than 30 years old. Much of the older housing is located in the City 1980-1989 1970-1979 of Martinsburg and the other 22% 17% towns and villages throughout the county.

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Cost of Housing

Since 2000, housing costs in Berkeley County have increased sharply. The average selling price of a home has increased from $127,000 in 2002 to a 2003/2006 range of $210,000 – $240,000. Much of this is due to higher priced housing being built in the county; however, the county is also experiencing an escalation in housing costs that is occurring in many housing markets around the United States. Also, land costs have risen sharply in the county. According to realtors in Berkeley County, the steeply rising prices in housing are already driving those seeking new housing to other lower cost areas, such as the nearby counties of Adams and Franklin in Pennsylvania where land and building costs have traditionally been lower. However, Berkeley County remains a good value area for new and existing housing when compared to other counties in Maryland, Virginia and in neighboring Jefferson County in West Virginia. With the number of subdivided lots approved and reasonable housing costs, it is expected that new housing construction in Berkeley County will continue unabated for the foreseeable future.

Future Housing Needs

The following table provides an illustration of the future housing that will be needed to accommodate the projected population for Berkeley County. This table indicates that at the current (2000 Census) level of persons per housing unit, Berkeley County will require an additional 24,084 units to meet projected demand. Much of this housing has already been built during the County’s building boom that has occurred over the past five years -2000 to 2005. However, this table illustrates the amount of housing that will need to be built in order to accommodate the projected population growth in the county. Of course housing starts could be impacted by high mortgage rates, increasing land values and increased housing costs. Also what is not known is the mix of housing that will be required. As the action plans for housing emphasize housing choices for different types of housing must be available to the current and future residents of Berkeley County.

2000 Projections 2000 – 2008 2008 – 2013 2013 - 2023 Census 2008 2013 2023 No. % No. % No. % Population 75,905 96,603 111,161 136,837 20,678 27.2 14,558 15.0 25,678 25.0 Housing Unit @ 2.53 Persons per Housing 32,917 41,098 46,852 57,001 8,181 24.8 5,754 14.0 10,149 21.6 Unit

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ACTION STRATEGIES FOR HOUSING

Goal for Housing in Berkeley County: Improve the quality and diversity of housing opportunities for resident across Berkeley County.

Objectives

Improve the quality of the county’s existing housing stock to encourage continued use and re-use in order to preserve the character and quality of residential neighborhoods Improve the diversity of housing opportunities Assess the need and provide for residential opportunities for senior citizens Provide affordable housing Create new housing developments that maximize open space and protect environmentally sensitive features such as sinkholes and surface waters

The vision for housing in Berkeley County, as stated in the above goals and objectives, is to provide an adequate supply of housing that will give current and future residents of the county choices in housing type, location and value. The Growth Management Plan designates areas of the county where future growth should be directed. New housing developments should incorporate the latest innovations in good land planning, such as locating new housing near service and employment centers. Berkeley County’s Subdivision and Land Development ordinance and the proposed zoning ordinance should provide builders and developers with tools to incorporate innovative land development practices into their subdivisions.

Growth Management Housing Strategies

Growth management and zoning tools provided in the Growth Management Plan will help to guide growth and development patterns in the County. They can also help to expand the housing supply, encourage diversity in the types of housing, and increase choices for affordable housing. Strategies to achieve these housing incentives and to encourage innovative housing development would include:

Land use regulations and incentives – Provide regulations and incentives that will allow developers to use innovative development techniques to provide diverse housing opportunities. These would include: mixed use housing opportunities; use of transfer of development rights to increase

47 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN housing densities; allowing for adaptive reuse of properties in existing developed areas; permitting no-impact home based businesses.

Housing for seniors – Additional housing opportunities will need to be provided for the county’s senior community. As the population ages there will be increased demand for this type of housing, not only in Berkeley County, but throughout the three-state region. The proposed zoning ordinance and the amended subdivision and land development ordinance should ensure that barriers are removed from the regulations to allow for the development of senior oriented housing.

Improve the process for subdivision and land development review – Update the subdivision and land development ordinance to improve standards and streamline the current application and approval processes.

Housing Revitalization Strategies

Despite the fact that much of the housing stock in Berkeley County has been built over the past 20 years, attention should also be given to revitalizing older neighborhoods. These neighborhoods can be revitalized through reinvestment and the rehabilitation of older buildings, particularly underutilized and vacant buildings, making them assets for the communities.

Mixed use development – Encourage opportunities for mixed use development in older neighborhoods that includes high density housing in settings with commercial and service centers. Most of these opportunities will occur in and around Martinsburg, but there are also other opportunities in Hedgesville, Inwood, Falling Waters and Gerrardstown.

Infill development – Promote infill development of new housing, which will act as an incentive for improvements of adjacent neighborhoods.

Reinvestment – Direct public and private reinvestment of funds and resources into neighborhoods to spark revitalization.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) – Utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to stimulate the reuse of vacant and underutilized buildings.

State and Federal Programs – Leverage appropriate state and federal funding sources related to community and economic development to stimulate revitalization efforts.

48 June 2006 HOUSING PLAN

Neighborhood Preservation Strategies

Preservation of existing neighborhoods is an on-going process. Initiatives need to be undertaken to preserve historic areas as well as other areas which are assets to the community. The following are strategies and tools that can be utilized to preserve and improve neighborhoods in Berkeley County.

Property maintenance codes – Establish and enforce realistic property maintenance codes in the county and the municipalities.

Historic building restoration and rehabilitation – Seek out funding programs that will support the rehabilitation of historic buildings and develop programs to train a core of craftsmen and contractors in historic building restoration and rehabilitation

Streetscape improvements – Incorporate streetscape improvements that provide traffic calming techniques, provide for adequate parking for residents and visitors, allow for safe movement of pedestrians and improve the aesthetics of the street with street trees, sidewalks and curbing.

Parks, walkways and open space – Encourage the development and redevelopment of parks, walkways and open spaces that will connect neighborhoods to each other and to commercial centers.

Education and Outreach – The County or one of its partner’s should develop an educational program for residents. Sensitive historic property modernization, alternative methods and materials, and money saving measures such as insulating, replacing windows, and upgrading heating and cooling systems would be appropriate topics. This initiative could take the form of public service announcements or an event such as a “building expo” that would include demonstrations by professionals.

Affordable Housing Strategies for Berkeley County

As land and housing costs continue to escalate in Berkeley County it is important to consider the overall affordability of housing that is available in the County. There are a number of strategies that should be considered to improve the availability of affordable housing units in Berkeley County.

Smart Growth Techniques Adopt – Incorporate into the proposed Zoning Ordinance and the revised Subdivision Regulations smart growth techniques that provide regulations and incentives for development that will encourage affordability. These would include: designated growth areas; higher density target areas; providing for transit oriented development; increasing building heights; providing minimum lots sizes in support of higher densities; allowing for mixed use development, adaptive

49 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN reuse ordinances; and design tools and incentives to help shape the character of neighborhoods.

Revitalization – Promote urban infill, redevelopment and higher density development in the City of Martinsburg and in the areas of Berkeley County advance to the City.

Create Inclusionary Housing Tools – These tools would be created to target affordable housing to below market and moderate income households. Create a minimum per cent for inclusionary housing; encourage the use of smart growth techniques as outlined above to incorporate inclusionary housing practices; and review and update the proposed Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations to reflect demographic changes in Berkeley County;

Develop Innovative Housing Styles – Work with builders and developer to create innovative housing styles; encourage private builders and not-for- profit builders to develop innovative housing styles; and develop incentives such as higher densities to encourage the use development of affordable housing.

Affordable Housing Programs – Expand relationships with mortgage providers such as Fannie Mae to provide additional homeownership opportunities; inventory and map public lands and buildings that may be available for residential uses; create a housing trust or foundation to funnel private funds for affordable housing; and conduct an annual housing summit that develops ideas for partnerships, funding, design and construction of affordable housing.

Housing Choices Strategies

Housing choices can be expanded through a variety of land use tools that will increase housing diversity, choices and affordability.

Utilize the Zoning Ordinance - Develop a zoning ordinance for Berkeley County that provides for inclusionary housing opportunities, such as a minimum percentage of affordable housing within a new development. Also include higher density or mixed use areas to accommodate affordable housing units

Work with builders and developers – Work with the building and development community and encourage them partner with not-for-profit housing providers in order to incorporate inclusionary housing seamlessly into innovative housing development designs.

Expand Financial Programs – Increase available resources to assist low and moderate income families with finding and financing adequate

50 June 2006 HOUSING PLAN housing. Programs to assist with first time home buyers should be expanded and publicized to the community.

Promote Education and Outreach – The County should conduct a series of educational seminars to orient local developers, realtors and public officials on the benefits of sustainable land development and the provision of affordable housing and land use regulations.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

The focus of the Housing Plan is creating choices: choices for types of housing, choices for locations of housing, and choices for cost of housing. The Housing Plan also provides strategies for those who choose to improve their current neighborhoods or move into mature neighborhoods. This section recommends more specific actions to implement the Housing Plan.

Convene a Housing Choices Committee

This committee would oversee the implementation of the housing recommendations. Without this type of committee and their ability to focus on housing policies and programs, the creation of housing choices for all residents of Berkeley County may not be given the attention it deserves. The committee would include a mix of representatives from the public and private sectors who have expertise in housing and a strong interest in good housing policy for Berkeley County.

Collect data and share information about available programs and funding sources

An important role in effective housing policy is staying on top of the data. Data on housing starts, mortgage rates, housing costs, housing markets, rental rates, vacancies and others data are usually captured from diverse sources and disseminated by equally diverse methods. This information is usually not widely distributed nor is it available for policy decision making. The Housing Choice Committee suggested above should determine the types of information that need to be collected and updated on a regular basis. Assignments should then be made to the various partners to collect, update and share this data on a regular basis.

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Coordinate housing decisions with decisions related to other planning initiatives, including the Growth Management Plan and the Transportation Plan

Housing choices require consistency with growth management and transportation planning policies in Berkeley County. This Housing Plan has made a wide range of housing policy recommendations that if implemented will have an impact on growth management. Also housing revitalization and preservation polices promoted in the Housing Plan need to be consistent with the planning needs of the urban core, towns and villages in the County. The Berkeley County Planning Commission is best suited to ensure that housing and growth management decisions are consistent through the use of the subdivision and land development process. Also, a county wide zoning ordinance will also be an important tool to assist with stimulating housing choices and consistency.

Develop innovative housing types

The County should work with the Housing Choice Committee, builders, developers, architects and others in the design community to develop incentive programs and awards for the development of innovative, affordable and diverse housing choices in the county.

Monitor implementation

During the implementation of the Housing Plan it is important to monitor the outcomes to determine if changes are consistent with both the Growth Management Plan and the Housing Plan. Monitored results can determine areas that require attention by the housing partners.

Conclusion

The Housing Plan provides for creating housing choices in Berkeley County. The strategies in this plan are focused around providing leadership and cooperation among the various housing partners in Berkley County, using public education and awareness to raise understanding of housing issues in the county, and providing land use tools and other programs to facilitate the development of housing choices.

52 June 2006 2006 HOUSING PLAN

Housing Plan - Proposed Strategies Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources

Provide regulations and incentives that Berkeley County County, City, CDBG, will encourage developers to provide Berkeley County Planning Commissioners; Development Private Development more diversity and innovation in the High Commission Community; Housing Choices Community, and non- housing market, and streamlined Committee; City of Martinsburg profit organizations reviews. Berkeley County Planning Convene a Housing Choices Committee Commission; Homeowners to oversee the implementation of the Associations, neighborhood housing plan's recommendations, Berkeley County High groups, local business owners; collect and share relevant housing and Commissioners City of Martinsburg, Eastern funding data, and monitor Panhandle Home Builders implementation of the plan. Association n/a Encourage reinvestment and Development Community; rehabilitation of under utilized and Housing Choices Med financial institutions, realtors; County, City, Banking vacant buildings to stimulate Committee City of Martinsburg Community, private neighborhood revitalization developers Berkeley County Use a combination of tools to preserve Commissioners, Homeowners existing neighborhoods, including Berkeley County Planning Med Associations, neighborhood property maintenance codes and Commission groups, local business owners; streetscape improvements City of Martinsburg County and City Berkeley County Planning Provide programs, regulations and Commission, Berkeley County County, City, incentives that will encourage both the Berkeley County Planning Commission, City of Banking/Mortgage public and private sectors to support High Commission Martinsburg, bankers/mortgage providers, federal and and develop affordable housing for the providers, Fannie Mae, home state grants, private residents of Berkeley County builders associations. developers Banks and other lending Expand financial assistance programs institutions; City of Martinsburg; for first time home buyers and low to Housing Choices Med Berkeley County Banking community ; moderate income families searching for Committee Commissioners; Development State of West Virginia, affordable housing. Community; County, City

53 June 2006

TRANSPORTATION PLAN

THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Perhaps the most noticeable impact of the county’s rapid growth has been traffic congestion. While population and housing have grown substantially in Berkeley County over the past 15 years, improvements in the county’s transportation system, particularly the road network, have not kept pace. In addition to congested conditions, many of the local roads are not designed to handle current volumes and are physically deteriorating. Residents are increasingly frustrated about the situation, as the private automobile is by far the most dominant mode of travel. Over 95 percent of residents use the automobile to travel to work and for other uses. There are a number of constraints that limit the county’s ability to improve the transportation system.

First, the West Virginia Department of Transportation owns and maintains virtually all of the roads in Berkeley County, which means that improvements must be programmed, funded and implemented at the state level through an established process. Second, there are no specific requirements within the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance to assess and mitigate the traffic impacts of new development. Finally, the entire Eastern Panhandle is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. Efforts to protect these resources have caused lengthy delays on highway project development, particularly the needed improvements to WV 9.

The Transportation Plan focuses on improving the county’s ability to facilitate improvements to the transportation system. It supports the growth management plan through the identification of a multi-modal network that will provide choices to residents, while connecting the county’s town and village centers together, as well as to the region at large. The plan also considers current funding constraints and proposes strategies to work more efficiently within the existing framework for identifying, programming, funding and completing needed improvements.

Action Strategies for Transportation

Goal for Transportation in Berkeley County: To provide an efficient and well maintained transportation system in order to maximize the accessibility and safe movement of people and goods through cooperative transportation planning with Berkeley County and the state of West Virginia.”

Objectives:

Work with the state to ensure completion of existing and planned highway projects that will improve mobility throughout Berkeley County

55 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Prepare a county-wide transportation plan that considers all modes of transportation and is coordinated with the HEPMPO Plan Relieve traffic congestion throughout the roadway network to improve commuter and freight movement, air quality, and overall quality of life Encourage alternative transportation forms by creating livable communities through implementation of walkable communities and transit oriented development Provide corridor planning and improvements for WV Route 9 from Virginia to US 522 and WV Route 51 from Charles Town to WV 45 and on to US 522. This will require resigning WV Route 45 to WV Route 50 from Inwood to US 522, which will allow for the future addition of a southern east-west corridor Pursue gaining county authority to issue transportation bonds for roads

Continue working with legislative leaders and the WV Department of Highways to prioritize the completion of identified projects.

Traffic congestion is a major issue in Berkeley County. The following projects have long been identified and are essential to improving the flow of regional and local traffic. The absence of a federal transportation spending bill has played a major role in the delay of many of these projects. Limited state funds, which are the “local” share for the projects has also been a factor. However, with the passage of the new transportation bill - SAFETEA-LU (Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users), some funds should become available. County leaders need to continue to work within the existing framework of the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO (HEPMPO) to prioritize these projects. They should also continue to investigate possible funding alternatives, including working with state elected and appointed officials to gain authority to issue transportation boards.

WV9 Improvements This corridor is an essential link in the Eastern Panhandle and the need for improvements was originally identified in 1978. The route was divided into four distinct segments for planning purposes: 1) Charles Town to the Virginia state line; 2) Martinsburg to Charles Town; 3) the Martinsburg Bypass; and 4) Berkeley Springs to Martinsburg. Delays in the construction of the various segments have been primarily related to the potential impact on the environment and historic resources. As of late 2005, construction had gotten underway on the segment between Kearneysville and Charlestown, while various construction projects on the segment from Charles Town to the Virginia line are scheduled to begin over the next six years. A final alignment has been selected for the Martinsburg to Kearneysville segment, with construction set to begin sometime in 2006.

56 June 2006 TRANSPORTATION PLAN

The remaining two sections, which are still in planning and/or design stages, are perhaps the most important for Berkeley County residents. According to WV DOH, the design study for the Martinsburg Bypass is nearly complete and the Environmental Assessment is completed and awaiting Federal Highways approval. This segment will address both congestion and safety issues in and around Martinsburg.

The corridor study for the segment from I-81 to Berkeley Springs has been completed; however, the corridor has been developed and buying right- of-way may be cost-prohibitive. A new alignment should be identified that does not cause as much disruption to developed areas. Once this corridor is selected, consideration should be given to protecting this future corridor alignment so as to facilitate the final design process.

Raleigh Street Extension The completion of this $25 million dollar project would provide a much needed alternative route to Queen Street through Martinsburg. The extension would run north from West Race Street to the intersection of US 11 and 9 near Old Courthouse Square. Funding has been appropriated for this project; however, a construction schedule has not been established. There are safety concerns which make this a priority project in case of emergency evacuation from the greater Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.

Tabler’s Station Connector This project has been included on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program with total costs estimated at $13 million. The road will be realigned from I-81 to connect directly with Novak Road at US 11. This will provide direct access to the airport and nearby industrial parks, which should help stimulate economic development efforts. The project also includes a connection between Tabler Station Road near I-81at Exit 8 and Corning Way.

In addition to the above mentioned projects, the 2005 Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Area Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan identified a number of potential problem areas within the county due to projected population and employment increases.

According to the plan’s projections, it is anticipated that population growth will create demand for highway capacity that outpaces the planned system improvements, resulting in deteriorating system performance. If enhancements to the roadway system are limited to projects currently underway and those programmed, it is likely that the following major roadway segments in Berkeley County will experience unacceptable levels of service (LOS F) by the year 2030.

WV 45 east of Martinsburg (to Shepherdstown) Remaining four-lane sections of I-81 north and south of Martinsburg

57 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

WV 9 west of Martinsburg US 11 north and south of Martinsburg along I-81 WV 51 east of Inwood (to Charles Town) These projects have been included in the MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan, but are not included in any of the current funding scenarios. Other roads in the county that will also need improvements to meet future needs are Dry Run Road and Buck Hill Road.

Minor or Feeder Roads In addition to the major roads, which have deservedly received much of the attention, the secondary roads in the county need to be addressed. With the growth within the county, these roads are becoming increasingly congested. The current exchange of information between the WVDOT and the Berkeley County Planning Commission is inadequate. The Planning Commission should have available from WVDOT the impact of increased traffic on the planned development and steps to provide adequate traffic flow. A county wide transportation plan must address these roads and offer solutions before they become overly congested

Adopt the “County Priority Transportation Network”

An officially recognized multi-modal network shows a commitment to providing transportation choices to Berkeley County residents and businesses. It prioritizes regional and local facilities within the areas targeted for growth, thus supporting the goals of the growth management plan. The network also provides a basis for developing specific requirements for traffic impact studies and access management requirements as part the subdivision and land development process to ensure that roadway facilities are adequate.

The county Priority Transportation Network Map illustrates the proposed Priority Transportation Network for Berkeley County. It includes all travel modes and should be used as a tool to provide focused local input into the regional transportation planning process. Programmed highway improvements are also included in order to assist with the protection of future rights of way.

The network consists of regional and local roadways, the airport, freight and passenger rail, and transit facilities. Ideally, a bicycle and pedestrian network would be added as well. Regional roads include I-81, US 11, WV 9, 45, and 51. They connect the county to rest of the region and move both goods and people. Improvements to these roads generally receive priority for inclusion in statewide funding given their regional importance.

Local roads were selected based on HEPMPO 2030 traffic projections and provide access to the county’s rural and residential areas. These roads tend to be neglected due to financial constraints. However, as new

58 June 2006 TRANSPORTATION PLAN development continues in the surrounding areas, improvements will be essential to ensuring safe travel. Once improved, they would also be alternate routes to regional facilities, particularly in the event of an emergency. These roadways are good candidates for including bicycle and pedestrian facilities as part of any improvements programming. Finding funds for these facilities will be a significant challenge for the county.

Tabler’s Station Multi-Modal Hub The Tabler’s Station area has been identified as a multi-modal hub because of its proximity of rail, air and highway facilities. The completion of the new connector will further enhance the area for this purpose. In addition, it will further support the area’s designation as an Industrial Investment Area in the Growth Management Plan.

PanTran and MARC PanTran and MARC are also integral elements of the county-wide network. They provide service to segments of the population that do not drive, as well as many commuters. Their ability to capture a larger share of the commuter market would help to improve congestion along key corridors at peak travel hours.

MARC records indicate that 184 passengers board two MARC trains at Martinsburg each morning, 164 at Duffields and 139 at Harpers Ferry. In addition over 225 West Virginians drive to Brunswick each day to board MARC trains. However, they are unable to determine the exact destinations of these commuters, but estimate 65% go to Washington, with the balance split between Rockville and Silver Spring. Rising fuel prices and increased congestion could increase these numbers. Additionally, improving the linkages to the MARC stations, including Park and Ride facilities and adequate parking, can also increase ridership, thus taking more cars off the roads during the peak travel times. Emphasis should also be given to extending service west to Hancock, WV.

Preliminary recommendations from PanTran’s recent service evaluation include a restructuring of their existing route system into a Hub and Spoke System with Demand Responsive Service mesh well with the growth management plan. It serves key village centers of Inwood and Hedgesville, as well as key employment centers along WV9 and 45. Regionally, the spokes travel outward to Shepherdstown and Charles Town. Other recommendations that would support the goals of the

59 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN comprehensive plan include providing a downtown shuttle and linking more effectively with MARC facilities in both Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

The evaluation also includes recommendations for a bus replacement program, benches and shelters for stops, and other physical plant improvements. Cleanliness and reliability are essential to increasing ridership. Finally, the evaluation provides sound guidance on land use planning for transit, which also supports the growth management plan. Mixed use or Village Centers, Park and Ride facilities, and other supportive development techniques can make it easier for residents to choose transit as an alternative to the automobile.

The county should work closely with both PanTran and MARC to maintain and improve their services to Berkeley County residents. Key actions that can support increased usage of these two modes of travel include development and adoption of land management ordinances that allow for “transit-friendly” design and establishing dedicated funding sources for continued improvements to the system.

Adopt and enforce good access management principles

Access management is defined by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) as “the systematic control of the location, spacing, design and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges and street connections to a roadway. The purpose of access management is to provide vehicular access to land development in a manner that preserves the safety and efficiency of the transportation system.”

In Berkeley County the I-81 interchange areas presents many challenges with regard to access management. With expanding commercial land uses in these areas access management will become more important. It is also something that must be considered for all of the roadways included in the priority network, as free flow of traffic will need to be maintained on these routes.

There are a number of techniques that can be used to effectively mange access from development along highways. State and county officials should review various traffic options as a means of reducing localized traffic congestion.

Integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into new and existing development

Throughout the planning process, residents expressed a clear desire to be able to walk and bike safely in Berkeley County, both for recreational purposes and as an alternative to driving. The most effective way to

60 June 2006 TRANSPORTATION PLAN incorporate bike/ped facilities into new development is to require them within the subdivision and land development ordinance. Fitting them into existing developed areas is more complicated due to privacy and safety concerns. The county will need to work closely with local residents, businesses and the schools to determine appropriate locations for these facilities.

Well-designed bike/ped facilities can also enhance transit operations in the county. Effectively linking these modes can provide some relief to increasingly congested roadways, particularly in targeted growth areas. In addition, it can provide residents who do not drive with a safe, accessible and reliable alternative. Initial plans for WV9 improvements include a separate bike right-of-way. The county should work to ensure this is a priority as the project moves into final design and construction stages.

Artist’s Rendering of Bike/Ped Facilities

Develop a Regional Trail Network

There is an excellent opportunity for Berkeley County to combine the development of recreational bike/ped facilities with the protection of the county’s streams by developing a regional trail network. This “greenway network” would provide alternative travel connections among the county’s town and village centers as well as to neighborhoods and other special places. Along the stream corridors, the trails would incorporate native landscaping to filter runoff, also known as riparian buffers, yet still allow for hiking and biking. These facilities would ideally connect to bike/ped facilities incorporated into the priority network and neighborhoods, as well as provide access to more remote areas of the county. Mill Creek, Back Creek, Opequon Creek and Tuscarora Creek would be prime candidates for initial inclusion, with others added over time.

61 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

This effort will require the development of strong public/private partnerships at many levels throughout the county. Many of the county’s stream corridors are adjacent to private property and there are legitimate concerns about trespassing, littering, and even safety. However, with careful planning and community commitment this network could become a true source of pride. It could also be another attraction that would draw visitors to the area.

Promote innovative design concepts for new transportation projects Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach Residents have expressed a desire to maintain the rural that involves all stakeholders to develop character of Berkeley County as it grows. The Growth a transportation facility that fits its Management Plan provides a variety of techniques to physical setting and preserves scenic, achieve this goal, including targeted growth and aesthetic, historic, and environmental traditional neighborhood developments. The county resources, while maintaining safety and mobility. CSS is an approach that should work closely with WV DOH to incorporate design considers the total context within which solutions that fit with the rural areas, including planting a transportation improvement project street trees and other landscaping elements will exist.

During the subdivision and land development process, - Federal Highway Administration strong emphasis should be given to the construction of (FHWA) complete streets - those that accommodate autos, bikes, transit, and pedestrians. These facilities would be most appropriate in the high density growth areas, including the town and village centers.

Funding

Funding for transportation improvements will continue to be a major problem in Berkeley County. There are very limited state funding that can be accessed to build roads. While the rest of the state can compete for funds using ‘economic development’ as a reason for requesting funds, the Eastern Panhandle must meet MPO requirements which do not recognize ‘economic development’ as legitimate reason for funding. Other methods must be identified. One possible assist in funding might be a legislative change which allows growth counties to keep more of the gasoline taxes that a county pays or legislative guarantees, that if a county raises funds through impact fees or bonding, etc, that matching state funds will follow.

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Use impact fees to offset cost of needed road improvements to accommodate traffic associated with new development

Chapter 7-20 of the West Virginia Code provides for the assessment and collection of impact fees to offset the cost of commercial and residential development within counties. Berkeley County would need to draft and adopt a comprehensive zoning ordinance, among other things in order to meet the criteria needed to implement this strategy. However, it would provide the county with a modicum of control over much needed roadway improvements to accommodate traffic associated with new development.

Develop sign regulations for Berkeley County that will determine the location, height and bulk of billboards along state highways.

This can be accomplished through the proposed zoning ordinance or by a separate sign ordinance. Work with the West Virginia Department of Highways to implement regulations and to ensure consistency with WVDOH regulations regarding the permitting of billboards along state highways, especially I-81.

Alternative Signing Techniques

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Transportation Plan - Proposed Strategies Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources

Berkeley County WV Department of Highways; Hagerstown- Continue working with legislative leaders and Commissioners; WV Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning State of WV and the WV Department of Highways to complete High Eastern Panhandle Organization (HEPMPO); Region 9 Eastern FHWA of identified projects. Transportation Authority Panhandle Regional Planning and Development (WVEPTA) Council Berkeley County Commissioners; WV WV Department of Highways; HEPMPO; State of WV, Adopt the “County Priority Transportation High Eastern Panhandle Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning FHWA, Federal Network” Transportation Authority and Development Council; Pan Tran; MARC Transit Authority (WVEPTA)

Adopt and enforce good access management WV Department of Highways; HEPMPO; Berkeley County principles in the county’s subdivision and land Med Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning County Planning Commission development ordinance. and Development Council

Berkeley County Berkeley County Commissioners, Homeowners County, Integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into Med Planning Commission; Associations, neighborhood groups, local Homeowners new and existing development Development Community business owners Associations,

County, State of Martinsburg-Berkeley Berkeley County Commissioners, Homeowners WV, development Develop a Regional Trail Network Low County Park and Associations, neighborhood groups, local community, WV Recreation Board business owners DNR Berkeley County WV Department of Highways; HEPMPO; Commissioners; WV Promote innovative design concepts for new Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning State of WV and Med Eastern Panhandle transportation projects and Development Council; Berkeley County FHWA Transportation Authority Planning Commission (WVEPTA) Develop sign regulations to help reduce visual Berkeley County County and State of High WV Department of Highways clutter along the county's roadways. Planning Commission West Virginia Consider the use of impact fees and other alternative funding options, including bonds, to Berkeley County WV Legislature; Berkeley County Planning offset cost of needed road improvements to High County Planning Commission Commission accommodate traffic associated with new development

64 June 2006 2006 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN

The Community Facilities and Services section focuses on providing assurances that vital public services will be provided for the county’s rapidly growing population. These services include public safety, education, parks and recreation, sewer and water, and solid waste. Each of these service areas is impacted by the growth that is occurring in Berkeley County and in the case of public utilities such as water and sewer they are an important part of the growth management plan.

Goal for Community Facilities and Services Plan: Assure that public services are available across the County.

Objectives

Assure that county residents and businesses receive public safety services that are efficient in response time and are fiscally responsible Manage sewer and water systems in a way that is consistent with sound planning and land use regulations Provide recreational opportunities for County residents and tourists that meet both current and future needs Coordinate and expand recreational planning, development and marketing, including private recreation development, to provide residents with a wide variety of recreational resources that are both easily accessible and available the entire year Coordinate the location and development of public educational facilities with targeted growth areas Provide comprehensive solid waste services, including recycling and trash disposal throughout the County Invest in quality facilities for public libraries in the County Assure access to adequate health care and wellness services. Assure access to the county’s social services

Public Safety

Public safety covers the broad areas of police services, fire and rescue services and emergency medical services. Much of the emphasis on public safety has changed in the post 9/11 era and now, on the heels of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, public safety officials are facing additional demands for more than routine public safety measures, including Homeland Protection and disaster planning and management. In view of these concerns, there are several action strategies that cut across the boundaries of police, fire and EMS.

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Cross Cutting Public Safety Action Strategies

Develop arrangements to improve working relationships among police, fire and EMS organizations within the in the County Ensure that police, fire and EMS have current Homeland Protection training Provide information to county residents and officials regarding disaster planning and management Develop/update hazard mitigation plans for throughout the County Develop a county-wide emergency plan that is coordinated with law enforcement, fire services, emergency management and WV Department of Highways

Police Services – Police services in Berkeley County are provided by the City of Martinsburg, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and by the West Virginia State Police. Adequate staffing is the usual concern regarding police services. A policing standard of 1 police officer per 1,000 persons has been a yard stick used to measure police staffing levels. Berkeley County’s 2000 population was 75,905 and it is estimated to have grown to 93,394 by 2005. Based upon inventory information, the City of Martinsburg Police Department and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s office have about 80 officers between the two departments. In addition the West Virginia State Police also provide policing services to the County. Based upon this information it would appear that police staffing and services are sufficient for now.

However, the Berkeley County Sheriff, Randy Smith indicated that based upon the square miles and the population to be served, another 20 deputies are needed to provide prompt and thorough law enforcement. The additional deputies would also place Berkeley County on the same staffing levels as neighboring counties in Virginia and Maryland. As the County’s population continues to grow police staffing levels, especially in the county need to undergo periodic review to ensure they are keeping pace with providing necessary service to the residents of Berkeley County.

Police Service Action Strategies

Periodically review police staffing levels to maintain sufficient number of police officers in relation to a growing population

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Ensure that response times are adequate to meet police emergencies Increase county sheriff’s staff to meet current/future needs

Fire and Rescue Services – The major issues in the fire service are response times, adequate numbers of volunteers and sufficient equipment to provide essential services. Currently, there are five volunteer fire companies in Berkeley County. These five companies are located at five stations and substations throughout the county and are staffed by volunteers. In addition, the City of Martinsburg has two fire stations that are staffed by full time paid personnel and would like to use another fire station to serve west side. It would appear that the current fire service system, which is overseen by the Berkeley County Fire Service Board, is sufficient to meet current and future needs. However, the following strategies are offered to ensure that adequate services continue to be provided.

Fire and Rescue Service Action Strategies

Periodically review service areas to ensure that response times keep pace with a growing County Continue to monitor that sufficient volunteers are trained and available to respond to fire calls especially during weekday mornings and afternoons Provide incentives, especially to local public employees who can respond quickly to day time fire calls Look for other initiatives to garner additional volunteers including retirees who are interested in supporting the fire service Locate a new fire station in the city of Martinsburg west side Continue to provide sufficient funding for the purchase of new equipment and the maintenance of existing equipment

Emergency Medical Services Action Strategies –

These strategies have been proposed in the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority 2005-2015 Program Report – March 2006

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The Emergency Medical Service in Berkeley County through the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority is committed to deliver the best possible services to the residents of Berkeley County Continue to move toward a single, integrated EMS system that supports the entire County Increase the number of EMS crews ready to roll on demand Optimize, in terms of location and time periods, the stationing of crews across the County Maintain and operate an optimum ambulance fleet in terms of size and location Increase North Station coverage to 24/7 as soon as possible Institute a fourth unit to provide 12/7 coverage for high demand periods. Hire additional staff to support Increase ambulance services fees to cover short term and long term additional costs for an expanding system Start building new South Station in Spring, 2008 and Back Creek Valley Sub-station in Fall, 2009 Acquire new service units in 2010 and 2012 Increase career staffing to 12 crews in July, 2006; 14 crews in 2008; and 17 crews by 2014 Increase overall County coverage by 2014 with coverage beginning for Back Creek Valley in 2010

Educational Facilities

Public education in Berkeley County is provided by the Berkeley County School District. Enrollments in the District have grown dramatically as the county’s general and school age population increased. Each County school district in West Virginia is required by the State Board of Education to develop a ten year Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP). The Berkeley County School District has developed such a plan that covers the period from 2000 -2010. The School District is under intense pressure for additional facilities as the County’s school age population continues to grow (2004/2005 enrollment was approximately 15,000 students in K-12).

The CEF Plan includes numerous recommendations for school facilities by Phase I; 2000-2002; Phase II: 2002-2005; and Phase III: 2005-2010. There are recommendations for building new schools, renovating existing schools and closing some schools. The importance of public school planning and siting is that it needs to be consistent with the Growth Management Plan

68 June 2006 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN in the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan. Educational facilities, especially middle schools and high schools, are major stimulators of residential growth, supporting commercial activity and also considerable traffic from faculty, staff, parents, students and school buses. The following action strategies are recommended for educational facilities in Berkeley County.

Educational Facilities Action Strategies

Encourage the Berkeley County Board of Education to consider the growth management recommendations in the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan when acquiring property or siting new schools in the County The Berkeley County Planning Commission and the Board of Education should coordinate with one another on the siting of new schools consistent with the policies of the Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan

Health Care Facilities

City Hospital is the acute care hospital located in Martinsburg that offers a full program of medical services to the residents of Berkeley County. City Hospital has been at its current location since 1972 and since then has undergone expansions and renovations on its campus. City Hospital is committed to “Providing health care to the growing population of the Eastern Panhandle”. In January, 2005, West Virginia University Hospitals- East became the parent corporation of City Hospital as well as Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Ranson, Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Residents of Berkeley County also have access to hospital services in the adjoining areas of Winchester, Virginia and Hagerstown, Maryland. The demand for hospital services will increase as the County’s population continues to increase and as the population of the County ages.

Action Strategies

City Hospital will continually review it needs to expand to meet the acute care demands of a growing and aging Berkeley County Develop any new medical facilities that are consistent with the Growth Management Plan of the Comprehensive Plan i.e. public

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and institutional uses should only be located in the County growth areas Provide health care facilities that will provide services to western Berkeley County / eastern Morgan County

Parks and Recreation

Park and recreations facilities in Berkeley County are provided by the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board. It is comprised of nine members representing the City of Martinsburg, Berkeley County Commission and the Berkeley County Board of Education. The Board’s activities are run by staff of full time and part time employees. Park facilities range from 1 acre parks to the 137 acre Poor House Farm Park. Also considered is Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area which is owned and operated by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. This 23,000 acre area is a large, remote, passive area in contrast to the more active parks and recreation areas managed by the Parks and Recreation Board. Sleepy Creek includes camping areas, an extensive system of trails and a 200 acre lake on Meadow Branch.

In looking at Berkeley County, most of the current parks and recreation facilities are clustered in the greater Martinsburg area. As the population in the county grows, especially in the north and south, additional park lands and recreation opportunities will be needed. These include the Inwood, Hedgesville and Marlowe/Falling Waters areas, as well as the Back Creek Valley.

Municipal standards published by the National Recreation and Parks Association suggest there should be 10 acres of park land for every 1,000 residents. There are many factors to consider in this ratio including active and passive recreation areas and open space areas. Currently, the combined total of parks and recreation facilities under the Parks and Recreation Board is about 315 acres. Using the standard of 10 acres of park land per thousand residents and the 2005 estimate of 93,394 persons, it would appear that Berkeley County now needs over 900 acres of park land.

The parks and recreational facilities and programs in Berkeley County are comprehensive and well planned. Lambert Park and the Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center offer excellent facilities, as do the other facilities in the County. However, the Parks and Recreation Board will need to take a careful look at strategies to acquire additional park lands and provide additional programs in order to meet the future demands of a rapidly expanding population

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The Parks and Recreation Board understand the need to expand opportunities for the growing population of Berkeley County. The Board would like to expand current facilities such as the Poor House Farm area and also purchase additional acreage and build new facilities to meet current and future needs. The Board has been frustrated in trying to expand their facilities due to the lack of funding sources that can be targeted for parks and recreation activities. The Board is completely dependent on budget appropriations by the County, City and Board of Education. Attempts to gain a steady a source of funding for parks and recreation facilities have been unsuccessful.

Excess Levy Tax – Previous referendums have failed to garner the 60 per cent majority needed Impact fees – Not available in Berkeley County until Zoning Ordinance adopted Property Transfer Tax – Has not been made available for parks and recreation uses State Of West Virginia – No dedicated funding stream for parks and recreation facilities Dedication by developers/fees in lieu – Currently not available under existing legislation

The lack of funding sources has frustrated the Parks and Recreation Board. If the County is to respond to the future needs for Parks and Recreation facilities one of the above described funding stream will need to be made available for the purchase of park land and the operation and maintenance of these facilities. This could be complimented with a larger percentage of the property tax collected by the county. When compared to other areas of West Virginia, the Berkeley County Parks and Recreation is under funded in terms of appropriated dollars. Efforts should be undertaken to fund this Parks and Recreation at a level commensurate with the rest of the state.

Meeting future demands will require careful planning and could prove costly in order to acquire lands to meet the parks and recreation needs of future generations. Acquisition is only the first step followed by the design and construction of adequate facilities and then the annual burden of operation and maintenance of these facilities. To close the gap in parkland and recreational opportunities and meet the future needs of residents of the County the following action strategies are offered.

Parks and Recreation Action Strategies

Assess demands and prepare a County wide parks and recreation plan – The Parks and Recreation Board should prepare a county-wide parks and

71 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN recreation plan that assesses future demand, determines the types of recreation facilities needed and their location in the county.

Support new and improved local and regional parks – The Parks and Recreation Board needs to develop a long range strategy to acquire and develop park lands at both the local and regional levels. Park lands can come from a variety of sources, including gifts from land owners or their estates, acquisition of land, and dedication by land developers. Acquire additional parks lands in the Hedgesville, Inwood, Marlowe/Falling Creek and Back Creek Valley areas.

Conserve natural areas –There are recommendations In the Growth Management Plan for the proposed county-wide zoning ordinance to provide for the conservation of open space and natural areas. These areas would be mostly for passive uses, but would contribute significantly to the open space needs and aesthetics of Berkeley County.

Build neighborhood parks adjacent to dense residential areas – A consistent theme in this Comprehensive Plan is to provide better access to facilities. This would include providing parks and recreation facilities close to the more densely populated sections of the county. It would allow users to utilize pedestrian and bicycle trails to access parks facilities.

Develop a dedicated stream of funding for park acquisition – This could include excess levy taxes, property transfer taxes, dedication of lands by developers, and impact fees.

Continue to pursue grant funds – Continue to look at funding sources such as the Federal Land and Water Conservation fund and others for park land acquisition.

Promote private development of specialized recreational services such as golf, bowling, mini golf, arcades – Private recreational providers are a big part of recreation programs. They provide for recreation demands that the public sector cannot meet. The Parks and Recreation Board should work with private providers to promote, facilitate, and coordinate the services they provide.

Provide greenways and hiking trails – Designate or acquire right-of way for biking and/or hiking trails (More on this in the Natural Resources Action Strategies)

Develop community centers in conjunction with schools and libraries –The Parks and Recreation Board should continue to work cooperatively with the Berkeley County Board of Education to use of school facilities for recreational programs.

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Public Sewer Facilities and Services

Approximately 53,000 persons are currently served by the public sewer service either through the Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District (15,000 customers / 38,000 persons) or the City of Martinsburg (15,000 persons). The remainder of the population is served by on-lot systems. The Berkeley County PSSD has developed plans to extend services to additional areas of the county that are either developed or utilize on lot systems and to areas where new development will occur.

North Area Service System

This proposed service area stretches from the current service area north to the Potomac River. It will be developed over a period of years according to the North Area Sanitary Sewer System Facility Plan prepared by the PSSD. North Area Phase 1 has been designed and construction is expected to begin in this area in 2006. Future phases in the North Area will be designed and constructed as funds are available.

This is an area of residential, multi family and small industrial uses that continues to grow and expand. Providing sewer service to these areas will relieve the burden of poorly operating package treatment plants and also remove onsite disposal systems that are ineffective due to improper construction or poor soil conditions. Also, according to PSSD there are numerous sites that discharge partially or untreated sewage into local streams throughout he area. (This information is documented by USGS studies, health dependent information and SWAP findings)

Inwood Phase 2 Service Area

This area in south Berkeley County has been under heavy development pressure. Responding to this development pressure the Berkeley County PSSD has developed the Inwood Phase 2 Facilities Plan to provide sewer facilities to much of this area of the County. This planning phase has been divided into Phase 2A and 2B. These services areas are along the I-81 corridor and would serve areas mainly west of I-81. Phase 2A has been completed. Phase 2B which will serve areas both east and west of the I-81 corridor have been designed and is waiting for construction funding.

Phase 3 – Future

The Berkeley County PSSD has also proposed a Phase 3 – Future service area. This service area is west of Phases 2A and 2B and continues to the base of North Mountain. The area known as Phase III has no current planning, design or construction activities. Any activities for this area are well into the future according to the PSSD.

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On-lot Wastewater Management Systems

Current population estimates for Berkeley County indicate there are approximately 80,000 people residing in the County. About 27,000 or one- third of the county’s residents rely upon some type of alternative or on-lot wastewater treatment and disposal system. Living in rural areas does not necessarily mean that residents depend exclusively upon on-lot systems. Numerous alternative systems have been developed that provide useful alternatives to rural areas.

The large number of residents in Berkeley County who rely upon these alternative systems represents a great opportunity for potential degradation of groundwater and surface water if these systems are not properly managed, or if new technologies for wastewater treatment are not available. This is particularly compounded in the limestone (karst) terrain that underlies most of the Great Valley region east of North Mountain.

On-Lot wastewater management systems, if installed and functioning properly are a safe, reliable method of recharging the local groundwater. In this regard, it has the advantage over public sewer which provides no local recharge.

The installation and maintenance of on lot systems is managed by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. They approve the installation of conventional septic systems or alternative systems because of poor soil conditions or where conventional systems have failed.

Many on-site systems have come under more careful scrutiny as public health problems. Many of these systems are poorly maintained and operated which lead to greater potential for groundwater and surface water pollution. These problems are caused by numerous factors including lack of public education on proper operation and maintenance of the systems and cost. Failure to properly maintain on-lot systems can impact the life of the on lot wastewater disposal system causing failures and contamination. These problems often lead to public service districts to expand their municipal collection systems at great cost to serve the problem areas. This can lead to sprawl development in which new areas are opened up to development, when the solution could have been better management of the existing on-lot systems.

WVDHHS does not monitor these systems after they have been installed. Such monitoring is necessary to ensure that the on-lot systems are functioning properly and not polluting the groundwater. As will be discussed shortly, monitoring and maintenance is a simple process, but a county-wide system must be instituted to ensure this happens.

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System Management Alternatives

There are several different levels of management that are usually associated with the management of on-lot or alternative systems ranging from the individual homeowners to central management by either the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services or the local PSD.

Level 1 – This level leaves responsibly for operations and maintenance to the homeowner, but the public agency (DOH or PSD) develops an inventory of all systems and provides educational information to owners and users on a regular basis. Level 2 – Provide an inspection and maintenance certificate program, providing a standard of maintenance which would be carried out by an operator hired by the homeowner. This would involve a government organization getting involved, setting standards across the system area, and providing upgrades where necessary to remove threats to public health. Level 3 – A government unit entity takes over the monitoring and maintenance of all systems. Cost would be recovered either through a rate system or direct cost for services. This could also be done by a private operator who would have reporting responsibility back to the public agency. Level 4 – All of the assets of the on-lot/alternative systems are vested with the public entity which manages them directly.

On–Lot Sewage Management Districts

One method of sewage management programs in rural areas has been the development of on-lot management districts. These are created by ordinance and usually involve a specific geographic area or on-lot district in the community that utilizes on lot wastewater disposal practices. These programs can be administered by either a public or private entity. Usually they require regular septic pumping and system inspection. These inspections should include not only septic systems, but also other sophisticated on–lot sewage disposal systems that utilize mechanical equipment to assist in the collection and treatment of wastewater.

Administration of the on–lot sewage management program can be performed by the Department of Health. Fees can also be levied on the property owners for inspections and sampling to cover the costs of the program.

An important part of the on–lot sewage management program is the homeowner education program. These should be on-going educational programs for homeowners with on–lot sewage disposal systems. These educational programs can be provided in brochures that educate the homeowners on the public health and natural environment impacts of malfunctioning on-lot sewage disposal systems; how the systems work;

75 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN maintenance that can be performed by the homeowner; and potential cost of a well maintained system.

Decentralized System Technologies

There are a wide range of decentralized system technologies that are available for a variety of applications in rural areas. The following identifies some of the technologies that might be applicable to Berkeley County. Each of these technologies is subject to approval by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services.

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Technology Advantages/Disadvantages Septic System Tanks – Advantages – Cost effective decentralized systems. Engineered systems installed in appropriate soils to receive Disadvantages – Soils unsuitable for septic tank effluent treatment wastewater from one or and renovation. multiple residences. Sludge may cause odor problems. Aerobic Treatment- Advantages – Higher treatment level. Alternative to septic system. Provides an oxygen rich Extend life of drain field. environment to reduce organic portion of the waste Disadvantages – Cost. to carbon dioxide and water. Requires maintenance and electricity. Advantages – High quality effluent. Intermittent Sand Filters – Low energy requirements. Use filter beds of carefully Drain fields are small and shallow. graded media. Treated effluent is transported for Disadvantages – Land area is a limiting factor. further treatment or disposal. Regular maintenance is required. Advantages – Absorption fields can be located in sloped or uneven Low Pressure Pipe terrain. Systems (LPP) – Shallow Shallow placement promotes evapotranspiration. pressure dosed soil absorption systems. Disadvantages - Suitability limited by soil and slope. Potential clogging of holes. Advantages – Enable use of same sites unsuitable for conventional Mound Systems – Pressure septic systems; Can be use in most climates. dosed sand filters that discharge directly to natural Disadvantages – Construction costs higher than conventional soil. Intended to overcome systems. local soil restrictions. Mounds may not be pleasing to local landscaping. Pressure Sewer Systems Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) – Pumps Advantages – Materials and trenching costs are lower. effluent from septic tanks for treatment. Disadvantages – Operations and maintenance costs are higher than

conventional gravity systems. Grinder Pumps (GP) – Grinds solids and pumps into a pressure system. Recirculating Sand Filters Advantages – Good effluent quality. RSF) – Modified version of No chemicals required. the single pass open sand filter system. Used to Disadvantages – Weekly maintenance required. augment or substitute for Design must address very cold temperatures. inadequate soil conditions. Small Diameter Gravity Advantages – Construction can be accomplished quickly; Unskilled Sewer – Convey effluent by personnel can operate and maintain gravity from a septic tank to a centralized treatment Disadvantages: Limited experience with this technology has yielded location. situations where systems have not performed adequately.

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Wastewater Service Action Strategies

Expand wastewater services consistent with the Growth Management Plan – Encourage consistency between sewer infrastructure investment and the Growth Management policies of this Comprehensive Plan

Expand treatment plant capacities – Expand capacity at wastewater treatment plants to meet project demands

Provide improved management of on-lot wastewater systems in the County – Coordinate activities between homeowners, WV Department of Health and the PSSD to implement rural wastewater management strategies that best meet the needs of these areas.

Public Water Facilities and Services

Public water service in Berkeley County is provided by the Berkeley County Public Service Water District in the County and by the City of Martinsburg in the city limits. Public water service in the County is widespread with about 15,000 customers. Public water service is an important element of the Comprehensive Plan since future service areas have been closely tied to the growth areas in the Growth Management Plan.

Future Water Supply Demand and Facilities

In 2003 the BCPSWD prepared a forecast of future water demand for the Source Water Assessment and Protection Committee (SWAP) through the year 2022. Projected annual growth rates are significant over the planning period 2003 – 2015 especially in the residential category.

The Water Facility System Plan projects that much of the counties growth will be concentrated in the southeastern part of the county along Routes 51 and 9. Much of this growth is being influenced by growth in Winchester, Virginia which is a major growth area. Other growth areas include Hedgesville, Martinsburg area and Falling Waters/Marlowe.

The Water System Facility Plan illustrates that the Berkeley County Public Service Water District will need to continue to increase safe sustainable supply to meet future water demands. Currently the District’s water supply is marginally exceeding demands through treatment and purchases of finished water. However the expansion of the Potomac River WTP by 2007 will boost total water supply to 5.83 MGD which will accommodate the Districts demands until 2010.

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Beyond 2010 there are several alternatives for meeting continuing demand for water in Berkeley County. One source is estimated to have a safe yield of 4.0 MGD that would increase the safe sustained yield to 9.83 MGD in the Districts system and would cover projected demands until 2019. Other sources would be the expansion of the Potomac River WTP to 6.0 MGD, gaining access to 2.0 MGD from ESSROC at Capital Cement, or the development of the Blair Quarry at Route 45 and the Opequon Creek east of Martinsburg.

The District may also choose to develop two additional well fields in Berkeley County that would provide additional supplies and add flexibility to the water supply system. The District has performed groundwater supply investigations and has identified several promising areas including the Bakers Heights area on Route 9 and the Ridgeway area in the southeastern corner of Berkeley County.

Water Facilities Action Strategies

Expand water services consistent with the Growth Management Plan – Encourage consistency between water service investment and growth management policies in the Growth Management plan.

Develop rural development densities consistent with groundwater availability – Utilize groundwater studies to determine densities for future development in rural/non-growth areas of the County

Develop a source water protection plan – This plan would be developed to safe guard public drinking water supply from well

Merge the public service water and sewer districts for more efficient operations.

Solid Waste Management

Solid waste disposal and recycling is managed by the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority. The Authority is currently working with two State approved solid waste plans:

• The Berkeley County Comprehensive Litter and Solid Waste Control Plan – April 16, 2003

• The Berkeley County Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan – July, 2005

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Berkeley County currently generates about 182 tons per day of municipal solid waste. This is projected to grow to 228 tons per day in 2020 based upon population estimates for the County. According to the Plan there are three landfills that receive municipal solid waste (MSW) from Berkeley County. The LCS Services landfill in Berkeley County, north of Hedgesville is the primary disposal point for Berkeley County generated MSW. County generated MSW is also transported to several out of state landfills in Pennsylvania. According to the plan, the LCS landfill, which is owned by Waste Management Inc. has a remaining capacity of about 6.4 million tons of MSW.

The Solid Waste Authority also operates four recycling centers. The City of Martinsburg also operates a curbside and drop off recycling program.

The Solid Waste Control Plan (4/16/03) adopted by the Authority indicates that the County will rely on current disposal locations for the immediate future. Additional siting studies are necessary for additional landfills and other MSW facilities such as composting, recycling, materials recovery and transfer stations

Based upon these findings the following strategies are provided as they regard municipal solid waste in Berkeley County.

Solid Waste Action Strategies

Initiate study to site solid waste facilities – The Berkeley County Commission has requested the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority to study the feasibility of siting three types of solid waste facilities (commercial MSW transfer station, C&D landfill, and commercial recycling facility) on 140 acres of land on Grapevine Road. The County Commission has allocated funds for this study and work is scheduled to begin in 2006.

Solid waste facilities should be consistent with the Growth Management Plan – Assure that the siting of any existing and future solid waste facilities in the County are consistent with the Growth Management Plan. For instance the future land uses and zoning recommendations for the areas around the Hedgesville Landfill should provide an adequate buffer zone between any housing and the landfill to protect residents from potential impacts of the landfill. Any new or existing facilities should utilize the siting criteria in the July 2005 Siting Plan.

Implement the Berkeley County Comprehensive Litter and Solid Waste Plan (April 16, 2003) - The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority should implement the recommendations in this Plan.

Provide increased opportunities for recycling – The Solid Waste Authority should provide for additional opportunities for recycling in the county.

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These could range from additional drop off centers to a curb side program similar to the one used by the City of Martinsburg. For instance the recycling opportunities at some locations such as Marlowe and Hedgesville drop off centers would benefit from more days of operation and providing better services. This will remove additional MSW from the waste stream, preserve landfill space and extend the service period for the LCS landfill.

Litter Control and Abatement

Litter is a common problem in most areas and Berkeley County is no exception. A Berkeley County Litter Control Pilot Program has been proposed in the 2006 Session of the West Virginia Legislature. This pilot project would coordinate industry and business organizations to aid in litter control and recycling efforts in the County. The program would be comprehensive in scope and would cover a number of areas including:

A volunteer litter reporting program Observing and reporting litter violations Working with the Berkeley County Sheriff and Department of Environmental Protection to provide training and assistance to volunteers Recommend to municipal governing bodies that they adopt litter control ordinances Investigate funding sources from private and public sources Designate public areas where litter receptacles should be located Provide public awareness for the program The “Adopt a Highway” program has also been very effective in roadside litter cleanup with Berkeley County and volunteer groups working together to keep the County’s roadways free of litter and debris.

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Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies

Public Safety - Cross Cutting Strategies

Berkeley County Sheriff's Department; WV State Police; Berkeley County Develop arrangements to improve working relationships Office of Emergency Emergency Ambulance Authority; City among police, fire and EMS organizations within the in the High Services of Martinsburg Police and Fire County Departments; Berkeley County Fire County, State and city of Service Board Martinsburg Federal Emergency Management Ensure that police, fire and EMS have current Homeland Office of Emergency High Agency; US Department of Protection training Services Homeland Security FEMA Berkeley County Planning Provide information to county residents and officials Office of Emergency Med Commission; Public Safety Service regarding disaster planning and management Services Providers County; FEMA Berkeley County Planning Office of Emergency Commission; Federal Emergency Develop/update hazard mitigation plans for the County Med Services Management Agency; US Department of Homeland Security FEMA Berkeley County Planning Prepare a county-wide Emergency Plan that coordinates Commission; Public Safety Service Office of Emergency Office of Emergency efforts of law enforcement, fire services, emergency High Providers; Federal Emergency Services Services; County; FEMA management and the WV Department of Highways Management Agency; US Department of Homeland Security Public Safety - Police Services Strategies Periodically review police staffing levels to maintain WV State Police; Berkeley County Planning sufficient number of officers relative to a growing Ongoing Berkeley County Commission; Office of Emergency population. Sheriff's Office; Services State and county Increase County Sheriff's staff to meet current and future High Berkeley County Office of Emergency Services needs. Sheriff's Office; County WV State Police; Ensure that response times are adequate to meet police Ongoing Berkeley County Office of Emergency Services emergencies. Sheriff's Office; N/A

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Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies Public Safety - Fire Services Strategies Berkeley County Periodically review service areas to ensure that response Office of Emergency Services, Ongoing Fire Service Board, times keep pace with growth Berkeley County Commissioners City of Martinsburg County and City Office of Emergency Services, Provide incentives, especially to local public employees, Berkeley County Low Berkeley County Commissioners, City who could respond quickly to day time fire calls. Fire Service Board of Martinsburg N/A Look for other initiatives to garner additional volunteers, Berkeley County Office of Emergency Services, including retirees who are interested in supporting public Ongoing Fire Service Board, Berkeley County Commissioners safety services. City of Martinsburg N/A Continue to provide sufficient funding for the purchase of Berkeley County Office of Emergency Services, new equipment and the maintenance of existing High Fire Service Board, Berkeley County Commissioners equipment City of Martinsburg County Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services Strategies Berkeley County Berkeley County Continue to move toward a single, integrated EMS system Emergency Office of Emergency Services, High Emergency Ambulance that supports the entire County Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Increase the number of EMS crews ready to roll on Emergency Office of Emergency Services, High Emergency Ambulance demand Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Maintain and operate an optimum ambulance fleet in terms Emergency Office of Emergency Services, Ongoing Emergency Ambulance of size and location Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Increase North Station coverage to 24/7 as soon as Emergency Office of Emergency Services, High Emergency Ambulance possible Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Institute a fourth unit to provide 12/7 coverage for high Emergency Office of Emergency Services, High Emergency Ambulance demand periods. Hire additional staff to support Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority 83 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies Berkeley County Berkeley County Increase ambulance services fees to cover short term and Emergency Office of Emergency Services, High Emergency Ambulance long term additional costs for an expanding system Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Start building new South Station in Spring, 2008 and Back Emergency Office of Emergency Services, Med Emergency Ambulance Creek Valley Sub-station in Fall, 2009 Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Emergency Office of Emergency Services, Acquire new service units in 2010 and 2012 Low Emergency Ambulance Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Increase career staffing to 12 crews in July, 2006; 14 Emergency Office of Emergency Services, Low Emergency Ambulance crews in 2008; and 17 crews by 2014 Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Berkeley County Berkeley County Increase overall County coverage by 2014 with coverage Emergency Office of Emergency Services, Low Emergency Ambulance beginning for Back Creek Valley in 2010 Ambulance Berkeley County Commissioners Authority Authority Education Encourage the Berkeley County Board of Education to Berkeley County School Building Authority; Berkeley State of West VA and consider the growth management plan’s recommendations Ongoing Board of Education County Planning Commission County Board of when acquiring property or locating new schools Education State of West VA and Coordinate with the Planning Commission to ensure Berkeley County School Building Authority; Berkeley Ongoing County Board of consistency with the Growth Management Plan. Board of Education County Planning Commission Education Health Care

City Hospital should continue to regularly review the need West Virginia Berkeley County Planning to expand to meet the acute care demands of a growing Ongoing University Hospitals Commission and aging Berkeley County - East N/A West Virginia New medical facilities should be developed in locations Berkeley County Planning Ongoing University Hospitals West Virginia University that are consistent with the Growth Management Plan. Commission - East Hospitals - East 84 June 2006 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN

Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies West Virginia Provide health care facilities that will serve western Berkeley County Planning Med University Hospitals West Virginia University Berkeley County and eastern Morgan County. Commission - East Hospitals - East Recreation Martinsburg- Assess demands and prepare a County wide parks and Berkeley County Berkeley County Planning County, City , Board of Med recreation plan – Park and Recreation Commission, County Commissioners Education, State of WV Board Martinsburg-Berkeley County Park Support new and improved local and regional parks – Med Berkeley County and Recreation Board; Berkeley County & City Commissioners County Planning Commission Conserve natural areas –These areas would be mostly for Martinsburg-Berkeley County Park County & City; WV passive open space uses but would contribute significantly and Recreation Board; Berkeley High Berkeley County Department of Natural to the open space needs and aesthetics of Berkeley County Commissioners; WV Planning Resources County. Commission Department of Natural Resources Martinsburg- Build neighborhood parks adjacent to dense residential Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County areas –This would allow users to utilize pedestrian and Med Commission, County Commissioners; County & City Park and Recreation bicycle trails to access parks facilities. City of Martinsburg Board Develop a dedicated stream of funding for park acquisition Martinsburg-Berkeley County Park - These would include excess levy taxes; property transfer and Recreation Board; Berkeley County & City, High Berkeley County taxes; fee in lieu of dedication of lands by developers; and Planning County Planning Commission; City of developers impact fees. Commission Martinsburg Berkeley County Commissioners; Martinsburg-Berkeley County Park Promote private recreational development of specialized Private developers and Med and Recreation Board; Berkeley recreational services (golf, bowling, mini golf, arcades) – owners County Planning Commission; City of Private Enterprise Martinsburg Martinsburg- Berkeley County Planning Designate or acquire right-of way for biking and/or hiking County & City; WV Berkeley County Commission, County Commissioners; trails (More on this in the Natural Resources Action Med Department of Natural Park and Recreation City of Martinsburg, private property Strategies) Resources Board owners

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Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies The Parks and Recreation Board should continue to work Martinsburg- cooperatively with the Berkeley County Board of Education Berkeley County County, Board of Med Berkeley County Board of Education to explore the use of school facilities for recreational Park and Recreation Education programs. Board Public Sewer and Water Public Service Expand water and wastewater services consistent with the Public Service Commission; Berkeley Public Service Water Ongoing Water and Sewer Growth Management Plan County Planning Commission and Sewer Districts Districts Expand capacity at wastewater treatment plants to meet Public Service Public Service Commission; Berkeley Public Service Sewer Ongoing projected demands Sewer District County Planning Commission District West Virginia Health Department; County; Public Service WV Department of Provide improved management of on-lot wastewater Public Service Sewer District; Public Sewer District; WV High Health and Human systems in the County Service Commission; County Planning Department of Health Services Commission and Human Services Berkeley County Develop rural development densities consistent with West Virginia Health Department; High Planning County groundwater availability Public Service Water District Commission Public Service Public Service Commission; Berkeley Public Service Water Implement the source water protection plan Med Water District County Planning Commission District; County Public Service Merge the public service water and sewer districts for Public Service Commission; Berkeley Public Service Water Low Water and Sewer more efficient operations County Planning Commission and Sewer Districts Districts Solid Waste Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Solid Assure that the location of any solid waste facilities in the Berkeley County Commission; WV Solid Waste Waste Authority; County are consistent with both the criteria in the solid High Solid Waste Management Board; Waste Haulers Berkeley County waste plan and also with the Growth Management Plan Authority and Recyclers Commission Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Solid Locate a new landfill site for construction and demolition Berkeley County Commission; WV Solid Waste Waste Authority; materials, a transfer station, and commercial recycling Med Solid Waste Management Board; Waste Haulers Berkeley County facilities. Authority and Recyclers Commission Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Solid Berkeley County Implement the Berkeley County Comprehensive Litter and Commission; WV Solid Waste Waste Authority; Ongoing Solid Waste Solid Waste Control Plan Management Board; Waste Haulers Berkeley County Authority and Recyclers Commission 86 June 2006 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PLAN

Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Solid The Solid Waste Authority should provide for additional Berkeley County Commission; WV Solid Waste Waste Authority; High opportunities for recycling in the county. Solid Waste Management Board; Waste Haulers Berkeley County Authority and Recyclers Commission

87 June 2006

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Berkeley County‘s economy is growing strong. In fact, growth in private sector employment in Berkeley County in 2003 was the strongest among the surrounding counties, with an increase of almost 51 percent over 1990 levels. This increase was significantly greater than experienced at the national level – an 18 percent increase. However, even with this growth, approximately 60 percent of residents were traveling outside the county to work in 2000, which indicates more needs to be done to increase employment opportunities within the County.

Berkeley County is just over an hour's drive from the Baltimore-Washington, DC metropolitan area, which is among the nation's fastest growing and most affluent. In fact, the county’s strategic location places it within 500 miles of two-thirds of all the industrial activity and retail consumers in the United States. The county is well connected to these markets by a highly developed highway-rail-air transportation network and should take advantage of them as part of an overall economic development strategy.

The planning process established the following vision for Berkeley County’s economic future: “A diversified economy that takes advantage of access to regional markets, opportunities for recreational-, heritage-, and ecology-based tourism, and continues to support a strong agricultural sector.”

Source: Berkeley County Development Authority

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Economic Development Action Strategies

Goal of the Economic Development Plan: Build on the existing economic strengths of Berkeley County and create new job generating opportunities in the County.

Objectives:

Encourage new economic development by identifying growth opportunities for businesses already located in Berkeley County Encourage the development of new employment opportunities Promote educational and training opportunities to meet skill requirements and technology needs of existing and potential businesses Provide ready sites for business development and expansion in areas deemed desirable for growth Attract and retain technology related jobs to Berkeley County. Preserve and protect the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport as a tool for economic development Promote the agriculture and agri-business industries in Berkeley County Promote the development of tourism related industries in the County

Ensure adequate sites are available for new and existing businesses.

Land availability is critical for business retention and new business development. Existing businesses need land for expansion and new businesses, whether initial start-ups or relocating businesses, need land for new facilities. The location of available land in relation to other infrastructure conditions is equally, if not more, important. There are several key actions Berkeley County and the Berkeley County Development Authority can take to make sure sufficient land is available in appropriate locations to meet the current and future needs of the business community.

Protect sites near the interstate interchanges, along the rail lines, and in proximity to the airport for light industry and transportation related industries to take advantage of multiple modes to move goods. This supports the growth management plan, which

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identifies these areas as either investment areas or town and village centers, and also the transportation plan, which identifies the Tabler’s Station area as an intermodal hub in the County’s Priority Network. Encourage existing owners of vacant retail and industrial properties to redevelop/revitalize. These properties can have a negative effect on other efforts to revitalize an area. Their reuse further supports the growth management plan. This could be done through either financial incentive or a local ordinance Identify current and future industrial investment areas (see the Growth Management Map) Support the revitalization efforts of the City of Martinsburg by encouraging the reuse of older buildings in the downtown for much needed office space. Where appropriate, make provisions for home-based businesses by including standards in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to mitigate possible light and noise issues. Continue to develop and maintain a county-level database of available development sites, including brownfields and other sites that could be redeveloped. Incorporate into the county’s GIS database. Provide infrastructure improvements as outlined in the transportation and community facilities plans.

Continue to work with and support Berkeley County Public Schools, West Virginia University Mountain State University, Shepherd University, Shepherd CTC and the region’s other educational providers to ensure a skilled workforce for existing and future businesses.

According to a 1991 report regarding the practice of economic development,3 “the increasing incorporation of technology in virtually every type of job…calls for better reading and mathematical skills and a generally higher level of employee competence.” In order to continue to grow the local economy, it is essential that there is a skilled labor pool for businesses to tap into. The educational institutions in the county and throughout the region recognize this and are continually updating their class offerings to meet the demands of business. In addition, the information gathered through the Berkeley County Development Authority’s business calling program provides valuable input regarding the needs of businesses.

All industries need workers with computer skills.

3 American Economic Development Council Education Foundation, “Practicing Economic Development”, 1991.

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Small businesses that will serve the needs of new residents – store managers, personal services, auto mechanics, etc. – will need business management and technical skills. The hospitality industry will need all levels of skills – many of the businesses that serve the needs of visitors and travelers also serve the needs of residents, e.g. restaurants and gift shops. The growth and aging of the county’s population will also put demands on the health care system, increasing the demand for doctors, nurses, aides and other qualified personnel.

Work with the farming community to identify future role of agriculture in the county’s economy.

The global market is having huge impact on agriculture in Berkeley County. Imported fruit and other agricultural products are entering the market at prices well below those needed to provide a living for local farmers. In addition, fewer and fewer young persons in the county are choosing farming as a career. The end result is that agriculture’s role in the economic mix is diminishing in Berkeley County. However, this does not mean that there is no role for agriculture, but rather a new one is being defined.

A Comprehensive Agricultural Economic Study could be undertaken to identify potential new “niche” markets for county farmers, including organic produce, flowers and associated crafts should be explored and developed. These operations can be successful on a smaller scale, which lends itself to creative downsizing with a smaller farm as part of a subdivision project. (Conservation subdivision) Target markets could include year-round and seasonal residents and tourists. The urban markets in Baltimore and Washington, as well as Hagerstown and Frederick, are also good target markets.

Another strategy to keep farming in Berkeley County would be to encourage younger residents to reconsider farming as a career. The WVU Cooperative Extension Service will be a key partner in this strategy. Their current role in 4H activities and with the “Future Farmers” program should be fully supported by the county. The public schools could also play a role through the inclusion of related classes and the promotion of the industry as a viable career. A related strategy would be to encourage the promotion of educational programs through WVU to help farmers update their operations to meet the needs of a changing agricultural economy.

Linking farmers who wish to sell their farms with new farmers looking for land is another way to encourage the continuation of farming in the county. Around the country, a program known as Farm Link is working to do just this. This type of program should be explored in Berkeley County and will require the support of many organizations, including the

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Department of Agriculture, Farmland Trust Organizations, WVU Cooperative Extension Services and the local farming community.

Enhance opportunities to establish historical, cultural and recreational tourism-related businesses.

Diversity is the key to sustainability when it comes to economic development. Berkeley County should continue to take advantage of the growth in the tourism industry as a means of diversifying the economy. The county’s rich history and outdoor recreation assets, as well as it’s central location to many regional attractions, make it a natural for developing a variety of tourist-related businesses and attractions. Berkeley County needs to do a better job of promoting its historical aspects for tourisms. Currently, there is very little coordination between the Historical Society and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Along with its cultural attractions, Berkeley County has many unique historical attractions which, if promoted correctly, could enhance the county’s appeal for tourists from neighboring areas.

The county should continue to support and promote the efforts of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce and other regional groups to market Berkeley County as a great place to visit. Its ease of access makes it a perfect weekend getaway for residents of most of the east coast’s metropolitan areas, including Baltimore and Washington, DC. The role of these organizations in further developing the tourist market is essential, because without a market to serve, local businesses, particularly small ones, will have difficulty staying in business. Local businesses that could capitalize on increased tourism include, restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, outfitters, private fishing and hunting guides, and antiques and craft stores, to name a few. An opportunity may also exist to explore linkages between agriculture and tourism industries, for example farm tours or vacations.

The county could also consider providing incentive program for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting tourism related businesses. Low interest financing or temporary tax breaks could be used to help get new businesses started.

Entrepreneurial Enterprise Development

The Berkeley County Development Authority, along with Jefferson County and Morgan County, has been conducting Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneur Forums regularly for those already in business or wishing to start a business in the Eastern Panhandle Counties. This type of

93 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN entrepreneurial development is extremely important for assisting business people who wish to expand their business or start a new one.

Better communications technology in Berkeley County

Immediately to the east of Berkeley County in Loudon and Fairfax County, Virginia and Montgomery and Frederick County, Maryland lie major technology centers. As these technology centers mature and expand they will look to other areas. Berkeley County needs to be in a position to capitalize on this expansion by providing solid communications infrastructure. Along with an educated work force, good communication technology and infrastructure is becoming an important building block for attracting and retaining technology related businesses in any community. Berkeley County needs to have good broadband access and other communications tools to facilitate business activity in the county and capture the expanding technology businesses which are close by to the county.

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Economic Development Plan - Proposed Strategies Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources

Protect sites near the interstate interchanges, along the Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Development rail lines, and in proximity to the airport for light industry High County Commission Authority; and transportation related industries.

Encourage existing owners of vacant retail and industrial Berkeley County City of Martinsburg; Property Private investment; Ongoing properties to redevelop/revitalize them. Development Authority Owners State of WV Berkeley County Development Support the revitalization efforts of the City of Martinsburg Authority; Martinsburg- by encouraging the reuse of older buildings in the Med City of Martinsburg Main Street Program Berkeley County Chamber of downtown for much needed office space. Commerce Where appropriate, make provisions for home-based businesses by including standards in the Subdivision and Berkeley County Planning Eastern Panhandle Med N/A Land Development Ordinance to mitigate possible light Commission Entrepreneurs Forum and noise issues.

Continue to develop and maintain a county-level database Berkeley County Berkeley County of all available development sites, including brownfields Ongoing Property Owners; realtors, Development Development Authority and other sites that could be redeveloped. Authority Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum; Continue to work with and support Berkeley County Public Berkeley County Berkeley County Schools; Schools and all of the region’s secondary and post High Development Authority/ James Rumsey Technical N/A secondary educational providers to ensure a skilled Chamber of Commerce Institute; Mountain State workforce for existing and future businesses. University; Berkeley County Commissioners Utility Providers, including Private Business community; Encourage the development of an adequate High broadband and cellular Berkeley County Development Utility Providers communications technology network in the county phone Authority; Farmers, Farmland Work with the farming community to identify future role of WVU Cooperative Preservation Board, Berkeley Ongoing N/A agriculture in the county’s economy Extension Service County Planning Commission, County Commissioners,

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Economic Development Plan - Proposed Strategies Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources

Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum; Berkeley County Schools; James Rumsey Technical Martinsburg-Berkeley Enhance opportunities to establish historical, cultural and Small Business Institute; Martinsburg-Berkeley Low County Convention recreational tourism-related businesses. Development Center County Chamber of and Visitors Bureau Commerce; Berkeley County Historic Society, Martinsburg- Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau

96 June 2006 2006 NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

Berkeley County has many natural resources, including forests, streams, productive soils, and a diversity of wildlife. Protecting these resources is a priority for county residents, as they define the character of Berkeley County. In the future, Berkeley County residents envision using a combination of guidelines and regulations, as well as incentives for property owners and developers, to ensure the protection of the county’s most sensitive natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Goal: Conserve the character, quality and livability of Berkeley County by preserving its natural assets. The following related objectives have been identified.

Objectives

Protect and restore groundwater and surface water resources in Berkeley County for continued use by residents and natural systems. Provide residents and visitors with a variety of natural resources based recreational opportunities that are easily accessible. Protect and improve surface waters and adjacent green spaces for recreation, tourism and scenic value. Maintain prime agricultural soils in Berkeley County. Promote and protect Berkeley County’s natural environment for the benefit of all residents. Provide and protect open space in the county.

Natural Resources Action Strategies

Implement the recommendations of the Source Water Assessment and Protection Project.

In 2001, a diverse team of citizens, local, state and federal officials, and university scientists formed the Berkeley County Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) Team to address increasing concerns about the county’s water supplies. Their purpose was “to examine existing and

97 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN potential threats to the county’s source water and to make recommendations to mitigate those threats.”4

Potential threats were broken down into the following categories, each with accompanying recommendations, which range from regular inspections of septic and sewer systems, to site design standards that minimize stormwater impacts and provide natural filtration.

Wastewater Septic and Sewer Systems Septage (collected materials from septic tanks) Sludge (treated residue from wastewater treatment facilities) Stormwater and Impervious Surfaces Other Pollutant Risks Agricultural Threats Loss of Open Space

As a first step, the county appointed a Water Resources Advisory Council. This group is responsible for advising the County Commission and the Berkeley County Public Service Water District as they begin to implement the Team’s recommendations, as well as to take other actions that may be required to preserve the county’s source water. A related publication, “Protecting Our Water” was completed by the Canaan Valley Institute to help county residents understand the factors that influence source water in Berkeley County and things they can do to help protect it. This easy to understand publication should be made available to every resident in the county.

The Advisory Council could also be responsible for spearheading the implementation of the West Virginia Potomac Tributary Strategy Implementation Plan in Berkeley County5. This plan was completed as part of an agreement among the states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) to reduce the amount of nutrients and sediment flowing into the Bay. Cap Load Allocations (CLAs) for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment were established and partners agreed to develop and carry out voluntary Tributary Strategies to reduce pollutant loads to CLA levels by 2010.

The Strategy Implementation Plan used a decision matrix that included nine weighted factors in order to determine which watersheds would receive priority in an implementation timeline. Two of the top five priority

4Berkeley County Source Water Assessment and Protection Project Final Report, March 2004 5 “West Virginia Potomac Tributary Strategy Implementation Plan, Dec. 2005

98 June 2006 NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN tributaries are located in Berkeley County: Opequon Creek and Rockymarsh Run. It is anticipated that Project Teams will be organized in the priority watersheds. They will be charged with a variety of tasks, including working with stakeholders, surveying and mapping the watershed to target nonpoint source project sites, and coordinating many of the activities and programs recommended in the plan. Ideally, a representative from the Advisory Council should be on the Project Team(s).

The watersheds that Opequon Creek and Rockymarsh Run flow through are:

Camp Spring Run-Potomac River Hoke Run-Opequon Creek Rattlesnake Run-Potomac River Tuscarora Creek Rockymarsh Run Evans Run-Opequon Creek Middle Creek-Opequon Creek Turkey Run-Opequon Creek To complement these activities, the county may want to consider an overlay zone in these priority watersheds that would require new development to use more stringent sediment and erosion controls and stormwater management practices, as well as to include riparian buffers along adjacent stream corridors as part of the site development plan.

Develop, adopt and enforce ordinances that will adequately protect the county’s most sensitive resources.

There are a number of natural features in the county that are particularly sensitive to development, including the 100 year floodplains of the Potomac and smaller streams, steep slopes, and the areas of Karst limestone geology found in the eastern third of the county. The most effective way to ensure their protection is to adopt and enforce ordinances that either prevent development from taking place or, at a minimum, require specific efforts to mitigate the impacts of development.

Berkeley County should develop a zoning ordinance that will direct growth away from sensitive areas. The Natural Resource Protection Areas on the Growth Management Map provide a basis for developing a resource protection district that would prevent permanent uses from being developed within these areas. Overlay zones should be used in the rest of the county to provide adequate protection. An overlay requires that more specific criteria be met in designated areas in addition to that which is normally required. Language in the ordinance should be applied

99 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN consistently to all development projects. The following natural resource protection overlay zones would be appropriate in Berkeley County.

Groundwater – As has been mentioned in other places in this Plan, the groundwater is perhaps the important resource in the county. It is imperative that both the quality and quantity of this resource be preserved. Education is an important component of this preservation as is the proper assessment prior to large scale development. The County Commission should ensure that it has available, either through employment or contract, a hydro-geologist, familiar with karst topography, to advise the Planning Commission. This advice should include both quality and quantity as potentially impacted by development.

Floodplains – The Statewide Flood Protection Plan (see Natural Resources Profile) recommends that legislation should be enacted that would declare floodway zones to be off limits to new development, with some exceptions. Generally, permitted uses in a floodway district would be agricultural uses, public and private recreational uses, and residential uses such as yard areas, play areas and gardens.

Sinkholes/Karst - Karst regions require special care because contaminants can flow easily through sinkholes, thus polluting groundwater. Stormwater runoff, as well as sewage disposal, provides substantial risk of contamination to the groundwater, particularly in Karst terrain. In addition, construction activities can destabilize the delicate equilibrium between the surface and underground components of karst, causing altered drainage patterns and sinkhole collapse. A Karst Overlay district would include specific requirements for new land developments and subdivisions such as location of buildings relative to sinkholes, directing outflows from stormwater basins away from these features, the prohibition of underground storage of hazardous materials, and the installation of groundwater monitoring devices. A site evaluation by a licensed and county-approved hydro-geologist familiar with Karst hydrogeology or civil engineer should also be required.

Priority Potomac Watersheds – As previously mentioned, the county should consider an overlay for these watersheds that would include regulations to help achieve the recommended Cap Load Allocations.

Steep Slopes – The county subdivision and land development ordinance currently provides some protection of these areas. However, proposals are reviewed on an individual basis. A more specific set of standards that would apply to every development proposal within the overlay zone should be developed. The Slope Map developed for the Natural Resources Profile would be the basis for this overlay zone.

Revise the Berkeley County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include recommendations for Conservation Site Design throughout the county. This design concept begins with an existing resources and site analysis plan that “maps the special environmental,

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historic, and scenic elements of a property so that the land can be profitably developed with minimum damage to those features and resources.”6 Wetlands, steep slopes, floodplains, and sinkholes should be identified. In addition, large stands of forest, meadows, agricultural fields, or scenic views should also be identified. Once these areas are defined, then the building(s) or building lots would be laid out in such a way as to protect valuable resources.

The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Program should continue to be the primary means for protecting agricultural lands in the county. To date, conservation easements have been purchased for approximately 1,600 acres through this voluntary program. The program also allows for donations of easements, as long as the eligibility requirements are met. The county should consider increasing funding for this program through the Property Transfer Tax.

Provide property owners information about Best Management Practices (BMPs) they can use to protect sensitive resources, including riparian buffers, native landscaping, and forest management techniques.

Protection of Berkeley County’s natural resources will depend heavily on the actions of the private land owners. The county should initiate a “Keep Berkeley Green” or similar public outreach and education program that will provide residents with the information they need to do their part to protect the environment.

There are currently many organizations that provide information about Best Management Practices (BMPs), including WVU Cooperative Extension Service, WV Division of Natural Resources (DNR) and Division of Forestry, A Geographic the Conservation Fund, the Natural Lands Trust, and the Chesapeake Bay Information System Foundation. The initiative could be as simple as a set of links from the (GIS) is a computer county’s website or as sophisticated as a BMP library that would be software system that available at the planning commission’s offices or online. links geographic information (where things are) with descriptive information (what Prioritize the continued development of the county’s GIS database things are). It is also as a critical tool for implementing natural resource protection capable of managing, strategies. analyzing and disseminating Many of the recommendations in this plan will require accurate geographic geographic data in order to implement them. Accurate delineation of knowledge. sensitive resources will provide a reliable and predictable basis for decisions about the location and nature of new development.

6 Growing Greener Workbook; Natural Lands Trust; 2003

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The creation and maintenance of an electronic database, including a digital map of all of the tax parcels in the county will provide accurate information for developers and the planning commission to make better decisions during the development review process.

Develop a network of greenways that can serve to protect surface waters, connect open spaces, and meet recreational needs at the same time.

As proposed in the Transportation Plan, the county should work with residents and the Parks and Recreation Board to develop a county-wide Greenways and Water Trails network. The goal would be to establish an interconnected network of greenways and land and water trails that would both preserve special natural and historic areas and also provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy them.

This strategy will require a coordinated and committed effort by a wide variety of organizations, including citizen groups, land trusts, businesses, and state and federal agencies. However, the final result would be a source of community pride and well worth the efforts needed to make it a reality.

Continue to support the implementation of the Air Quality Early Action Compact.

In 2003, the West Virginia DEP Division of Air Quality (DAQ) identified the Eastern Panhandle counties of Jefferson and Berkeley as a potential non- attainment area. However, the counties voluntarily entered into an Early Action Compact, which required areas to identify and implement control strategies earlier than would otherwise be required. The county should continue to work with DAQ staff to meet the program requirements on schedule.

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Natural Resources Plan - Proposed Strategies Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources

Berkeley County Planning Commission; Berkeley County Public Support the Water Resources Advisory Council as Water Resources Service Districts; The Conservation County; Implementing they begin to implement the recommendations from High Advisory Council Fund, WV Department of Natural Partners the Source Water Analysis and Protection Report. Resources; Canaan Valley Institute; Chesapeake Bay Foundation Berkeley County Farmland Develop, adopt and enforce ordinances that will Preservation Board; The Berkeley County County; Implementing adequately protect the county’s most sensitive High Conservation Fund, WV Department Planning Commission; Partners resources. of Natural Resources; Canaan Valley Institute WVU Cooperative Extension Service; Provide property owners information about Best The Conservation Fund, WV Management Practices (BMPs) they can use to WVU Cooperative Department of Natural Resources; County; Implementing protect sensitive resources, including riparian High Extension Service; Canaan Valley Institute; Chesapeake Partners buffers, native landscaping, and forest Bay Foundation; Berkeley County management techniques. Planning Commission Berkeley County Commissioners; WV Prioritize the continued development of the county’s Berkeley County Department of Natural Resources; County; Implementing GIS database as an essential tool for implementing High Planning Commission; Canaan Valley Institute; Chesapeake Partners natural resource protection strategies. Bay Foundation Develop a network of greenways that can serve to Martinsburg-Berkeley County Park Berkeley County County; Implementing protect surface waters, connect open spaces, and Med and Recreation Board, developers, Planning Commission; Partners meet recreational needs at the same time private land owners

Continue to support the implementation of the Air Berkeley County High WV DEP Division of Air Quality County; DEP Quality Early Action Compact Planning Commission

103 June 2006

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES PLAN

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

As with natural resources, Berkeley County has a wealth of historic and cultural resources. The Berkeley County Historic Society has identified and documented over three thousand historic sites in the county, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also 22 historic districts, a variety of historic monuments, and 2 markers erected by the Berkeley County Landmarks Commission. There are also a variety of museums and events that celebrate the history and culture of the county.

These resources represent opportunities and some challenges for Berkeley County as it grows. They are opportunities in that they provide an excellent base for heritage tourism in the county; challenges because their protection and continued value depends primarily on their owners.

Historic and Cultural Action Strategies

Goal: Enhance the quality of life through the conservation, promotion, and interpretation of cultural and historic resources

Objectives

Conserve the features and sites, including historic buildings and cemeteries that define the historic and cultural character of Berkeley County. Encourage sensitive community development in the vicinity of identified cultural and historic resources. Increase the awareness and inter-relationships between Berkeley County’s history, its residents and the tourism economy. Promote the arts, culture, and history throughout the county

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Work with the Berkeley County Historic Society and the Landmarks Commission to establish a dedicated funding stream to purchase historically significant properties in the county.

Continue to work with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the county’s historic and cultural assets to visitors.

Work with the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board to include historic sites where appropriate as they begin to develop a greenways network for the county.

Encourage property owners and developers to protect historic properties and cemeteries by providing incentives such as tax credits or streamlined review processes.

Include specific provisions in the proposed zoning ordinance and also within the subdivision and land development ordinance to protect historic resources. This could take the form of an overlay district in the zoning ordinance and conservation design requirements in the SLDO.

Revise the subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include language that would require adequate buffer zones around all sites and cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Historic and Cultural Resources Plan - Proposed Priority Lead Organization Partners Funding Sources Strategies Work with the Berkeley County Historic Society and the Berkeley County Planning Landmarks Commission; State of WV; Private Landmarks Commission to establish a dedicated funding Commission; County High Berkeley County Historic Foundations and stream to purchase historically significant properties in the Commissioners, City of Society Trusts county. Martinsburg Landmarks Commission; Include specific provisions in the proposed zoning Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Historic ordinance and also within the subdivision and land High County Commission; Society; Berkeley County development ordinance to protect historic resources. Planning Commission; Revise the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Landmarks Commission; to include language that would require adequate buffer Berkeley County Planning Berkeley County Historic High County zones around all sites and cemeteries listed on the Commission; Society; Berkeley County National Register of Historic Places. Planning Commission;

Protect historic properties and cemeteries by providing Landmarks Commission; Berkeley County Planning incentives such as tax credits or streamlined review Med Berkeley County Historic County Commissioner processes. Society; City of Martinsburg

Berkeley County Historic Society; Martinsburg- Landmarks Commission; State of WV; Private Promote the county’s historic and cultural assets to Ongoing Berkeley County Berkeley County Planning Foundations and visitors. Convention and Visitors Commission; Trusts Bureau; The Conservation Fund, WV Department of Natural Berkeley County Historic Resources; Canaan Include historic sites where appropriate as they begin to Society; Martinsburg- Berkeley County Planning Low Valley Institute; develop a greenways network for the county. Berkeley County Park and Commission Cheaspeake Bay Recreation Board Foundation; Berkeley County Planning Commission

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CONSISTENCY AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Chapter 6 - Consistency and Interrelationships of the Plan Elements

Chapter 8A of the West Virginia Code states that one of the purposes of the comprehensive plan is to “Ensure that the elements in the comprehensive plan are consistent”. This chapter summarizes the interrelationships of the various plan elements through the use of a matrix. It is accomplished by summarizing the possible impacts that the highest priority strategies might have on the key issues that have been identified in Berkeley County. For further clarity, the following examples of the interrelationships among the plan elements are provided.

The policy of establishing growth areas based on water availability not only focuses growth in appropriate areas, but also ensures protection of the county’s water resources. The policy of developing a zoning ordinance and an updated subdivision and land development ordinance provides the tools the county needs to influence the location of new development, as well as how that development will look. Efforts to increase housing diversity benefit the county by providing more choices in terms of housing type and value, which allows for greater cultural and social diversity. Economic development strategies will help to stimulate community vitality and support for cultural activities and events. The strategy of education and training programs integrated with the larger community strengthens the economic policy of developing a trained, flexible, and locally employable workforce. Economic development is strengthened by promoting the County’s historic and cultural resources, as well as its rural recreational opportunities, through tourism activities. Commercial, industrial, and residential development is encouraged to take place near areas serviced by existing infrastructure, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness of community service delivery and management. Preservation of the County’s agricultural lands, open spaces and sensitive environmental resources will allow the continued enjoyment of the area’s recreational opportunities, scenic landscapes, and sensitive flora and fauna.

109 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Possible Extent of Impact of High Priority Strategies for Berkeley County

Key Issues in Berkeley County

HIGH PRIORITY STRATEGIES Historic Resource Resource Historic Protection Continued rapid Continued rapid population growth Affordable Housing of pace and Location new development Transportation Improvements Ensure Adequate Community Facilities Job Local Limited Opportunities Natural of Protection Resources Groundwater Protection Growth Management Plan Strategies Plan future land uses based on water availability x x x x x x

Develop supporting groundwater studies x x x x Prepare and adopt a county-wide zoning ordinance that provides for overlay districts and the Transfer of Development x x x x x x x Rights (TDRs) Develop a proactive and aggressive land use policy education program that would include ongoing workshops, x x x x x x x media coverage, a permanent website, and a regular newsletter. Update subdivision and land development regulations x x x x x x x x x Housing Plan Strategies Provide regulations and incentives that will encourage developers to provide more diversity and innovation in the x x x x housing market, and streamlined reviews. Convene a Housing Choices Committee to oversee the implementation of the housing plan's recommendations, x x x x collect and share relevant housing and funding data, and monitor implementation of the plan.

110 June 2006 CONSISTENCY AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Possible Extent of Impact of High Priority Strategies for Berkeley County

Key Issues in Berkeley County

HIGH PRIORITY STRATEGIES Historic Resource Resource Historic Protection Continued rapid Continued rapid population growth Affordable Housing of pace and Location new development Transportation Improvements Ensure Adequate Community Facilities Job Local Limited Opportunities Natural of Protection Resources Groundwater Protection Transportation Plan Strategies Continue working with legislative leaders and the WV x x x x Department of Highways to complete identified projects. Adopt the “County Priority Transportation Network” x x x x Develop sign regulations to help reduce visual clutter along the x x x county's roadways. Consider the use of impact fees and other alternative funding options, including bonds, to offset cost of needed road x x x x improvements to accommodate traffic associated with new development Community Facilities and Services Plan Strategies

Develop arrangements to improve working relationships x x x among police, fire and EMS organizations within the County

Ensure that police, fire and EMS have current Homeland x x x x Protection training Prepare a county-wide Emergency Plan that coordinates efforts of law enforcement, fire services, emergency x x x management and the WV Department of Highways Increase County Sheriff's staff to meet current and future x needs.

111 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Possible Extent of Impact of High Priority Strategies for Berkeley County

Key Issues in Berkeley County

HIGH PRIORITY STRATEGIES Historic Resource Resource Historic Protection Continued rapid Continued rapid population growth Affordable Housing of pace and Location new development Transportation Improvements Ensure Adequate Community Facilities Job Local Limited Opportunities Natural of Protection Resources Groundwater Protection Continue to provide sufficient funding for the purchase of new x x x fire equipment and the maintenance of existing equipment Continue to move toward a single, integrated EMS system that x x supports the entire County Increase the number of EMS crews ready to roll on demand x x

Increase North Station coverage to 24/7 as soon as possible x x

Institute a fourth unit to provide 12/7 coverage for high x x demand periods. Hire additional staff to support

Increase ambulance services fees to cover short term and long x x term additional costs for an expanding system Develop a dedicated stream of funding for park acquisition - These would include excess levy taxes; property transfer taxes; x x x x x x fee in lieu of dedication of lands by developers; and impact fees. Provide improved management of on-lot wastewater systems x x x x x in the County Develop rural development densities consistent with x x x x groundwater availability

112 June 2006 CONSISTENCY AND INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Possible Extent of Impact of High Priority Strategies for Berkeley County

Key Issues in Berkeley County

HIGH PRIORITY STRATEGIES Historic Resource Resource Historic Protection Continued rapid Continued rapid population growth Affordable Housing of pace and Location new development Transportation Improvements Ensure Adequate Community Facilities Job Local Limited Opportunities Natural of Protection Resources Groundwater Protection Assure that the location of any solid waste facilities in the County are consistent with both the criteria in the solid waste x x x x x x plan and also with the Growth Management Plan The Solid Waste Authority should provide for additional x x x x x opportunities for recycling in the county. Economic Development Plan Strategies Protect sites near the interstate interchanges, along the rail lines, and in proximity to the airport for light industry and x x transportation related industries. Continue to work with and support Berkeley County Public Schools and all of the region’s secondary and post secondary x x x x x educational providers to ensure a skilled workforce for existing and future businesses. Encourage the development of an adequate communications x x technology network in the county Natural Resources Plan Strategies Support the Water Resources Advisory Council as they begin to implement the recommendations from the Source Water x x x x x Analysis and Protection Report. Develop, adopt and enforce ordinances that will adequately x x x x protect the county’s most sensitive resources.

113 June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Possible Extent of Impact of High Priority Strategies for Berkeley County

Key Issues in Berkeley County

HIGH PRIORITY STRATEGIES Historic Resource Resource Historic Protection Continued rapid Continued rapid population growth Affordable Housing of pace and Location new development Transportation Improvements Ensure Adequate Community Facilities Job Local Limited Opportunities Natural of Protection Resources Groundwater Protection Provide property owners information about Best Management Practices (BMPs) they can use to protect sensitive resources, x x x x including riparian buffers, native landscaping, and forest management techniques. Prioritize the continued development of the county’s GIS database as an essential tool for implementing natural x x x x resource protection strategies. Historic and Cultural Resources Plan Strategies Work with the Berkeley County Historic Society and the Landmarks Commission to establish a dedicated funding x x stream to purchase historically significant properties in the county. Include specific provisions in the proposed zoning ordinance and also within the subdivision and land development x x ordinance to protect historic resources. Revise the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include language that would require adequate buffer zones x x x around all sites and cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

114 June 2006 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Chapter 7 – Implementation Schedule

The following chart outlines the tentative implementation schedule for the various action strategies in the comprehensive plan. This timetable may change as the County Planning Commission reviews the plan and monitors the results of implemented strategies.

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Growth Management Plan Strategies Plan future land uses based on water availability

Develop supporting groundwater studies

Prepare and adopt a county-wide zoning ordinance that provides for overlay districts and the Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs) Develop a proactive and aggressive land use policy education program that would include ongoing workshops, media coverage, a permanent website, and a regular newsletter. Update subdivision and land development regulations

Revitalize Town Centers by supporting redevelopment programs, promoting pedestrian access, encouraging infill development and land recycling, and the promotion of mixed uses, including housing. Continue to develop the county's planning staff to ensure sufficient capacity to implement the plan, including specialists for zoning, rural preservation, grant applications, and other tasks. Continue to build public and private partnerships and coalitions to implement the plan. Housing Plan Strategies Provide regulations and incentives that will encourage developers to provide more diversity and innovation in the housing market, and streamlined reviews.

115 The shaded areas indicate the year in which the strategies would be implemented June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Convene a Housing Choices Committee to oversee the implementation of the housing plan's recommendations, collect and share relevant housing and funding data, and monitor implementation of the plan. Encourage reinvestment and rehabilitation of under utilized and vacant buildings to stimulate neighborhood revitalization Use a combination of tools to preserve existing neighborhoods, including property maintenance codes and streetscape improvements Provide programs, regulations and incentives that will encourage both the public and private sectors to support and develop affordable housing for the residents of Berkeley County Expand financial assistance programs for first time home buyers and

low to moderate income families searching for affordable housing. Transportation Plan Strategies

Continue working with legislative leaders and the WV Department of Highways to complete of identified projects.

Adopt the “County Priority Transportation Network” Develop sign regulations to help reduce visual clutter along the county's roadways. Consider the use of impact fees and other alternative funding options, including bonds, to offset cost of needed road improvements to accommodate traffic associated with new development Adopt and enforce good access management principles in the county’s subdivision and land development ordinance. Integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities into new and existing development Develop a Regional Trail Network

116 June 2006 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Promote innovative design concepts for new transportation projects

Community Facilities and Services Plan - Proposed Strategies Public Safety - Cross Cutting Strategies Develop arrangements to improve working relationships among police, fire and EMS organizations within the in the County Ensure that police, fire and EMS have current Homeland Protection training Prepare a county-wide Emergency Plan that coordinates efforts of law enforcement, fire services, emergency management and the WV Department of Highways Develop/update hazard mitigation plans for the County Public Safety - Police Services Strategie Periodically review police staffing levels to maintain sufficient number of officers relative to a growing population. Increase County Sheriff's staff to meet current and future needs. Ensure that response times are adequate to meet police emergencies. Public Safety - Fire Services Strategies Periodically review service areas to ensure that response times keep pace with growth Provide incentives, especially to local public employees, who could respond quickly to day time fire calls. Look for other initiatives to garner additional volunteers, including retirees who are interested in supporting public safety services. Continue to provide sufficient funding for the purchase of new equipment and the maintenance of existing equipment Public Safety - Emergency Medical Services Strategies Continue to move toward a single, integrated EMS system that supports the entire County Increase the number of EMS crews ready to roll on demand

117 The shaded areas indicate the year in which the strategies would be implemented June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Maintain and operate an optimum ambulance fleet in terms of size and location Increase North Station coverage to 24/7 as soon as possible Institute a fourth unit to provide 12/7 coverage for high demand periods. Hire additional staff to support Increase ambulance services fees to cover short term and long term additional costs for an expanding system Start building new South Station in Spring, 2008 and Back Creek Valley Sub-station in Fall, 2009 Acquire new service units in 2010 and 2012 Increase career staffing to 12 crews in July, 2006; 14 crews in 2008; and 17 crews by 2014 Increase overall County coverage by 2014 with coverage beginning for Back Creek Valley in 2010 Education Encourage the Berkeley County Board of Education to consider the growth management plan’s recommendations when acquiring property or locating new schools Coordinate with the Planning Commission to ensure consistency with the Growth Management Plan. Health Care City Hospital should continue to regularly review the need to expand to meet the acute care demands of a growing and aging Berkeley County New medical facilities should be developed in locations that are consistent with the Growth Management Plan. Provide health care facilities that will serve western Berkeley County and eastern Morgan County. Recreation Assess demands and prepare a County wide parks and recreation plan – Support new and improved local and regional parks –

118 June 2006 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Conserve natural areas –These areas would be mostly for passive open space uses but would contribute significantly to the open space needs and aesthetics of Berkeley County.

Build neighborhood parks adjacent to dense residential areas –This would allow users to utilize pedestrian and bicycle trails to access parks facilities.

Develop a dedicated stream of funding for park acquisition - These would include excess levy taxes; property transfer taxes; fee in lieu of dedication of lands by developers; and impact fees. Promote private recreational development of specialized recreational services (golf, bowling, mini golf, arcades) – Designate or acquire right-of way for biking and/or hiking trails

The Parks and Recreation Board should continue to work cooperatively with the Berkeley County Board of Education to explore the use of school facilities for recreational programs. Public Sewer and Water Expand water and wastewater services consistent with the Growth Management Plan Expand capacity at wastewater treatment plants to meet projected demands Provide improved management of on-lot wastewater systems in the County Develop rural development densities consistent with groundwater availability

Implement the source water protection plan Merge the public service water and sewer districts for more efficient operations

119 The shaded areas indicate the year in which the strategies would be implemented June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Solid Waste Assure that the location of any solid waste facilities in the County are consistent with both the criteria in the solid waste plan and also with the Growth Management Plan Locate a new landfill site for construction and demolition materials, a transfer station, and commercial recycling facilities. Implement the Berkeley County Comprehensive Litter and Solid Waste Control Plan

The Solid Waste Authority should provide for additional opportunities for recycling in the county. Economic Development Plan - Proposed Strategies Protect sites near the interstate interchanges, along the rail lines, and in proximity to the airport for light industry and transportation related industries. Encourage existing owners of vacant retail and industrial properties to redevelop/revitalize them. Support the revitalization efforts of the City of Martinsburg by encouraging the reuse of older buildings in the downtown for much needed office space. Where appropriate, make provisions for home-based businesses by including standards in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to mitigate possible light and noise issues. Continue to develop and maintain a county-level database of all available development sites, including brownfields and other sites that could be redeveloped. Continue to work with and support Berkeley County Public Schools and all of the region’s secondary and post secondary educational providers to ensure a skilled workforce for existing and future businesses. Encourage the development of an adequate communications technology network in the county

120 June 2006 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Work with the farming community to identify future role of agriculture in the county’s economy Enhance opportunities to establish historical, cultural and recreational tourism-related businesses. Natural Resources Plan - Proposed Strategies Support the Water Resources Advisory Council as they begin to implement the recommendations from the Source Water Analysis and Protection Report. Develop, adopt and enforce ordinances that will adequately protect the county’s most sensitive resources. Provide property owners information about Best Management Practices (BMPs) they can use to protect sensitive resources, including riparian buffers, native landscaping, and forest management techniques. Prioritize the continued development of the county’s GIS database as an essential tool for implementing natural resource protection strategies. Develop a network of greenways that can serve to protect surface waters, connect open spaces, and meet recreational needs at the same time Continue to support the implementation of the Air Quality Early Action Compact Historic and Cultural Resources Plan - Proposed Strategies Work with the Berkeley County Historic Society and the Landmarks Commission to establish a dedicated funding stream to purchase historically significant properties in the county. Promote the county’s historic and cultural assets to visitors. Include historic sites where appropriate as they begin to develop a greenways network for the county. Protect historic properties and cemeteries by providing incentives such as tax credits or streamlined review processes.

121 The shaded areas indicate the year in which the strategies would be implemented June 2006 THE BERKELEY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

2006-08 2009-2011 2012-2014 2015-2017 2018-2020

Include specific provisions in the proposed zoning ordinance and also within the subdivision and land development ordinance to protect historic resources. Revise the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance to include language that would require adequate buffer zones around all sites and cemeteries listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

122 June 2006

Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan Update

Appendices

Technical Background Studies

Geographic Information Systems Mapping

Community Survey

CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

CHAPTER 1 Demographic Profile

Introduction Population trends and characteristics are used to assess the demand for current services and make reasonable projections for future population growth and needs. Land area requirements for future residential, recreation, commercial, industrial, and other needs are related to current and future requirements of the population in the county. Population projections indicate trends in future demand for schools, transportation facilities and other public infrastructure and services.1

Berkeley County’s population is growing rapidly. According to the Census Bureau, Berkeley County had a resident population of 75,905 persons in 2000, compared to 36,356 in 1970. This represents a 108.8 percent increase over the thirty year period. Frederick County, VA to the south and Jefferson County, WV to the east have also experienced similar growth rates during this period. (see Table 1-1). According to the US Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, Berkeley County is the fifty-sixth fastest growing county in the nation, with an estimated population of 89,362 in 2004 - an 18 percent increase in the four years since the 2000 census. The data also indicates that the pace of growth in the county is accelerating, with 42 percent of the county’s total growth since 1970 occurring between 1990 and 2000. This trend is due in part to its close proximity to the expanding Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area and shows no signs of slowing.

Table 1-1 Population Growth 1970 - 2000

Total Population Population Change Municipality 1990-2000 1970-2000 1970 1980 1990 2000 # % # % USA 203,302,031 226,542,199 248,709,873 281,421,906 32,712,033 13.2 78,119,875 38.4 West Virginia 1,744,237 1,949,644 1,793,477 1,808,344 14,867 0.8 64,107 3.7 BERKELEY COUNTY 36,356 46,775 59,253 75,905 16,652 28.1 39,549 108.8 Hedgesville 274 217 227 240 13 5.7 -34 -12.4 City of Martinsburg 14,626 13,063 14,073 14,972 899 6.4 346 2.4 Clarke County, VA 8,102 9,965 12,101 12,652 551 4.6 4,550 56.2 Frederick County, VA 28,893 34,150 45,723 59,209 13,486 29.5 30,316 104.9 Jefferson County, WV 21,280 30,302 35,926 42,190 6,264 17.4 20,910 98.3 Morgan County, WV 8,547 10,711 12,128 14,943 2,815 23.2 6,396 74.8 Washington County, MD 103,829 113,086 121,393 131,923 10,530 8.7 28,094 27.1 Source: US Census Bureau

1 A note about Census Bureau data – The Census Bureau has two summary files of the 1990 and 2000 Census data. Both are used in this profile. Summary File 1 (STF1) is a 100 percent count of the population and is based on the short form sent to every household. Summary File 3 (STF3) is based on the “long form”, which was sent to one in six households. Thus, there may be some discrepancy between the figures.

1-1 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Figure 1-1

Comparison of Population Growth 1970 - 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

140,000

120,000 100,000 80,000

60,000 40,000 No. of Residents No. 20,000

0 1970 1980 1990 2000

BERKELEY COUNTY Clarke County, VA Frederick County, VA Jefferson County, WV Morgan County, WV Washington County, MD

Place of Residence Figure 1-2 Place of Residency, Berkeley County 1995 Census data also provides Source: US Census Bureau insight into the migration patterns of the county’s Different house, residents. According to 2000 different state, 11,748 figures, approximately 45 Elsewhere, 351 percent or 32,140 Berkeley County residents lived in a different house in 1995 and of Different house, these, 15,762 relocated from a same state, different county. This indicates 4,014 there is a significant number of county residents who have merely relocated within the county. In addition, of those Different house, Same house, 38,850 who are new residents in the same county, 16,027 county, almost 75 percent (11,748 people), were living in a different state. (See Figure 1-2)

1-2 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Population Density and Distribution by Land Area

Trends in population density parallel population change. In 1970, Berkeley County had a population density of 113.2 persons per square mile. By 2000, it had increased to 236.3 persons per square mile. This is much higher than West Virginia as a whole, where population density in 2000 was just over 75 persons per square mile. Berkeley County had the second highest population density among the surrounding counties. Washington County, MD had the highest population density: 629.4 persons per square mile. Morgan County, WV, which borders Berkeley County to the west, had the lowest population density: 65.3 persons per square mile. (See Table 1-2)

Table 1-2 Population Density 1970 - 2000

Area Municipality 1970 1980 1990 2000 (square miles) USA 3,536,338.0 57.5 64.1 70.3 79.6 West Virginia 24,086.6 72.4 80.9 74.5 75.1 BERKELEY COUNTY 321.2 113.2 145.6 184.5 236.3 City of Martinsburg 5.0 2,925.2 2,612.6 2,814.6 2,994.4 Clarke County, VA 177.0 45.8 56.3 68.4 71.5 Frederick County, VA 414.6 69.7 82.4 110.3 142.8 Jefferson County, WV 209.6 101.5 144.6 171.4 201.3 Morgan County, WV 229.0 37.3 46.8 53.0 65.3 Washington County, MD 458.2 495.4 539.5 579.2 629.4 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

The majority of Berkeley County’s population lives in areas that are classified as urban by the Census Bureau.2 As defined by the Census Bureau, over 54 percent of the county’s residents lived in urban areas in 2000. Of those living in rural areas, less than one percent reside on land used for farming. Among the surrounding counties, only Washington County had a higher percentage of residents residing in urban areas with approximately 68 percent. Berkeley County had a higher percentage of urban residents than West Virginia, where only 46 percent of residents are living in urban areas. As shown in Table 1-3, both of the adjacent West Virginia counties – Jefferson and Morgan – had significantly smaller urban populations.

2 The U.S. Census Bureau classifies as urban all territory, population, and housing units located within urbanized areas (UAs) and urban clusters (UCs). It delineates UA and UC boundaries to encompass densely settled territory, which generally consists of: • A cluster of one or more block groups or census blocks each of which has a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile at the time, and • Surrounding block groups and census blocks each of which has a population density of at least 500 people per square mile at the time, and • Less densely settled blocks that form enclaves or indentations, or are used to connect discontiguous areas with qualifying densities. Rural consists of all territory, population, and housing units located outside of UAs and UCs.

1-3 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Table 1-3 Distribution of Population by Land Area

Rural Total Urban Municipality Farm Non-farm Population # % # % # % USA 281,421,906 222,358,309 79.0 2,987,531 1.1 56,076,066 19.9 West Virginia 1,808,344 832,780 46.1 22,114 1.2 952,852 52.7 BERKELEY COUNTY 75,905 41,250 54.3 519 0.7 34,198 45.1 Clarke County, VA 12,652 2,973 23.5 393 3.1 9,269 73.3 Frederick County, VA 59,209 29,974 50.6 896 1.5 28,275 47.8 Jefferson County, WV 42,190 13,478 31.9 565 1.3 28,343 67.2 Morgan County, WV 14,943 0 - 197 1.3 14,746 98.7 Washington County, MD 131,923 90,044 68.3 1,953 1.5 40,546 30.7 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Age Group Distribution A key factor that impacts an area’s future population growth, as well as determines the type of services needed, is the distribution of the total population according to age. Each group has different public service needs that must be considered in the planning process. The School Age Group refers to people under the age of 19. The Young Adult Age Group ranges from 20 to 44 years of age and is most frequently responsible for new household formation. This group is also a significant part of the local labor force, is most frequently engaged in home buying or building, and is usually highly mobile and active in community functions. The Mature Age Group includes residents between 45 and 65 and tends to be more settled and at the height of their earning power, while people 65 years and older (The Senior Age Group) are generally characterized by limited purchasing power, increased demand for health and public transit services, special recreation requirements, and also may have special housing needs.

All age groups experienced an increase in total population. Berkeley County’s total population increased from 1990-2000, which increased the number of persons in each age group. The young adult age group is the largest; however, as a percentage of the total population, this group experienced a decrease of almost three percent between 1990 and 2000. As shown in Figure 1-3, the county’s mature age group was the only age group to experience an increase as a percentage of the total population. These trends have been common throughout West Virginia.

1-4 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Figure 1-3

Berkeley County Age Group Distribution Percent of Total County Population, 1990-2000 Source: US Census Bureau

45.0

40.0 1990

35.0 2000

30.0

25.0

20.0

Percent of Total of Percent 15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 School Age Young Adult Mature Age Senior Age Group (Under 19) Group (20 - 44) Group (45 - 64) Group (65+)

1990 28.8 39.9 19.6 11.8 2000 28.2 37.1 23.6 11.2

Berkeley County’s population was younger than West Virginia’s population. As shown in Table 1-4, 65.3 percent of Berkeley County residents were under the age of 44, compared to only 59.5 percent of West Virginia residents. However, as a result in the growth of the mature age group, the county’s median age has increased as shown in Table 1-5.

Table 1-4 Age Group Distribution 1990 - 2000 West Virginia Berkeley County % % 1990 2000 1990 2000 Age Groups Change Change % of % of (1990- % of % of (1990- # # # # total total 2000) total total 2000) School Age Group (Under 19 Years) 503,401 28.1 454,715 25.1 -9.7 17,037 28.8 21,374 28.2 25.5 Young Adult Group (20-44 Years) 652,974 36.4 621,452 34.4 -4.8 23,657 39.9 28,187 37.1 19.1 Mature Age Group (45 – 64 Years) 368,205 20.5 455,282 25.2 23.6 11,588 19.6 17,878 23.6 54.3 Senior Age Group (65+ Years) 268,897 15.0 276,895 15.3 3.0 6,971 11.8 8,466 11.2 21.4 Total 1,793,477 100.0 1,808,344 100.0 0.8 59,253 100.0 75,905 100.0 28.1

1-5 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Table 1-5 Median Age 1990-2000 Change Municipality 1990 2000 1990-2000 USA 32.9 35.3 2.4 West Virginia 35.3 38.9 3.6 BERKELEY COUNTY 33.3 35.8 2.5 Clarke County, VA 36.4 40.6 4.2 Frederick County, VA 33.0 36.7 3.7 Jefferson County, WV 32.7 36.8 4.1 Morgan County, WV 38.0 40.7 2.7 Washington County, MD 34.4 37.4 3.0 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Racial Composition

Berkeley County’s European heritage is still widely apparent in its population. According to the Census Bureau, approximately 93 percent of Berkeley County residents are white. This represents a decrease since 1990, thus indicating a trend towards greater racial diversity. The largest percentage of residents of another single race in the county is Black or African American. Less than one percent of residents are of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, Asian ethnicity, or American Indian/Alaska Native ethnicity.

Berkeley County is more Figure 1-4 racially diverse than West Virginia as a whole, but Berkeley County less so than the City of Racial Composition, 2000 Martinsburg. 2000 Census data indicates that 7.3 percent of the Some other race county’s population was Asian alone alone classified as “non-white”, <1% <1% compared to 5 percent Population of of the state’s population Black or African two or more and 10 percent of the American alone city’s population. As races: 4.7% shown in Table 1-6 , <1% Clarke County, VA had the highest percentage White alone of non-white residents 92.7% among the surrounding counties.

1-6 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Table 1-6 Comparison of Racial Diversity, 1990-2000 % White % Non-white Municipality 1990 2000 1990 2000 USA 80.3 75.1 19.7 24.9 West Virginia 96.2 95.0 3.8 5.0 BERKELEY COUNTY 95.4 92.7 4.6 7.3 Hedgesville 83.3 92.1 16.7 7.9 Martinsburg 90.0 83.9 10.0 16.1 Clarke County, VA 90.8 91.1 9.2 8.9 Frederick County, VA 97.4 95.0 2.6 5.0 Jefferson County 91.7 91.0 8.3 9.0 Morgan County 98.8 98.3 1.2 1.7 Washington County, MD 92.9 89.7 7.1 10.3 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Household Characteristics

The total number of households in Berkeley County increased between 1990 and 2000. In 1990, there were 22,350 households in the county and in 2000 there were 29,616 households, an increase of almost 33 percent. Among the surrounding counties, only Frederick County, VA experienced a greater increase in total households during this period as shown in Table 1-7.

Table 1-7 Number of Households, 1990-2000 Municipality 1990 2000 % Change USA 91,947,410 105,480,101 14.7 West Virginia 688,557 737,360 7.1 BERKELEY COUNTY 22,350 29,616 32.5 Hedgesville, WV 85 100 17.6 City of Martinsburg, WV 6,040 6,683 10.6 Clarke County, VA 4,236 4,950 16.9 Frederick County, VA 16,470 22,124 34.3 Jefferson County, WV 12,914 16,179 25.3 Morgan County, WV 4,731 6,144 29.9 Washington County, MD 44,762 49,708 11.0 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, STF1A, 1980 and 1990, and SF1A, 2000.

1-7 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Family households represented a smaller Figure 1-5 percentage of the total Household Types in Berkeley County, 1990-2000 number of households in Source: U.S. Census Bureau Berkeley County in 2000.3 In 1990, almost 73 percent of the county’s households 80.0 72.6 were classified as “family” 70.4 households by the Census 70.0 Bureau. By 2000, they 1990 60.0 accounted for just over 70 2000 percent as shown in Figure 1-5. In addition, there are 50.0 fewer people in each household as shown in Table 40.0

1-8. These trends are similar Percent 29.6 27.4 to both national and regional 30.0 trends as families are having fewer children and more 20.0 people, including seniors and young adults are living alone. 10.0

0.0

Family Households Nonfamily Households

Table 1-8 Persons Per Household 1990-2000

Persons per Municipality Household 1990 2000 USA 2.63 2.59

West Virginia 2.55 2.40 BERKELEY COUNTY 2.60 2.53 Hedgesville, WV 2.67 2.73 City of Martinsburg, WV 2.30 2.21 Clarke County, VA 2.78 2.50 Frederick County, VA 2.76 2.64 Jefferson County 2.68 2.54 Morgan County 2.52 2.40 Washington County, MD 2.53 2.46

3 Households are classified by type according to the sex of the householder and the presence of relatives. Two types of householders are distinguished: family householders and non-family householders. A family householder is a householder living with one or more individuals related to him or her by birth, marriage, or adoption. The householder and all of the people in the household related to him or her are family members. A non-family householder is a householder living alone or with non-relatives only. (US Census Bureau, Technical Documentation)

1-8 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Educational Attainment The number of high school and college graduates residing in Berkeley County has increased. A review of Census data indicates that 15.5 percent of the county’s 25 year and older population had obtained college degrees in 1990. By 2000, that figure had increased by 4.1 percent to 19.6 percent. High school graduates in the county also increased from 53.0 percent in 1990 to 58.0 percent in 2000. As shown in Table 1-9, the percentage of residents in the county that obtained some type of college degree exceeds that for West Virginia and Morgan County, WV, but lags behind the national rate, as well as those of the remainder of the surrounding counties.

Table 1-9 Educational Attainment as a Percent of Population 25 Years and Older

1990 2000 Municipality High College High College School* Degree School* Degree USA 48.9 26.6 49.7 30.7 West Virginia 49.9 16.1 56.0 19.2 BERKELEY COUNTY 53.0 15.5 58.0 19.6

Hedgesville 55.1 17.8 67.8 17.4 City of Martinsburg 48.2 19.6 55.1 19.3 Clarke County, VA 52.5 22.5 53.5 28.6 Frederick County, VA 50.5 19.5 54.8 23.7 Jefferson County, WV 48.9 19.3 53.1 26.0 Morgan County, WV 49.7 15.1 61.8 14.3 Washington County, MD 52.7 16.6 57.6 20.2 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000 STF3A *High school includes obtaining a high school diploma or equivalency.

Income and Poverty Characteristics

Median household income in Berkeley County experienced real growth between 1989 and 1999. When adjusted for inflation, median household income for the county in 1999 was $38,763, which reflects an increase of 5.5 percent over 1989 figures. This is significantly less than for the surrounding counties and the U.S; however, it does exceed the median for West Virginia, the City of Martinsburg, and Morgan County. (See Table 1-10) Each of the surrounding counties also experienced an increase in median household income. Clarke County, VA experienced the largest percentage increase (11.2 percent) and Washington County, MD experienced the smallest (2.3 percent). As also shown in Table 1-10, Hedgesville had the highest percent increase (36.1 percent) in median household income of the reference municipalities, while Martinsburg was the only area to experience a decrease during this period.

1-9 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Table 1-10 Change in Median Household Income 1989-1999

Census Census Percent Change Median Reported 1989 Reported 1999 in Adjusted Household Municipality Median Median Median Income Adjusted Household Household Household to 1999 Dollars (1) Income Income Income

USA $30,056 $40,275 $41,994 4.3 West Virginia $20,795 $27,865 $29,696 6.6 BERKELEY COUNTY $27,412 $36,732 $38,763 5.5 Hedgesville, WV $27,083 $36,291 $49,375 36.1 Martinsburg, WV $22,193 $29,739 $29,495 -0.8 Clarke County, VA $34,636 $46,412 $51,601 11.2 Frederick County, VA $32,806 $43,960 $46,941 6.8 Jefferson County, WV $30,941 $41,461 $44,374 7.0 Morgan County, WV $24,372 $32,658 $35,016 7.2 Washington County, MD $29,632 $39,707 $40,617 2.3

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau

(1) U.S. Northeast urban average inflation index from 1989 to 1999 equals 1.34

Per capita incomes also increased in the county and the region. As shown in Table 1-11, Berkeley County’s per capita income increased from $11,832 in 1989 to $17,982 in 1999. When adjusted for inflation, this reflects real growth of 13.4 percent.4 This rate of growth was greater than for the U.S., but lower than for the adjacent counties. Morgan County, WV, and Clarke County, VA experienced the greatest increases during the period, just over 18 percent each. The City of Martinsburg experienced the smallest increase: 5.3 percent. Even though per capita incomes increased in the county during the 1990s, they lag behind relative to the surrounding counties. Only Hedgesville and the City of Martinsburg had lower per capita incomes, while Clarke County, VA had the highest: $24,844. This is likely due to Clarke County’s proximity to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

4 1989 median household and per capita figures are adjusted to 1999 dollars by multiplying them by the Department of Labor Statistics inflation calculator, which is 1.34 from 1989 to 1999.

1-10 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Table 1-11 Per Capita Income, 1990 - 2000 1989 Per Percent 1989 Per Capita Income 1999 Per Change in Municipality Capita Income Adjusted to Capita Income Per Capita 1999 Dollars Income USA $14,420 $19,323 $21,587 11.7 West Virginia $10,520 $14,097 $16,477 16.9 BERKELEY COUNTY $11,832 $15,855 $17,982 13.4 Hedgesville, WV $11,929 $15,985 $17,772 11.2 Martinsburg, WV $11,563 $15,494 $16,314 5.3 Clarke County, VA $15,657 $20,980 $24,844 18.4 Frederick County, VA $13,671 $18,319 $21,080 15.1 Jefferson County $13,249 $17,754 $20,441 15.1 Morgan County $11,420 $15,303 $18,109 18.3 Washington County, MD $12,970 $17,380 $20,062 15.4

Source: US Census Bureau

(1) U.S. Northeast urban average inflation index from 1989 to 1999 equals 1.34

Berkeley and each of the surrounding counties except Washington County experienced a decrease in the percentage of residents with incomes below the poverty level. As shown in Table 1-12, Berkeley County experienced a slight (0.4 percent) decrease in poverty levels between 1989 and 1999; however, Martinsburg experienced a significant increase (4.1 percent). Given that the city lost population during the same period, it is likely that residents who are able to afford the move into the surrounding “suburbs” are doing so, while the poorest segments of the population remain.

Table 1-12 Poverty Status, 1989 - 1999 Percent of Persons for Whom Poverty Status is Determined with Municipality Income in 1989 Income in 1999 Below Poverty Below Poverty Level Level USA 13.1 12.4 West Virginia 19.6 17.9 BERKELEY COUNTY 11.9 11.5 Hedgesville, WV 11.0 5.4 Martinsburg, WV 15.9 20.0 Clarke County, VA 8.7 6.6 Frederick County, VA 7.0 6.4 Jefferson County 10.5 10.3 Morgan County 11.0 10.4 Washington County, MD 9.3 9.5 Sources: U.S. Census Bureau

1-11 CHAPTER 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Population Projections Future needs for the residents of Berkeley County will depend largely on the size and composition of its population; therefore, reasonable population projections are necessary. During the 1990s, the county’s population increased by approximately 28 percent. Census Bureau estimates indicates that the rate of growth in the county has accelerated. As previously mentioned, the county had an estimated population of 89,362 in 2004 - an 18 percent increase in the four years since the 2000 census as compared to 28 percent during the previous ten years. All indications are that Berkeley County will continue to see substantial growth in population, particularly given the current rates of new housing development (See Chapter 2). The following discussion reviews the various projections that are currently available and then uses them as a basis for developing a projection for the county through the year 2020. Other factors, such as regional development patterns and trends will also be factored into the projections as appropriate.

Existing Projections Source Water Analysis & Protection Program (SWAP): This source water protection project was initiated in 2001 as a pilot project sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Professionals from federal, state and local government, The Canaan Valley Institute, and the Environmental Finance Center of the University of Maryland, as well the Berkeley County Public Service Water District and the West Virginia Departments of Health and Human Services collaborated to take a close look at water resources and how to Figure 1-6 protect them for the Population Projections future. Projections Berkeley County and the City of Martinsburg, 2008-2023 Source: Source Water Analysis & Protection Program (SWAP), 2004 from the group’s initial report, which was 160,000 completed in March, 2004, indicate that 140,000 Berkeley County could expect an 120,000 additional 20,698 residents by 2008 and 100,000 another 60,934 80,000 City of Martinsburg residents by 2023. Berkeley County Figure 1-6 illustrates 60,000 the projected Total Population increases in 40,000 population for both 20,000 Berkeley County and the City of 0 Martinsburg. 2003 2008 2013 2023 Year

1-12 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

CHAPTER 2 Housing Profile Attractive and affordable housing are two of the most important assets of any community. Good housing creates a sound tax base that will continue to appreciate in value and assures that residents are living in a healthy and safe environment. The existing and future quality of housing is extremely important to the growth and development of Berkeley County. An analysis of existing housing conditions and projected population levels are necessary when identifying housing needs for the future. The following sections describe the existing housing types, conditions, vacancies, and other factors that characterize the supply of housing in Berkeley County. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau served as the primary source of housing statistics unless otherwise noted.

Housing Unit Supply The total number of housing units in Berkeley County increased by 14,341 units or 77.2 percent between 1980 and 2000. This growth rate is significantly higher than the 23 percent increase experienced in West Virginia as a whole. (See Table 2-1.) Jefferson and Morgan Counties also had significant increases in housing units between 1980 and 2000: 52.7 and 65.4 percent respectively. As shown in Table 1, the pace of growth appeared to be slowing for each of the surrounding counties except Clarke County, VA during the 1990s, but post-census data indicates that this is not the case, particularly in Berkeley County. Housing growth during the 1990s was only slightly higher than the population growth. According to Census data, housing units increased by 29.7 percent during the decade, while population increased by 28.1 percent. However, the total number of households has increased by 32.5 percent, reflecting smaller household sizes, as well as the trend of county residents relocating to new homes within the county as discussed in the Demographic Profile.

Table 2-1 Growth in Housing Supply 1980 - 2000

Total Housing Units Change in Housing Units

Municipality 1980-1990 1990-2000 1980-2000 1980 1990 2000 # % # % # % West Virginia 686,311 781,295 844,623 94,984 13.8 63,328 8.1 158,312 23.1 BERKELEY COUNTY 18,572 25,385 32,913 6,813 36.7 7,528 29.7 14,341 77.2 Hedgesville 80 93 99 13 16.3 6 6.5 19 23.8 City of Martinsburg 5803 6670 7,432 867 14.9 762 11.4 1,629 28.1 Clarke County, VA 3,961 4,531 5,388 570 14.4 857 18.9 1,427 36.0 Frederick County, VA 12,759 17,864 23,319 5,105 40.0 5,455 30.5 10,560 82.8 Jefferson County, WV 11,542 14,606 17,623 3,064 26.5 3,017 20.7 6,081 52.7 Morgan County, WV 4,884 6,757 8,076 1,873 38.3 1,319 19.5 3,192 65.4 Washington County, MD 42,391 47,448 52,972 5,057 11.9 5,524 11.6 10,581 25.0

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2-1 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Figure 2-1 Housing Unit Growth - Berkeley and Neighboring Counties 1980 - 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000 No. of Housing Units 10,000

- 1980 1990 2000

BERKELEY COUNTY Frederick County, VA Jefferson County, WV Morgan County, WV Washington County, MD Clarke County, VA

Each of the surrounding counties experienced an increase in housing unit growth. Frederick County, VA experienced the largest percentage increase (82.8 percent) while Berkeley County experienced the largest numerical increase. (14,341 units). Figure 2-1 graphically illustrates the growth in housing units for Berkeley and the surrounding counties. New housing in Berkeley County represented approximately 9 percent of the total housing growth in West Virginia between 1980 and 2000. According to 2000 Census data, approximately 4 percent of West Virginia’s total housing stock is located in Berkeley County.

Recent Housing Activity Between 2000 and 2004, there has been a constant increase in major subdivision approval at the final, preliminary, and pre-application stages in Berkeley County. During this time, almost 6,500 lots have received final approval from the Berkeley County Planning Commission - an average of 1,287 lots per year. In 2000, 668 lots received final approval and in 2004 2,749 lots received final approval. Figure 2-2 illustrates the number of major subdivisions receiving final approval by year in Berkeley County and Figure 2-3 shows how they are distributed across the magisterial districts in the County.

2-2 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Figure 2-2

Number of Major Subdivision Lots Receiving Final Approval 2000 - 2004 Source: Berkeley County Planning Commission

3000

2749 2500

2000

1500 No. of Lots of No. 1000 1181 910 927 500 668

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

2-3 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Figure 2-3

2-4 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Table 2-2 takes this information a step further and shows the number of building permits that were issued between 2000 and 2004 in the County. These figures clearly show the accelerated rate of building activity within the county, with more on the way as evidenced by the subdivision activity. It should be noted that s the largest number of permits issued between 2000 and 2004 were for single family detached homes. The second largest were for mobile homes.

Table 2-2 Residential Building Permits Issued in Berkeley County 2000-2004

Total # of CATEGORY 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Permits 2000-2004 Single Family Houses 664 945 1264 1259 1461 5,593 Townhouses 32 49 46 64 272 463 Duplex Building 7 4 12 23 46 Apartment Buildings 2 4 9 6 14 35 Five or More Family Buildings 1 3 4 Mobile Homes 335 355 288 267 305 1,550 Total New Residential Permits 1,040 994 1,622 1,596 2,075 7,691 Source: Berkeley County Engineering and Building Inspections Office

Housing Unit Density The housing unit density for Berkeley County was 102.5 houses per square mile according to 2000 Census Bureau data. This is more than double the 1980 density of approximately 45 houses per square mile. There is a wide variation of housing densities at both the regional and county levels, as seen in Table 2-3. In 2000, Washington County had the highest density of housing units, almost 116 units per square mile, and Clarke County had the lowest density, around 30 units per square mile.

Table 2-3 Housing Unit Density

Land Area Housing Units Per Square Mile Change Municipality (Sq. Mi.) 1980 1990 2000 1980-1990 1990-2000 West Virginia 24,087 28.5 32.4 35.1 3.9 2.6 BERKELEY COUNTY 321 57.8 79.0 102.5 21.2 23.4 Hedgesville 0.1 800.0 930.0 990.0 13.0 6.0 Martinsburg 5.0 800.0 1,334.0 1,486.4 867.0 762.0 Clarke County, VA 177 22.4 25.6 30.4 3.2 4.8 Frederick County, VA 415 30.8 43.1 56.2 12.3 13.2 Jefferson County 210 55.1 69.7 84.1 14.6 14.4 Morgan County 229 21.3 29.5 35.3 8.2 5.8 Washington County, MD 458 92.5 103.6 115.6 11.0 12.1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2-5 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Berkeley County experienced the highest numeric increase in housing density between 1980 and 2000. Jefferson County ranked second and Clarke County ranked last among the adjacent counties during the same time period.

Housing Occupancy and Vacancy Status Census Bureau data indicates that Berkeley County experienced an increase in both homeowner and rental vacancies. Morgan and Washington Counties each experienced increases in homeowner vacancy rates, while Clarke and Frederick Counties experienced increases in rental vacancy rates. West Virginia experienced decreases in both homeowner and rental vacancy rates. Vacancy rates refer to the proportion of the housing inventory available for sale or rent OR the rental inventory that is available. According to local real estate professionals, the trend towards increased vacancies in the homeowner market seems to have reversed. This is primarily evidenced by first quarter 2005 data from the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. Real Estate Trend Indicator, which shows that properties in Berkeley County averaged 41 days on the market before being sold in 2005 compared to an average of 91 days on the market in 2002.

Table 2-4 Vacancy Rates and Household Size

Percent Vacancy Rate Avg. household size Avg. household size of owner-occupied of renter-occupied Municipality Homeowner* Rental units units 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 West Virginia 12.4 11.3 21.6 16.9 2.63 2.47 2.33 2.18 BERKELEY COUNTY 11.4 15.4 17.3 17.8 2.69 2.64 2.36 2.2 Clarke County, VA 14.6 13 9.2 10.8 2.81 2.57 2.7 2.27 Frederick County, VA 28.8 23.2 15.2 17.6 2.77 2.67 2.72 2.55 Jefferson County, WV 15.2 13.1 14.2 12.2 2.75 2.58 2.48 2.41 Morgan County, WV 5.8 8.8 5.8 4.4 2.57 2.42 2.32 2.31 Washington County, MD 14.1 16.7 34.3 28.5 2.62 2.6 2.38 2.22

*Vacancy property for sale only Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Average household size is decreasing for both owner and renter occupied housing units. As shown in Table 2-4, this is a trend experienced by each of the surrounding counties and West Virginia. This generally is reflective of smaller family sizes and a higher percentage of non-family households in the county. (see Demographic Profile)

Between 1990 and 2000, the percentage of occupied housing units increased in Berkeley and each of the surrounding counties, as well as in West Virginia. West Virginia experienced the smallest percentage increase in both owner- and renter-occupied housing units between 1990 and 2000 – 7 percent. Frederick County experienced the largest percent increase for owner-

2-6 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE occupied housing units (36.3 percent) and Morgan County experienced the largest percent increase for renter-occupied housing units (27.6 percent). Berkeley County ranked second in both categories: 34.4 percent and 26.6 percent respectively. Figure 2-4compares the change in the total occupied units for Berkeley County and its neighbors.

Figure 2-4 Change in Occupied Housing Units 1990 - 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD

Morgan County

Jefferson County 2000

Frederick County, VA 1990

Clarke County, VA

BERKELEY COUNTY

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 No. of Units

According to 2000 Census data, the percentage of vacant housing in Berkeley County decreased. In 1990 approximately 12 percent of housing units were classified as vacant. By 2000, just over 10 percent were classified as such. Among the adjacent counties, only Morgan County had a higher vacancy rate as shown in Table 2-5.

Table 2-5 Occupied Housing Units, 1990-2000

1990 2000 Occupied Vacant Occupied Vacant Total: Total: # % # % # % # % West Virginia 781,295 688,557 88.1 92,738 11.9 844,623 736,481 87.2 108,142 12.8 BERKELEY COUNTY 25,385 22,350 88.0 3,035 12.0 32,913 29,569 89.8 3,344 10.2 Clarke County, VA 4,531 4,236 93.5 295 6.5 5,388 4,942 91.7 446 8.3 Frederick County, VA 17,864 16,470 92.2 1,394 7.8 23,319 22,097 94.8 1,222 5.2 Jefferson County, WV 14,606 12,914 88.4 1,692 11.6 17,623 16165 91.7 1458 8.3 Morgan County, WV 6,757 4,731 70.0 2,026 30.0 8,076 6,145 76.1 1,931 23.9 Washington County, MD 47,448 44,762 94.3 2,686 5.7 52,972 49,726 93.9 3,246 6.1 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2-7 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Seasonal housing accounted for approximately 44 percent of the county’s vacant units in 2000. While this is a smaller percentage than for 1990, when almost 46 percent of vacant housing was classified as seasonal, there are actually more units as shown in Figure 2-5. Each of the surrounding counties except Jefferson County also experienced increases in their seasonal housing stock.

Figure 2-5 Change in Seasonal Housing, 1990-2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD

Morgan County, WV

Jefferson County, WV

2000

Frederick County, VA 1990

Clarke County, VA

BERKELEY COUNTY

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 No. of Seasonal Units

Age of Housing Units Roughly one third of Berkeley County’s housing units were built between 1990 and 2000. From 1990 to 2000, more homes were built in Berkeley County than in any of the surrounding counties. Currently almost 74 percent of the county’s housing stock is less than thirty years old as shown in Figure 2-6. The accelerated growth of housing during the 1980s and 1990s clearly indicates the

2-8 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

desirability of the area as a place to live. Table 2-6 provides a comparison of the age of each

Figure 2-6

Year Structure Built in Berkeley County Source: U.S. Census Bureau

1939 or earlier 1990-2000 15% 30% 1940-1969 16%

1980-1989 1970-1979 22% 17%

county’s housing stock, as well as West Virginia’s.

Table 2-6 Age of Housing Comparison

Year Structure Built Total Municipality 1939 Units or 1940 –1969 1960 –1969 1970 –1979 1980 – 1989 1990 –2000 earlier West Virginia 138,910 157,853 78,375 138,393 106,650 116,300 736,481 BERKELEY COUNTY 4,318 2,686 2,188 5,100 6,397 8,880 29,569 Clarke County, VA 1,028 763 606 952 745 848 4,942 Frederick County, VA 1,807 1,949 2,203 3,965 5,348 6,825 22,097 Jefferson County, WV 2,476 1,488 1,551 3,438 3,153 4,059 16,165 Morgan County, WV 965 705 622 1,116 1,354 1,383 6,145 Washington County, MD 12,320 10,061 5,575 8,156 6,443 7,171 49,726

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2-9 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Housing Unit Design

The predominant housing unit design in Berkeley County is the single-family, detached home. The 2000 Census data shows that nearly 63 percent, over 20,000 units, of the county’s total housing stock falls into this category. Mobile homes represent approximately 19 percent of total housing units, the most of all surrounding counties. Another 4.4 percent are classified as single- family, attached while 2.6 percent are multi-family housing units with two or more units per building. Figure 2-7 illustrates the breakdown of housing units by design as per the 2000 Census.

Figure 2-7 Housing Types - Berkeley County, 2000 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Mobile homes, trailers and other, 19%

Multi-Family 10+ Units, 5%

Multi-Family 2-9 Units, 9% Single Family Detached, 63% Single Family Attached, 4%

The counties that surround Berkeley County have a similar distribution of housing unit types with between 60 and 87 percent of housing units classified as single-family, detached. Washington County has more multi-family housing than any of the surrounding counties, while the three West Virginia counties have a greater percentage of mobile homes, trailers and other. Table 2-7 summarizes the data for each of the counties and also for West Virginia.

2-10 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Table 2-7 Housing Type Comparison Percent Total Housing Units Single Family Multi-Family Mobile homes, Municipality 3 to 5 to 10 to 20 to Total 1 unit, 1 unit, 2 50 or trailers 4 9 19 49 Units detached attached units more and units units units units other

West Virginia 69.1 1.6 2.6 2.9 2.6 1.5 0.9 1.5 16.9 844,623 BERKELEY COUNTY 63.0 4.4 2.6 2.8 3.2 2.5 1.1 1.5 18.6 32,913 Clarke County, VA 86.8 4.1 1.3 1.6 1.6 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.3 5,388 Frederick County, VA 75.3 8.5 0.8 0.8 1.5 2.4 0.2 0.6 9.9 23,319 Jefferson County, WV 74.2 3.4 1.7 1.8 3.3 2.9 0.9 0.4 11.4 17,623 Morgan County, WV 77.9 0.5 1.3 1.8 0.9 0.3 0.2 0.0 16.8 8,076 Washington County, MD 60.8 12.1 4.9 5.1 5.1 4.8 1.1 1.7 4.5 52,972 Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Housing Values and Affordability

Housing Values According to 2000 Census data, the highest percentage of Berkeley County’s occupied housing units, 44.5 percent, fell within the $50,000 to $99,999 price range. Frederick, Jefferson, Morgan, and Washington Counties had similar percentages in this range, between 33.1 and 47.8 percent. Clarke County had the highest housing values in the area, with 23.8 percent of all housing units priced at $200,000 or more. Table 2-8 illustrates the housing values in the region according to 2000 Census data.

Table 2-8 Housing Values, 2000

$50,000 to $100,000 to $150,000 to $200,000 or Municipality $99,999 $149,999 $199,999 more # % # % # % # % West Virginia 184,733 47.0 62,302 15.9 22,939 5.8 17,893 4.6 BERKELEY COUNTY 7,122 44.5 5,292 33.1 1,713 10.7 951 5.9 Clarke County, VA 740 26.9 726 26.4 569 20.7 655 23.8 Frederick County, VA 4,609 33.1 5,318 38.2 2,238 16.1 1,507 10.8 Jefferson County 3,513 36.0 2,775 28.4 1,727 17.7 1,377 14.1 Morgan County 1,637 47.8 993 29.0 204 6.0 120 3.5 Washington County, MD 9,503 34.3 10,772 38.8 4,070 14.7 2,610 9.4

2-11 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

However, more recent data from the Metropolitan Regional Information System’s Real Estate Trend Indicator shows that housing values in the county are rising quickly as shown in Figure 2-8.

Figure 2-8 Average Selling Price of Residential Unit Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc.

250,000

$210,291

200,000

$189,971 $148,606 150,000

$133,039 $127,029 Dollars 100,000

50,000

0 2002 2003 2004 1st Qtr 2005 2nd Qtr 2005

Berkeley County had a greater percentage of higher priced housing than West Virginia. Housing that was valued at $100,000 or more represented 49.7 percent of total housing units in Berkeley County in 2000, but only 26.3 percent in West Virginia. Clarke County, Virginia had the highest percentage of housing units valued at $100,000 or more – almost 71 percent.

Contract Rent Median contract rent in Berkeley County in 2000 was $416, which ranks third among each of the surrounding counties and West Virginia. Frederick and Clarke Counties in Virginia rank first and second, with median contract rents of $506 and $495 respectively. Figure 2-9 provides a graphic comparison of the area’s contract rents according to 2000 Census data.

2-12 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Figure 2-9 Comparison of Median Contract Rent, 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD 412

Morgan County, WV 342

Jefferson County, WV 401

Frederick County, VA 506

Clarke County, VA 495

BERKELEY COUNTY 416

West Viginia 311

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Dollars ($)

Housing Affordability

Based on 2000 Census Bureau data, approximately 12 percent of Berkeley County’s homeowners are considered “cost burdened”. A homeowner is considered cost burdened if they spend 30 percent of more of their household income on their mortgage. As shown in Table 2-9, Berkeley and Frederick Counties had the lowest percentage of cost burdened homeowners in the area, which indicates a good range of affordable housing. Washington County, MD recorded the highest percentage of cost burdened homeowners. The availability of affordable housing is important for several reasons. If employees, particularly those in entry level positions, cannot afford to live near their place of employment, they will be forced to commute long distances, thus adding to traffic congestion and air pollution. Quality of life is also impacted as longer commute times take away from leisure and family time. Retail

2-13 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE and service sector employers tend to have a difficult time filling positions in areas where housing is relatively expensive. A wider range of housing types, rental options, and prices can help alleviate some of these affordable housing problems.

Table 2-9 Percentage of Cost Burdened Owner-Occupied Households, 1999 Clarke Frederick West Berkeley Jefferson Morgan Washington County, County, Virginia County County County County, MD VA VA Cost Burdened (spending 30% or more on monthly housing 9.7 11.9 13.4 11.9 12.5 12.7 13.8 costs) Extremely Cost Burdened (spending 50% or more on 6.3 6.3 6.6 6.0 6.7 6.2 6.2 monthly housing costs) Source: U.S. Census

Census data indicates that almost 60 percent of renter-occupied households are cost burdened in Berkeley County. Almost 32 percent of renters in the county are considered extremely cost burdened, indicating that the rental market is less affordable for county residents. However, Berkley County’s gross rent as a percentage of household income is comparable to that for surrounding counties, as well as for West Virginia as shown in Table 2-10.

Table 2-10 Percentage of Cost Burdened Renter-Occupied Households, 1999

Clarke Frederick West Berkeley Jefferson Morgan Washington County, County, Virginia County County County County, MD VA VA Cost Burdened (spending 30% or more on 48.6 59.6 61.9 60.4 55.8 59.1 65.3 monthly housing costs) Extremely Cost Burdened (spending 50% or more on 34.5 31.9 24.8 31.5 35.8 26.5 28.7 monthly housing costs) Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Public Housing According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are currently eight locations registered as providing subsidized housing opportunities for Berkeley County residents. Table 2-11 lists each of the properties, the contact organization and type of unit. As shown there are only three that provide family units, and two for the elderly. There are also three facilities for the disabled, which are managed by the Eastern Panhandle Mental Health Center, Inc.

2-14 CHAPTER 2 HOUSING PROFILE

Table 2-11 Homes and Communities Offering Subsidized Housing

Contact Property Type

BERKELEY GARDENS OP Property Management, LLC 318 GARDEN DRIVE Phone: 304 263 8854 Apt. 104 Family MARTINSBURG, WV 25401-3984 Phone: 304-263-8854 Ten South Management Company, CAPITAL HEIGHTS TOWNHOUSES LLC 101 Boarman PL Family Phone: 304-263-1801 MARTINSBURG, WV 25401 Phone: 304-263-1801

HAI MANAGEMENT,INC. FRANKLIN MANOR Phone: 304-263-2300 700 W Burke St Family [email protected] Martinsburg, WV 25401-2783 Phone: 304-263-2300

Eastern Panhandle Mental Health HOFFMASTER HOUSES Center, Inc. 290 Lutz Ave Disabled Phone: 304-263-8954x162 Martinsburg, WV 25401-5720

Associates for Community KINGS DAUGHTERS COURT Development, Inc. 116 E KING ST Elderly Phone: 304-263-3325 MARTINSBURG, WV 25401-4224 [email protected] Phone: 304-236-3325

Eastern Panhandle Mental Health KINGS DAUGHTERS GROUP HOME Center, Inc. 206 E KING ST Disabled Phone: 304-263-8954 MARTINSBURG, WV 25401 Phone: 304 263-3325

Eastern Panhandle Mental Health NAR ROBERTS, JR. Center, Inc. 91 TAVERN ROAD Disabled Phone: 304-296-8954 MARTINSBURG, WV 25401

SENIOR TOWERS Millennia Housing Management Ltd. 200 E STEPHENS ST Phone: 304 263-0158 Elderly MARTINSBURG, WV 25401-4197

Phone: 304 263-0158

Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2005

2-15

CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES PROFILE

CHAPTER 3 Natural Resources Profile

The Natural Environment is an important part of community life. Its characteristics influence local development patterns, for example, fertile soils support agriculture. Its features are scenic, such as North Mountain and Third Hill Mountain, and help define the character of a community. Its diverse systems - vegetation, water and wildlife - are dynamic, providing a stimulating and interactive environment in which to live. The identification and characterization of Berkeley County’s environmental resources is an important part of the planning process. Delineation of these resources serve as a guide for future planning decisions, as natural resources are costly both financially and ecologically to disregard. The following sections of the Comprehensive Plan identify and describe these areas so they can be considered when making planning decisions. This will ensure that future development in Berkeley County takes place in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Land Based Natural Resources

Physical Geography and Topography

Berkeley County is located in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, so named because of the alternating, parallel ridges and valleys that are oriented southwest to northeast. Surface rock strata and most of the subsurface rock in the County is sedimentary and consists of alternating belts of limestone, shale and sandstone. Map #1 Topography clearly shows these alternating features. Elevations in the county range from 300 feet at the point where the Potomac River exits the County to over 2,200 feet on Third Hill Mountain. There are three ridges in Berkeley County: North Mountain, Third Hill Mountain and Sleepy Creek Mountain. North Mountain divides the county into two distinct sections: Back Creek Valley to the west and the Great Valley to the east. Third Hill and Sleepy Creek Mountains are along the western border with Morgan County. The Great Valley is a major physiographic feature of the eastern United States. It extends approximately 900 miles from New York to Alabama. In West Virginia and Virginia it is known as the Shenandoah Valley. The valley averages about 20 miles wide in West Virginia and is approximately eight miles wide in Berkeley County. Back Creek Valley is named for the creek that created it between North Mountain and Third Hill Mountain. The valley is about five miles wide on the south and seven miles wide on the north.

Steep Slopes Map #2 Slope shows the location of steep slopes - those with grades of 15 percent or higher - within Berkeley County. The steepest slopes are found on the eastern sides of the mountains, which is primarily due to their underlying geology. They are also found along many of the county’s creeks and streams. The significance of these areas to planning is two-fold. First, if disturbed, they can produce heavy soil erosion and sediment loading in adjacent streams. While this does not necessarily preclude development, additional requirements for addressing storm

3-1 CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES PROFILE water runoff need to be in place in order to minimize erosion and subsequent degradation of surface waters. This type of regulation is generally found in county and/or municipal Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances. Second, the use and placement of conventional on-lot sewage disposal systems is impractical on very steep slopes (greater than 24%) because the downhill flow of the effluent is too rapid. Improperly treated effluent is likely to surface at the base of the slope, causing wet, contaminated seepage spots. If there is a layer of impervious material such as dense clay or rock under shallow soils, the effluent may surface on the slope and run downhill unfiltered.

Geology

Berkeley County’s underlying geologic formations shape its topography and also determine the characteristics of its aquifers. Rock type, porosity, and rock strata inclinations are just a few of the geologic factors that affect groundwater movement and availability. In addition, groundwater quality is dependent upon the interaction between groundwater and the bedrock. For example, the more soluble bedrock, such as limestone, dissolves in the groundwater, which results in increased hardness values. Berkeley County is underlain by rocks of the Paleozoic Ages. There are six stages of sedimentary rock present in the County: Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, and Mississippian. Mississippian exists in a smaller area on the western edge of the County. The majority of the western part of the county is Devonian with two small areas of Silurian in the north and east. Ordovician consumes the eastern half of the county with Cambrian running north/south through the middle of the county.1 Map #3 Geology shows the location of the six basic geologic formations in Berkeley County. Limestone and shale formations are predominant. Sandstone formations are found along the mountains, and alluvial formations can be found along the southern reaches of Back Creek.

Karst Topography

Approximately 40 percent of Berkeley County is underlain by limestone rock, which is subject to becoming karst topography. This unique topographic feature occurs when carbon dioxide in groundwater forms a weak acid that dissolves calcite, which is a component of limestone and dolomite rock. Acidic groundwater moving through fractures and other spaces within the rock gradually alters small openings, creating large passages and networks of interconnected conduits. Most flow and passage enlargement takes place at or just below the water table—the level below where the ground is saturated with water. The dissolving of bedrock is characterized by both small features (e.g., fractures and fissures) and large features (e.g., caves, sinkholes, and underground streams). With the exception of these openings, however, the limestone is very dense and mostly impermeable, which explains why water may be very abundant at one site but flows only at a trickle in a well a short distance away.

1 West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey

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Karst regions require special care because contaminants can flow easily through sinkholes, thus polluting groundwater. Stormwater runoff, as well as sewage disposal, provide substantial risk of contamination to the groundwater. In addition, construction activities can destabilize the delicate equilibrium between the surface and underground components of karst, causing altered drainage patterns and sinkhole collapse. Map #4 Geologic Features, illustrates the location of Karst formations in Berkeley County. The largest portion of the karst area extends from the Virginia line to the Potomac River, roughly parallel to Interstate 81 east of North Mountain. There is another area along the border with Jefferson County and a small oblong pocket exists in Back Creek Valley. Sinkholes are most common east and west of the Opequon Creek in the northern part of the County were limestone is present. Much of the new development in the county has occurred in these same locations, which has raised serious concerns regarding future water supply. These are discussed in more detail in the water resources section of this profile.

Mineral Resources Mineral resources in Berkeley County include limestone, shale, sandstone, and alluvium. They are primarily used to produce high grade metallurgical limestone, structural clay products, and cement. The most valuable mineral resource in Berkeley County is the Stones River limestone, a high grade limestone used in steel production for open hearth and blast furnace flux. This limestone averages 98 percent calcium carbonate. This high calcium carbonate and low silica content makes this limestone very valuable in steel manufacturing. Shale and clay from the Martinsburg shale belts are used to manufacture brick and other structural clay building materials by the Continental Brick Company.

SOILS

Soil Associations The Soil Survey of Berkeley County prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service describes the soils found across the County and utilizes soil associations to describe how soil depth, slope, and drainage affect potential land use. The associations are helpful in attaining a general idea of soil quality, comparing different sections of Berkley County, and delineating large areas suited to particular issues, e.g. agriculture. According to the survey, there are ten soil associations in the county that are nearly parallel and follow the northeast-southwest landform pattern. Table 3-1 lists these associations along with their characteristics.

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Table 3-1 Soil Associations in Berkeley County % of Formation Slope Depth Drainage Location Land Area Moderately well drained Buchanan- Nearly level to Very Deep & somewhat Uplands 7 Poorhouse steep poorly drained Gently sloping Moderately Calvin Well drained Uplands 4 to very steep Deep Somewhat Moderately Gently sloping excessively Dekalb-Hazelton Deep & Very Uplands 7 to very steep drained & Deep well drained Gently sloping High River Downsville to moderately Very Deep Well drained 1 Terraces steep Gently sloping Moderately Duffield-Ryder- to moderately Deep& Very Well drained Uplands 5 Nollville steep Deep Well drained Uplands and Hagerstown- Nearly level to and Very Deep Upland 26 Funkstown steep moderately Drainageways well drained Well drained Monongahela- Nearly level to & somewhat Floodplains & Very Deep 4 Pope-Tygart-Philo strongly sloping poorly Terraces drained Pecktonville- Moderately Gently sloping Blackthorn- Deep & Very Well drained Uplands 3 to very steep Caneyville Deep Moderately Swanpond-Carbo- Gently sloping Very Deep & well drained Uplands 4 Opequon to steep Shallow Soils & well drained Somewhat excessively Shallow to Weikert-Berks- Nearly level to drained & Moderate Uplands 37 Clearbrook very steep somewhat Deep poorly drained

Source: Soil Survey of Berkeley County, NRCS

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Septic Suitability

Soils are rated according to their absorption capabilities, and range from slight, i.e., few limitations to absorption, to severe, i.e., limitations so difficult to overcome that special designs and additional costs are necessary to safely handle septic waste. According to the Soil Survey, a majority of the soils in Berkeley County (73 percent or approximately 151,000 acres)are rated severe. There are also soils in the county that are classified as slight or moderate and are better equipped to handle septic drainage. These soils are found in the middle of the county with a small area along the eastern border with Jefferson County. (See Map #5 Soils Suitability)

Agricultural Soils Each soil type is unique in its origin, structure, texture, and composition. Its capacity to support given land use, such as agriculture, is determined by these features. Since agriculture has the most specific soil requirements of our common land uses, these soils are more thoroughly classified according to their productivity. Prime farmland, as defined by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), is land that is best suited to producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. It has the soil quality, growing season, and water supply needed to economically produce a sustained high yield of crops when it is treated and managed using acceptable farming methods. According to the USDA, prime farmland soils are usually classified as capability Class I or Class II of the eight classifications. Map #6 Designated Soils, illustrates the location of prime farmland in Berkeley County. GIS data indicates that there are approximately 42,400 acres of prime farmland, most of which are located in the Shenandoah Valley. This represents almost 21 percent of the county’s total land area. There are also areas along the banks of Back Creek, Opequon Creek and Sleepy Creek. While prime or highly productive soils are often reserved from developable areas, in Berkeley County, these soils are located in some of the most desirable development locations. Protecting them for continued agricultural uses will be a significant challenge.

Farmland Protection2 In June 2000, the Berkeley County Commission authorized a resolution creating the Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board. The county was the first in West Virginia to utilize the Voluntary Farmland Protection Act signed into law by the state legislature. The seven-member board was authorized to create and administer the Berkeley County Farmland Protection Program in consultation with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District. The program establishes uniform standards and guidelines for the eligibility of properties and the ranking criteria used to prioritize funds allocation to purchase conservation easements, or to pay associated costs for the purchased or donated easements. Minimum criteria necessary for consideration of an easement purchase or donation includes the following: located in the county, meets specific existing land use, and clear title to the property. Additional characteristics of the property are also ranked and evaluated. They fall under the following headings:

2 “The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Program”, The Berkeley County Farmland Protection Board, Dec. 2002.

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• Imminence of Residential, Commercial or Industrial Development • Total Acreage Offered for Conservation or Preservation Easement • Presence of Prime or Unique Farmland, etc. • Property is Contiguous or Appurtenant to Working Farms • Ratio of the Asking Price of the Easement to the Fair Market Value of the Easement • Historical, Architectural, Archaeological, Cultural or Unique Value of the Easement • Amount of Secured Debt on Property, and Length of Protective easements

To date, just over 1,600 acres have been purchased or donated for easements.

Hydric Soils Hydric soils are those that retain water during a portion of the year. As a natural resource, hydric soils provide water storage and infiltration that naturally regulates water sources and flows. These soils are susceptible to compaction and uneven settling when developed. These factors impact land use decisions. Hydric soils in Berkeley County are also shown on Map #6 and are found primarily in the flood plains of the county’s creeks and streams. GIS data indicates they cover approximately 2,000 acres, just under one percent of the county’s land area. (See Map# 6)

Water Based Natural Resources

Surface Waters and Drainage Surface waters include rivers, streams and ponds. They provide aquatic habitat, carry or hold runoff from storms, and provide recreation and scenic opportunities. They are a dynamic and important component of the natural environment, but ever-present threats such as construction, clear-cutting, mining, overuse, and pollution have required the regulated protection of these valuable resources. As shown on Map #7 Hydrology, there are many streams in Berkeley County, all of which drain into the Potomac River. In fact, the entire county lies within the Potomac River Direct Drains Watershed. Approximately, 844 acres (0.4 percent) of the county is covered by some type of water feature. The Potomac River is the most notable and forms the northern border of the County. The Opequon Creek forms the southeastern border of the county and flows northward to the Potomac River. Back Creek meanders northward to the Potomac through the valley that bears its name between North Mountain and Third Hill Mountain in the western part of the County. Other prominent streams include Middle Creek and Mill Creek near Inwood and Tuscarora Creek, which are tributaries of the Opequon Creek and Tillance Creek, a tributary of Back Creek. Meadow Branch, a tributary of Sleepy Creek, is the western-most of the county’s surface waters. Sleepy Creek Lake is located along the Meadow Branch within the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area.

Floodplains Floodplain areas perform a number of critical ecological functions. They absorb, store, and release large amounts of water to surrounding soils and groundwater systems. Natural vegetation supported by floodplains helps to trap sediment and absorb excess nutrients from upland surface runoff, stabilize stream banks, and reduce soil erosion. Floodplains also provide habitat for terrestrial wildlife and influence stream conditions for

3-6 CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES PROFILE aquatic life. Beyond their ecologic value, many people value the scenic qualities of floodplains areas, particularly for their wildlife and waters. Map #8 Floodplains (also referred to as Flood Hazard Zones) illustrates the floodplains of the county’s primary waterways. They are classified for insurance purposes according to the likelihood of flooding. In Berkeley County, most of the waterways are within the 1- percent annual chance zones, (A, AE, AH). The primary difference among the three is related to the method by which base flood elevations are determined. Within these areas, mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements as established by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) take effect. Statewide Flood Protection Plan3 – In 2005, the WV Flood Protection Task Force presented the first West Virginia Statewide Flood Protection Plan. The multi-agency task force was led by the WV Conservation Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Plan was developed over a period of three years and spells out both long and short term goals, strategies and implementation schedules. The six specific goals the plan addresses are: • Reduce the unnecessary loss of lives due to flooding. • Reduce private and public property damages due to flooding. • Develop technical and administrative tools to manage flood loss reduction and floodplain management. • Promote technical and legislative tools that will reduce excessive runoff from land conversion activities. • Reduce personal and economic loss due to flooding while supporting state economic growth. • Protect the state’s waterways and floodplain environments.

Recommendations of the plan focus around 12 key issues and are listed below:

• Floodplain Management Increase resources in the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services to support local floodplain managers statewide. Require owners of all new structures to obtain a permit certifying whether or not the structures are in the floodplain. Improve enforcement of floodplain management ordinances. • Flood Warning System Improve and expand the network of existing rain and stream gages in the State and connect those instruments to a proposed statewide flood warning system. This system would enable the National Weather Service to issue credible and reliable flood warnings. Provide markers along roads and at stream crossings subject to frequent inundation warning motorists of possible hazards at these locations. • Floodplain Mapping Update floodplain mapping to more precisely delineate floodplain areas and create more detailed hydrographic networks to improve flow models and flood risk assessment. • Flood Damage Assessment Designate a single agency or point of contact where flood damage data from Federal and State resources could be stored. Develop a system that integrates the capability of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with flood damage data so that damage information could be used as the basis for flood protection planning.

3 The following is taken from the Executive Summary of the WV Statewide Flood Protection Plan, 2005.

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• Building Codes, Permitting and Enforcement Continue to support and adopt updates of International Building Code, which covers residential building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel- gas and private sewage disposal requirements and meets minimal flood-resistant design standards. Provide education and technical assistance to the public on the regulatory permit process. • Environmental Impacts of Flooding Enact legislation that recognizes the attributes and hazards of the State’s floodplains and the need for stricter enforcement of floodplain ordinances. The legislation should declare floodway zones to be off- limits to new development (with some exceptions), and encourage Federal agencies to evaluate all proposed projects for effects on the State’s floodplains. Legislate stricter enforcement of regulations for anchoring floatable materials and structures in the floodway and flood fringe. Convene a “Stream Summit” to formulate a standard classification of stream quality in the State. Enact legislation that supports local regulation of stormwater runoff volume. Enact guidelines for the emergency removal of stream debris to avoid long-term environmental damage. Fund studies for identification of stable stream reaches that require protection from development. • Stream Crossings and Access Roads Establish guidelines for the sizing, installation and maintenance of culverts, drainage structures and stream or river crossings. Identify ownership of abandoned stream crossings and move to demolish unused crossings. • Dredging The practice of local stream dredging to reduce the damages associated with large regional floods should be terminated. Channel modifications projects (which includes some dredging) where economically justified and environmentally sound should be supported to reduce flood damages. Allocate funds for stream restoration projects that can reduce flood damages and return the natural functions of damaged streams and ecosystems. • Resource Extraction The Task Force supports the recommendations of the study conducted by WVDEP regarding mining. In addition, the Task Force recommends the WV Division of Forestry accelerate revisions to Best Management Practices to reduce the impacts of forestry operations on flooding and develop BMPs on areas severely burned by wildfire. • Stormwater Management The Task Force recommends that all counties implement a stormwater ordinance to control the quantity and quality of stormwater and to guide the development and implementation of an stormwater management plan. It is recommended that a State agency inspect stormwater facilities and serve as a back up for local inspection and enforcement of regulations on design, installation, operation and maintenance of these facilities. It is also recommended that special stormwater regulations be prepared for karst areas in West Virginia. • Education Encourage State, county and local officials to take the Federal Emergency Management Agency independent study course related to flooding, flood mitigation and floodplain management. Encourage education outlets to develop classes and curriculums that address floodplain and flood issues. Provide visible markers to identify for the public the Base Flood Elevation level. • Existing Flood-Prone Structures and Facilities Evaluate the major watersheds in the State to identify opportunities to construct upstream retention facilities for flood control and water supply. Evaluate the existing municipalities in the State to identify opportunities for protection in place of those communities serving as the economic and political centers of their respective counties. Establish a voluntary program of permanent acquisition for structures within the designated floodways and a voluntary

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program of flood-proofing and relocations to address existing structures in the flood fringe areas.

Watersheds A watershed is the land area from which water drains toward a common watercourse in a natural basin. As previously mentioned, all of Berkeley County falls within the Potomac River Direct Drains watershed. This watershed is further divided into several “sub- watersheds”. Map # 9 Surface Drainage Watersheds, shows each sub-watershed along with the number of acres of land each drains.

Water Quality The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Water and Waste Management (DWWM) is currently responsible for the restoration and maintenance of water quality of the state’s waters. In 1994, the Environmental Quality Board (formerly the Water Resources Board) developed water quality criteria for each kind of use designated for the state’s waters. These uses include the following and are set forth in the Code of State Regulations, Title 46, Series 1 (Requirements Governing Water Quality Standards) • The propagation and maintenance of fish and other aquatic life • Water contact recreation • Public water supply • Agriculture and wildlife uses • Industrial uses.

The most recent assessment of the waters of the Potomac River Direct Drains Watershed was conducted in June 1998. Results were compiled and are available online at www.wvdep.org. According to the assessment report summary, the Opequon Creek sub-watershed, the largest within the Potomac Direct Drains watershed, was notable for the fact that “the drainage basins of 10 of the 15 sites sampled within the sub-watershed had less than 50% forest cover and three sites had the greatest percentage of urban coverage of all sites sampled in the entire Potomac Direct Drains watershed.”4 Most of the sub-watershed is covered by agricultural uses; however, residential and other development is converting farm and forest land into more urbanized areas. These facts, combined with the sensitive Karst topography within the watershed, appear to be having a significant negative impact on water quality. The assessment team evaluated water quality and other stream health indicators at 67 sites throughout the Direct Drains watershed. Of the samples taken, 21 produced scores that indicated they were impaired according to the West Virginia Stream Condition Index. Of these impaired samples, 85 percent were from the Opequon Creek sub- watershed. In addition, 65 percent of the samples that were in violation of the WV water quality criterion for fecal coliform bacteria also were from the Opequon Creek sample sites. This has been associated in part to karstic drainage patterns, intensive agricultural activities, and intensive urbanization of portions of the Opequon Creek sub-watershed. The report recommends that future research should target both sewage and livestock waste problems in order to help prioritize enforcement activities.

4 “An Ecological Assessment of the Potomac River Direct Drains Watershed”, WVDEP, January, 2005.

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The Clean Water Act requires each state to develop a list of streams that are water quality limited and not expected to meet the water quality criteria even after applying technology-based controls. This list is commonly referred to as the 303(d) List. Table 3-1 is the 2004 list for the Potomac Direct Drains Watershed. The reader is directed to the West Virginia DEP website www.wvdep.org for further information. With the exception of the Elk Branch, Teague’s Run and Hopewell Run, each of the listed streams are in the Opequon Creek sub-watershed in Berkeley County.

Table 3-2 Impaired Streams in the Potomac Direct Drains Watershed

Impaired Criteria Reach 2002 Stream Name Cause Length Affected (stream-mi) Description list? (lake-acres) POTOMAC DIRECT DRAINS WATERSHED - HUC# 02070004 - 15 streams 107 miles Elk Branch CNA-Biological Unknown 4.5 Entire length Yes UNT/Potomac River RM 12.8 (Teague's Run) CNA-Biological Unknown 1.5 Entire length Yes Aluminum Unknown 30.7 Entire length No (discharge)) Opequon Creek CNA-Biological Unknown 30.7 Entire length Yes Fecal Coliform Unknown 30.7 Entire length Yes Eagle Run CNA-Biological Unknown 1.2 Entire length Yes Tuscarora Creek CNA-Biological Unknown 11.6 Entire length Yes Dry Run CNA-Biological Unknown 4.6 Entire length Yes Evans Run CNA-Biological Unknown 5.8 Entire length Yes Hopewell Run CNA-Biological Unknown 3.5 Entire length Yes Middle Creek CNA-Biological Unknown 11.7 Entire length Yes Goose Creek CNA-Biological Unknown 3.0 Entire length Yes Mill Creek CNA-Biological Unknown 11.4 Entire length Yes Sylvan Run CNA-Biological Unknown 4.5 Entire length Yes Torytown Run CNA-Biological Unknown 2.4 Entire length Yes Silver Spring Run CNA-Biological Unknown 3.2 Entire length Yes Harlan Run CNA-Biological Unknown 7.2 Entire length Yes Source: WV DEP, 2004

Watershed Associations Residents and conservation groups alike have recognized the importance of Berkeley County’s water resources. There are numerous organizations that are working to improve and maintain watersheds throughout the county and the Eastern Panhandle. The following is a brief summary of some of the organizations that have been involved in watershed management in Berkeley County. The Blue Heron Environmental Network, Inc. is a non-profit environmental/conservation education organization. For the past 13 years, this group has been monitoring Back Creek and its tributaries. The organization has also worked closely with state, federal, and local agencies, local businesses, and educational institutions to educate the general public of the importance of caring for and keeping watersheds clean. The

3-10 CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES PROFILE organization continues to work to have Back Creek designated as a Wild and Scenic River. )

Interstate Commission of the Potomac River Basin - Established in 1940, its mission is to enhance, protect, and conserve the water and associated land resources of the Potomac River basin and its tributaries through regional and interstate cooperation. Chesapeake Bay Foundation: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It was founded in 1967 and serves throughout the Chesapeake’s 64,000 square-mile watershed. The Foundation serves as a watchdog, representing the Chesapeake conservation lobby to business, government, and the public. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation also actively restores native habitats and filtering mechanisms (such as wetlands, oyster beds, forests, etc.) Soil & Water Conservation Society: Established in 1943, its mission is to foster the science and art of natural resource conservation. US Fish & Wildlife Service: Its mission is to work with others to conserve protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) is located on the banks of the Potomac River in adjacent Jefferson County. West Virginia Rivers Coalition: This organization seeks the conservation and restoration of WV's exceptional rivers and streams. It has worked with DEP to help improve public participation components of NPDES permitting. (web site is under construction – will revisit)

Ground Water in Berkeley County5

The growth in Berkeley County is placing pressure on the ground water in terms of both quantity and quality. Approximately one half of the County receives its drinking water from either the Berkeley County Public Service Water District or the City of Martinsburg. The other half of the County depends on private wells for its drinking water. Unlike the Public Water, all the non-public water is from residential wells. • In 1990, 9.7 Million gallons per day (Mgal/day) of groundwater was withdrawn in Berkeley County1. The distribution of the withdrawals by types of water use was: public water supply, 3.89 Mgal/day; mine or quarry dewatering, 3.98 Mgal/day; domestic 1.49 Mgal/day; industrial, 1.24 Mgal/day; livestock 0.07 Mgal/day; and commercial supply 0.03 Mgal/day. • Wells in shale rock are uniform in quantity but frequently contain excessive iron and sulfur minerals. • The quantity of water from shale, while adequate for rural and low-density homes, is generally not sufficient to support high density development.

5 Data presented throughout this discussion are from USGS Investigative Reports: 93-4073; 00-4229; and 01-4036.

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• In Berkeley County, little water flows from the shale into the carbonate aquifer from the west and little water flows out of the carbonate aquifer and into the shale to the east. • Wells from limestone rock varies greatly in both quantity and quality. The range of well yields range from 0.25 to 567.0 gal/min; wells drilled as dry holes are not recorded in the USGS data base. In places, limestone rock may be capable of producing sufficient water for subdivision development; while other places insufficient water is available. • Ground water flow in limestone is generally controlled by geological structure within the aquifer. The distance to a fault zone is an important control over the amount of water available. Fractures typically increase in number and size closer to faults, increasing yield • The ground water in limestone rock is either conduit or diffuse flow. Conduit flow is where the water flows through a sizeable void which can range in size from large crack or fracture to a cavern. Conduit flow in Berkeley County has been measured to slightly under 1,900 feet per day. In contrast to conduit flow, in diffuse flow, the water movement is through small cracks, and is not predictable in its flow path and travels shorter distances at much slower speeds. In Berkeley County, diffuse flow has been measured at between 32 to 155 feet per day. • The flow dictates the amount of water available for use. In both the shale and limestone rock in Berkeley County this number is highly varied. For example specific capacity which is a measure of well discharge in space varies accordingly:

Martinsburg Shale: Minimum 0.11 gpm/ft to Maximum 10.0 gpm/ft6 Conococheague Limestone: Minimum 0.04 gpm/ft to Maximum 74.3 gpm/ft Beekmanton Limestone: Minimum 0.01 gpm/ft to Maximum 68.0 gpm/ft

• Ground water recharge in limestone is dominated by vertical flow, i.e. precipitation, rather than horizontal flow, which means that as more land is paved, the recharge is proportionally impacted. • A portion of the precipitation in an area runs of into streams, is lost to evaporation or is transpired by plants. Of the precipitation which infiltrates into the soil and continues downward, some is still subject to evaporation and transpiration. The remaining recharges the ground-water reservoir. • Evaporation and transpiration is greatest in the summer months and generally exceeds the amount of precipitation. • Recharge under normal conditions of precipitation is 9.4 inches/year; under drought conditions of 1999 recharge was 5.45 inches/year. These numbers equate to 309 and 180 gallons/minute/square mile respectively. (Or 695 and 405 gallons/day/acre). These recharge values are taken from stream gauges and only represent the recharge of the ground-water. Nor can these values be used

6 Where gpm/ft is gallon per minute per foot

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to estimate the available water for usage in that wells would run dry as the consumption approached the recharge values. • The ground water in Berkeley County is subject to being contaminated by fecal streptococcal and fecal coliform bacteria. • In 1989 and 1990 several springs and wells were sampled by the USGS for bacterial contamination. • Of the 21 springs sampled, all contained fecal streptococcal bacteria during the June, August, and October sampling but only 70 percent were found to be contaminated during December and March. • Of the 46 wells sampled, 54 percent were contaminated with fecal streptococcal in the summer and 24 percent in the winter. • In 2000 water samples were collected from 50 targeted wells in Berkeley County where bacteria pollution was suspected. Of these: • 62% contained total coliform bacteria, 32 % contained E. coli, and 30% contained fecal coliform bacteria. • It should be noted that the wells selected for this study were chosen in part by the lack of potential sources other than septic systems. • The source of this contamination is not conclusively known but could be from failed septic systems, domestic farm animals, or wild animals.

The obvious conclusion from the above discussion is that the spatial distribution of the ground water, both within and between geological units, is very pronounced. When the recharge under normal and modest drought conditions is considered, the vulnerability of our ground water is quite apparent. The heterogeneity of groundwater and its recharge must be addressed for growth to continue at current levels. Too often, building approval in Berkeley County is based on the belief that water availability is the same throughout the county. With low density homes, this concept is workable, but the aggressive high density growth challenges the application of this approach. Over subscription of the ground water in those areas of marginal supply will eventually result in entire subdivisions being without water Providing public water throughout the county would be prohibitively expensive. A more reasonable approach is restricting high density growth to areas which can economically be serviced by public water and with imposing restrictions on the density of growth in other places. The level of the density should be based a thorough assessment of the capacity of ground water to support the planned development, including the local recharge of the ground water. The most pressing question regarding ground water in Berkeley County is the size, extent, robustness, and sustainability of the various ground-water sheds. By knowing this land- use, managers can determine where aggressive growth cannot be sustained and controls on density warranted. Associated questions are the interconnection between the ground-water sheds and location and nature of the recharge. While not as daunting a question, the presence of bacteria contamination and the source of the bacteria are important. To ensure that an adequate supply of contamination-free drinking water is available, it is necessary for the county to take aggressive action. Recommended actions include:

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• Until a better understanding of the ground-water in the various geologic formations is known, hire, as a member of the staff of the Planning Commission, a hydro-geologist with a specialty in karst rock to provide guidance to the protection and sustainability of the county’s ground water resources. • Assess the robustness of the ground water in any area proposed for development and use this information to determine the number of home sites in a particular area. • In those areas without an assessment of the amount of availability of ground water and which are not on public water, limit development to not more than one house per five acres. (As data is obtained, this number should be adjusted) • Determine the number of sink holes in a potential home site prior to any change to the land surface. • Institute an On-site Management System to manage the functionality of the septic and alternative waste systems in use in Berkeley County.

Stormwater Management Planning The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Storm Water Permit Team is responsible for administrative and technical review of applications and storm water pollution prevention plans submitted for coverage under storm water general permits. There are three General Storm Water Permits. The Storm Water Construction permit covers all earth-disturbing construction activities that are one acre and greater. The Multi-Sector Storm Water Permit covers storm water effluent from certain Industrial activities and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s)Permit covers storm water discharges from certain municipalities and other public entities such as hospitals, universities, highways and prisons. Berkeley County’s Public Service Water District is covered by an MS4 Permit. Additional specifics regarding each type can be found at the WV DEP website at www.wvdep.org

Wetlands Map #7 Hydrology also illustrates the location of the U.S National Wetlands Inventory in Berkeley County. Many wetlands are located along the county’s streams; however, there are pockets of wetlands throughout the county. Wetlands are unique environments that are transitional areas between terrestrial and hydrologic systems. As a component of both systems, they perform a variety of important functions and are in a state of constant change. Wetlands help to maintain surface stream flow and groundwater recharge. They moderate stormwater runoff and downstream flood crests because they are natural water storage areas. Wetlands provide important habitat for many species of plant and animal life. There are multiple problems associated with developing on wetland soils. Wetlands located in floodplains are often flooded. Draining or filling in of upland wetlands removes natural water storage, which yields increased water flows downstream. Wetland soils are sensitive in two ways. First, they are easily compacted, resulting in uneven settling of structures. Second, wetland soils with low permeability and high groundwater tables are not suitable for the installation of on-lot septic systems due to the risk of surface and groundwater contamination. Wetlands are protected by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the West Virginia Department of the Environment.

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Air Quality The Clean Air Act provides the principal framework for national, state, and local efforts to protect air quality. Under the Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting standards, also known as national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), for pollutants which are considered harmful to people and the environment. These pollutants include ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. The major sources of these pollutants are cars, power plants, and heavy industry. The EPA is also responsible for ensuring that these air quality standards are attained through national standards and strategies to control pollutant emissions from automobiles, factories, and other sources. The EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) reports on levels of the NAAQS pollutants present in the air. An AQI value is given for each monitoring site and pollutant. Martinsburg is one of the West Virginia monitoring sites. The overall AQI for a site is the highest index value of any of the pollutants. Exposure to these pollutants can make it difficult for some people to breathe, especially people with asthma and other respiratory problems. As the level of any of these air pollutants rises beyond health standards, precautionary health warnings are triggered. According to the 2004 West Virginia DEP’s Division of Air Quality’s Air Quality (DAQ) Annual Report, new health based stands were set by EPA for 8-hour ozone pollution and for particulate matter in 1997. In 2003, the DAQ confirmed which areas of West Virginia were not meeting the 8-hour ozone standard. The Eastern Panhandle (Berkeley and Jefferson Counties) was identified as a potential non-attainment area, but was deferred because it voluntarily entered into an Early Action Compact, which required areas to identify and implement control strategies earlier than would otherwise be required. DAQ staff continues to assist local officials in both counties to meet the program requirements on schedule.

Vegetation and Wildlife West Virginia’s vegetative and wildlife resources are a vital part of its history, its character, and its ecological health. Vegetation, particularly forests, performs several vital functions for the local ecology. It provides habitat, both food and shelter, for local wildlife. It circulates nutrients between soil and the atmosphere. It stabilizes soils prone to erosion and filters nutrients, pollutants, and sediment from runoff, particularly along stream banks. Furthermore, forests are productive sources of timber. Berkeley County is in the central forest region. Oaks and associated hardwoods are the dominant species with pines generally found in shale areas. The West Virginia Wildlife Diversity Program (WDP) and the Natural Heritage Program are responsible for those species listed by the federal government as threatened or endangered, as well as non-game wild life and their habitats. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)are a key component of a multi-faceted program that seeks to conserve the state’s non-game wildlife, as well as inform and educate the general public about these special resources. The Sleepy Creek WMA covers 22,928 acres in Berkeley and Morgan counties. It is located approximately six miles southeast of Berkeley Springs and eleven miles west of Martinsburg, Oak-hickory forest covers 3,500 acres while Virginia pine-oak forest blankets the majority of the area. Sleepy Creek is primarily managed for deer, turkey, grouse,

3-15 CHAPTER 3 NATURAL RESOURCES PROFILE squirrel and raccoon, with wild turkey the featured game species. Sleepy Creek Lake, which covers 205 acres, contains a good sport fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Boat launching facilities are situated at the dam spillway and near the midpoint of the lake. The area also has a rifle range. Seventy-five camping sites are available and trailers over 17 feet are not recommended due to the graveled roads. Water and vault toilets are available and a nominal camping fee is charged. The WMA is owned and managed by WVDNR. A 2003 report from the Blue Heron Environmental Network indicates that there is a large and diverse variety of endangered, rare, and unique forms of plant and wildlife species throughout the Back Creek Watershed. The Harperella, is one of the more prominent endangered plant species and is known to exist in only 4 water bodies in the Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania area, Back Creek is one of those four. The State’s Natural Heritage Program continues to monitor and inventory wildlife and plants, particularly endangered species, in Berkeley County and around the state.

Scenic Features and Vistas Berkley County has many rich vistas from all roadways and regions of the County. There are several driving routes that have been designated within Berkeley County. As defined by the National Scenic Byways Program, the scenic quality is a visual experience derived from the view of natural and manmade elements of the environment. Sections of State Secondary Roads 9, 45, and 51 in Berkeley County are designated as the George Washington Heritage Trail Byway, which follows the footsteps of America’s first president. The Byway completes a loop through Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties. In Berkeley County, the Byway goes through Martinsburg, Hedgesville, Inwood, Gerrardstown and Shanghai. Scenic byway designation can help to preserve scenic locations and corridors making the designated road segments eligible for federal funds for improvements.

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CHAPTER 4 Transportation Profile

Introduction The relationship between transportation and land use planning is increasingly apparent throughout the West Virginia Panhandle. Employment and population growth create more traffic on the region’s transportation network, leading to congestion and delay. Meeting the challenges of growth through better coordination of land use decision-making and transportation planning will be essential to ensure that the quality of life in Berkeley County continues to rise. With the current and projected growth, management of Berkeley County’s transportation network is critical. The purpose of this profile is to identify the key facilities that comprise the County’s transportation network and highlight some trends concerning its use.

Transportation Planning and Decision-Making

Highway and roadway planning for Berkeley County is conducted by the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways. Systemwide, multimodal transportation planning for Berkeley County is carried out by the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization, the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the region.

• The West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Highways (DOH) plans, engineers, constructs, reconstructs, and maintains the State’s highways and roadways. DOH develops short, medium and long term planning documents that guide their roadway construction and maintenance priorities. • Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO). HEPMPO is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for regional transportation planning and the development and updating of the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP )for Berkeley County; Jefferson County; Washington County, MD; and a small portion of Franklin County, PA. HEPMPO is comprised of representatives from the West Virginia and Maryland counties, West Virginia DOT, Maryland DOT, and the USDOT’s Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. HEPMPO’s mission is to provide a forum to facilitate a cooperative decision-making process for transportation planning and programming for the region and acts as the pass-through agency for federal transportation funds. The interests of West Virginia are represented at the MPO by the Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council, the coordinating council for the Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties. Transportation planning for Morgan County is carried out by the West Virginia Department of Transportation. • West Virginia Eastern Panhandle Transportation Authority (WVEPTA). The newly-created West Virginia Eastern Panhandle Transportation Authority will act in an advisory capacity to promote mobility, economic development and tourism investments in the Panhandle, in support of the activities of the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Region 9 Eastern Panhandle Regional Planning and Development Council.

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WVEPTA was created by an act of the West Virginia Legislature in 2004 to coordinate transportation planning decisions among the three West Virginia eastern panhandle counties of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan. The newly-created authority is expected to promote and advance highway construction projects in conjunction with the counties and municipalities that comprise the eastern panhandle and advocate for economic development and tourism investments in the region. A specific focus of the authority will be to organize local input on improvements proposed for West Virginia Route 9 and other highways that serve the area. The organization will act in an advisory capacity and help build momentum for projects to be funded by HEPMPO or other state and local agencies. • Berkeley County also provides input to the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority (PanTran) on issues such as levels of ridership, development locations and capital planning.

The Transportation System Berkeley County’s transportation system consists of roads, bridges, public transportation, airports, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The majority of the system is comprised of highways and roadways, which are the responsibility of the West Virginia DOT Division of Highways. The County’s primary and most visible transportation facilities are listed below: • Interstate 81 is a limited access highway with seven interchanges in Berkeley County. Also known as the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Freeway, I-81 runs through the eastern part of Berkeley County and provides connections to major cities to the north and south. Average daily traffic on I-81 through Berkeley County averages approximately 45,000 vehicles per day. There are two welcome centers on I-81 within Berkeley County. • US 11 is a north/south roadway parallel to Interstate 81. US 11 connects Martinsburg to Williamsport, Maryland, to the north, and Frederick County, Virginia, to the south. Average daily traffic on US 11 in Berkeley County between Martinsburg and Maryland exceeds 7,000 vehicles per day. 1 • State Route 9 (WV 9) is a heavily-used highway that runs through Martinsburg and Hedgesville. WV 9 connects Berkeley County to Berkeley Springs in Morgan County to the west and the Charlestown and Harpers Ferry areas in the east. This route also serves as a major commuter road for Berkeley County residents who travel to Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, for employment. Average daily traffic on WV 9 from its interchange with I- 81 to Jefferson County exceeds 20,000 vehicles per day. • State Route 45 (WV 45) is a predominantly east/west highway that connects Martinsburg to Shepherdstown (Antietam) to the east and to the more rural areas of southern and western Berkeley County. • State Secondary Road 901 is an east/west road that links WV 9 and US 11. State Secondary Road 901 has an interchange with I-81 that allows access to the Falling Waters area, Spring Mills Business Park, US Coast Guard National Vessel Documentation Center, and Falling Waters Industrial Center. • State Route 13 (WV 13) intersects I-81 at Exit 14. It is also known as Dry Run Road west of the interchange and Tennessee Ave to the east into Martinsburg. Lost Road, which connects Dry Run Road with King Street west of the interstate, is also marked as WV13.

1 : Road Information Program (www.tripnet.org/WestVirginiaStudyNov2004.pdf)

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• State Route 15 (WV 15) connects I- 81 with downtown Martinsburg. West Virginia’s Legal Functional Classification System WV 15 becomes King Street within the boundaries of Martinsburg and Highways in West Virginia are classified according to their ends at Queen Street in function, the character of traffic they serve, and the present Martinsburg. and expected level of service they provide. The functional • State Secondary Road 51 classification system serves as a guide for both planning and intersects with I-81 in the southern funding purposes and is summarized below: portion of the county, the southernmost interchange with I- • Expressways connect metropolitan areas and provide 81 within Berkeley County, and service to major interstate or interstate travel. links US 11 and WV 45. • Trunklines are the intrastate network intended to serve smaller cities. • PanTran (the Eastern Panhandle • Feeders serve smaller towns and industrial and Transit Authority), the non-profit recreational areas not served by the higher systems, public transit provider for Berkeley, while collecting traffic for the higher systems. Jefferson and Morgan, operates • State Local Service roads are localized arterial and 51 fixed-route bus services spur roads which provide access and socio-economic Monday through Saturday. At the benefits to abutting properties and are further sub- present time PanTran only serves classified as Essential Arterials, Collectors and Land Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Access. • Sections of State Secondary Roads • Occasional Use is the lowest classification of a local 9, 45, and 51 in Berkeley County road, providing access to rural areas on a low-volume are designated as the George basis. Washington Heritage Trail Byway, which follows the footsteps of Source: West Virginia Department of Transportation, Division of America’s first president. The Highways Byway completes a loop through Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties. In Berkeley County, the Byway goes through Martinsburg, Hedgesville, Inwood, Gerrardstown and Shanghai. Scenic byway designation can help to preserve scenic locations and corridors making the designated road segments eligible for federal funds for improvements.

Other transportation elements that comprise the County’s transportation system identified by mode include:

Aviation: The Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport/ Shepherd Field is located off U.S. 11, south of Martinsburg. The airport is open to the public but there are no scheduled flights. It serves as an important source of transportation for a variety of industries in the area. This airport is designated as a foreign trade zone so products/items are exempt from duties. The West Virginia Air National Guard currently has a unit based at the airport. The installation consists of approximately 205 acres and 34 buildings totaling 347,441 square feet. During peak surges, the installation population is approximately 1500 personnel.

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Expansion plans include a new terminal due to open in June, 2005, widening the runway to 200 feet, additional stormwater management improvements, a parallel taxi-way, and a new hangar complex; an Airport Master Plan is expected to be completed late 2005 A final Environmental Impact Statement was prepared by the U.S Air Force in 2004 as part of the change of mission for the air guard unit from C-130 to C-5 aircraft. In response, a runway protection ordinance was prepared and adopted by the Berkeley County Commissioners in September 2004 that provides for designated runway protection zones, noise contours, and the restriction of development height and dwelling type (no home dwellings or high occupancy buildings). Located within the airport complex is the John D. Rockefeller IV Science and Technology Center which is home to Tiger Aircraft, Ralph Lauren Children’s Wear, and Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corporation. The closest major airport to Berkeley County is Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling Virginia, approximately 72 miles from Martinsburg. Dulles provides nonstop service to approximately 125 destinations (40 international) and served 22.8 million passengers in 2004. 2

Non-Motorized/Bicycle & Pedestrian: • The Tuscarora Trail extends south from Pennsylvania through West Virginia and into Virginia and is used for hiking purposes. In Berkeley County, the Tuscarora Trail goes through Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. This trail is a side trail of the Appalachian Trail. • There is a proposed bicycle trail between Berkeley and Morgan Counties along State Secondary Road 9 according to the Explore Maps 2004 Berkeley County Road Map.

Rail Freight: • CSX Transportation and Winchester & Western Railroad are the two freight railway companies that operate in Berkeley County. Winchester & Western is a short line partner of CSX Transportation. In Berkeley County, CSX has sidings at Cumbo Yard Industrial Park and General Motors and Winchester & Western has siding at Tabler Station Business Park and Berkeley County Industrial Park. Products shipped by CSX through West Virginia include coal, grain, automobiles, chemicals, sugar, produce and limestone. • The Winchester & Western operates 54 miles of railroad through West Virginia in Frederick County, VA, Berkeley County, WV and Washington County, Maryland. The Winchester & Western has connections with both CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern. Through a partnership with H.H. Omps Trucking, Winchester & Western is able to provide bulk transloading in Winchester, Virginia.

2 Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, 2005.

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Intercity Rail and Bus Transit: • Amtrak’s “Capitol Limited” is a passenger rail line that operates daily between Washington, DC and Chicago. Martinsburg is the only stop for this rail line within Berkeley County. The one eastbound trip leaves at 5:35 PM and the one westbound trip leaves at 9:50 AM. • The Maryland Transit Administration operates commuter rail service between Martinsburg and Washington, DC, Monday through Friday on the MARC Brunswick Line. Two AM rush hour trips begin in Martinsburg for Washington’s Union Station. Three trips return from Washington to Martinsburg in the PM rush hour. No midday commuter rail trips serve Martinsburg. • The West Virginia Rail Authority maintains the station in Martinsburg (pictured above). • There is no intercity bus service currently operating in Berkeley County.

Highway Usage Trends The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Area Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan (March 2005) prepared by the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle MPO indicates that traffic in the region is going to increase significantly from 2005 through 2030. Between 2005 and 2030, HEPMPO projects a 66 percent population increase and a 64 percent employment increase for Berkeley County. For the HEPMPO three-county region (Berkeley & Jefferson Counties, WV, and Washington County, MD), overall population and employment are expected to increase by 59 percent and 61 percent, respectively. 3

Commuter Trends Commutation data provides helpful information about how the transportation network is used because trips to and from work comprise the majority of trip-making. Commutation trends in Berkeley County are consistent with what is observed throughout the region. This information is collected and reported by the US Census Bureau.

3 HEPMPO, Long-Range Multimodal Transportation Plan for the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Area, 2005

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Choice of Mode for Work Travel: • Single-Occupancy Commutation is on the rise in Berkeley County. The percentage of Berkeley County commuters who traveled alone increased from 1990 to 2000. This trend was seen in each of the neighboring counties as well.

Figure 4-1 Percentage of Residents Driving Alone, 1990 & 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, Maryland

Morgan County, West Virginia 2000

Jefferson County, West Virginia 1990

Frederick County, Virginia

Clarke County, Virginia

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Hedgesville, West Virginia

Berkeley County, West Virginia

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

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• Carpooling is down. In 2000, approximately 14 percent of the Berkeley County workforce carpooled, compared to almost 18 percent in 1990. A decrease of approximately 21 percent. Each of the surrounding counties also experienced a decrease in the percentage of residents that carpooled. Hedgesville experienced the most dramatic decrease (70 percent), while Morgan County experience only a seven percent decrease.

• Transit is also losing market share within the County. Transit has a small share of overall trip- making throughout the region, and that percentage decreased in Berkeley County from 1990 to 2000. Less than one percent of commuter trips within the county occur on transit.

Figure 4-2

Percentage of Residents Using Public Transportation 1990 & 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, Maryland

Morgan County, West Virginia

Jefferson County, West Virginia

Frederick County, Virginia 2000 1990 Clarke County, Virginia

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Hedgesville, West Virginia

Berkeley County, West Virginia

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

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Travel Time to Work

• Commute times are getting longer for Berkeley County workers. The percentage of commuters traveling less than 29 minutes to work dropped from 1990 to 2000. At the same time, the percentage of commuters traveling from 30 to 59 minutes and over 60 minutes both increased. Table 4-1 Travel Time to Work, 1990 - 2000

Less than 29 30-59 Over 60 County minutes minutes minutes

1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 Berkeley County, WV 68.81 63.31 21.35 24.62 7.33 10.36 Hedgesville, WV 70.89 58.93 29.11 39.29 0.00 1.79 Martinsburg, WV 74.10 72.57 17.32 18.97 6.01 7.42 Clarke County, VA 50.38 50.45 27.55 28.76 15.17 14.99 Frederick County, VA 71.44 66.80 16.00 18.35 9.50 12.02 Jefferson County, WV 56.68 47.61 21.12 26.40 18.13 22.54 Morgan County, WV 57.27 44.92 29.50 33.80 11.03 19.26 Washington County, MD 71.14 67.86 18.43 19.88 7.45 8.95 Source: US Census Bureau, 2004

Key Commuter Destinations: • The top ten commuter destinations for Berkeley County residents remained the same for 1990 and 2000. Berkeley County remained the top commuter destination in 2000; however, the percentage of Berkeley County commuters who remained within the county decreased from 62.1 percent to 56.2 percent. • Berkeley, Washington (MD), Jefferson (WV), and Frederick (VA) Counties retained their rank as the first, second, third, and fourth commuter destinations for Berkeley County residents. Montgomery County (MD) and Fairfax County, VA declined in the number of commuters. The District of Columbia and Winchester, VA, increased in the number of commuters traveling from Berkeley County. • While commuter destinations are spreading out regionally, the vast majority of commuter trips remain within the region. Berkeley County saw the largest increase of actual commute trips from 1990 to 2000, followed by Washington County, MD. • According to the Maryland Transit Administration, approximately 184 passengers board the two MARC trains at Martinsburg bound for Washington, DC, each morning. MARC also reports that approximately 164 passengers board in Duffields, WV, and 139 board in Harpers Ferry, WV (Jefferson County). • In addition, MARC estimates that approximately 225 West Virginians drive to Brunswick, MD, each day to board MARC trains and that 65 percent of West Virginia commuters that use MARC’s Brunswick Line travel to Washington, DC.

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Table 4-2 Top Commuter Destinations, 1990 - 2000

1990 2000 % of % of Commuters # of Commuters Total Total 1 Berkeley County, WV 16,758 62.1 1 Berkeley County, WV 20,031 56.2 2 Washington County, MD 2522 9.3 2 Washington County, MD 4,696 13.2 3 Jefferson County, WV 2161 8.0 3 Jefferson County, WV 3,158 8.9 4 Frederick County, VA 1703 6.3 4 Frederick County, VA 1,534 4.3 5 Montgomery County, MD 576 2.1 5 Winchester City, VA 1,135 3.2 6 Frederick County, MD 567 2.1 6 Frederick County, MD 1,079 3.0 7 Loudoun County, VA 421 1.6 7 Loudoun County, VA 604 1.7 8 Fairfax County, VA 313 1.2 8 District of Columbia 503 1.4 9 District of Columbia 305 1.1 9 Montgomery County, MD 470 1.3 10 Winchester City, VA 267 1.0 10 Fairfax County, VA 365 1.0

Source: US Census Bureau, 2004 Source: US Census Bureau, 2004

Table 4-3 - Summary of Changes Berkeley County Commuter Destinations

Change Change Destination (Number) (Percent) Berkeley County, WV 3,273 19.5 District of Columbia, DC 198 63.3 Fairfax County, VA 52 19.5 Frederick County, MD 512 90.3 Frederick County, VA -169 -9.9 Jefferson County, WV 997 46.1 Loudoun County, VA 183 43.5 Montgomery County, MD -106 -34.8 Washington County, MD 2,174 86.2 Winchester City, VA 868 150.7 Source: US Census Bureau, 2004

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Pan Tran System Use In addition to transit service provided by Amtrak and the Maryland MTA, local Panhandle bus service is provided by Pan Tran. While approximately 65 percent of Pan Tran’s ridership is comprised of trips made by students from Shepherd University (in Jefferson County, WV), Pan Tran has observed ridership gains among the general public.

• While overall system ridership declined for the period of May through April 2004/2005 when compared to the same period in 2003/2004, non-student ridership increased. Ridership increases have been observed in the summer months when school is not in session. Pan Tran provided more trips to the general public in 2004/2005 than it did in 2003/2004.

Figure 4-3 PanTran Ridership without University Source: Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, 2005

7000 2003/2004 6000 2004/2005

5000

4000

3000 No. of Riders of No.

2000

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0

y r July Ma mbe mber e ve March o January Sept N

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• Pan Tran ridership is significantly impacted by students from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown (Jefferson County), who are the heaviest users of the system, making approximately 65 percent of the annual trips.

Figure 4-4 PanTran Ridership with Shepherd University Source: Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority, 2005

16000 2003/2004

14000 2004/2005

12000

10000

8000

No. of Riders of No. 6000

4000

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0

y ly r y h r c Ju r Ma mbe e Ma Janua Sept November

Current and Planned Improvements The West Virginia Department of Transportation’s Division of Highways (DOH) and the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) conduct transportation planning in and around Berkeley County. DOH is responsible for planning, engineering, right-of-ways acquisition, construction, reconstruction, traffic regulation and maintenance on the State’s highways. HEPMPO is the federally-designated metropolitan planning organization that includes Berkeley County within its region and evaluates and plans for short term and long term improvements for the entire transportation system. HEPMPO includes DOH’s current and anticipated projects as part of its planning process.

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West Virginia DOT Division of Highways:

The West Virginia DOT Division of Highways produces three documents that outline the state’s ongoing highway projects and future roadway investments. The short term 2006-2008 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) outlines federal-aid projects anticipated to occur in a three-year period. The medium term 2006-2011 Six-Year Highway Improvement Program bridges the gap between project ready for immediate construction and those that achieve broader strategic goals. The state’s long range transportation plan, the 2002-2022 Statewide Transportation Policy Plan, provides overall guidance for strategic transportation planning. In addition, each DOH District Office identifies a listing of projects under construction, or immediately planned, for the region. Berkeley County is a part of DOH’s Region 5. The following projects are presently taking place:

Table 4-4 Highway and Bridge Projects Planned for Berkeley County

Construction Impact Project Roadway Project Scope Current Work on Traffic Road Improvements/Rehabilitation Replacement and Foxcroft Drive has been widening of the completed. The existing interchange earthwork, signal work, Interstate lanes are open bridges to six lanes; paving in and around during the daytime. Usually South Martinsburg I-81, Exit 12 wider shoulders in the interchange, at night there are Interchange and WV 45 interchange; widening widening and paving occasional lane or ramp WV 45 under I-81 to 5 work beneath the bridge restrictions. lanes; widening on WV Route 45 are Foxcroft King Street. being performed now. Upgrading I-81 signing to current standards, adding new signs, Minimal; occasional Mileposts 0 to Sign Renovation relocating signs, and Erection of last signs shoulder closures are in 13 replacement of effect. obsolete and/or damaged signs Upgrading I-81 signing to current standards, adding new signs, Minimal; occasional Mileposts 13 Placement of new Sign Renovation relocating signs, and shoulder closures are in to 26 signing. replacement of effect. obsolete and/or damaged signs. US Route 11 and WV Installation of traffic Traffic Signal Route 901 signal at the None None (Spring Mills intersection. Road) Bridge Replacement Demolition of the existing bridge; Minimal; new bridge is now County Route construction of a new Demolition of the in service; occasional short- Light Spearow 12 (Scrabble bridge at the same temporary bridge and term delays on Route 12, Bridge Road) location. Construction removal of the detour under the control of of a detour and flaggers. temporary bridge.

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Construction Impact Project Roadway Project Scope Current Work on Traffic Replacement of the existing low water Allensville Bridge bridge with new Project surveying and Allensville Replacement and bridge, that is high layout; establishment of None Bridge Upgrade enough to remain field office. open with 100 year flood water levels. County Route 12/2, over Replacement of the Berkeley Station Winchester & existing bridge with a None None Bridge Western new, modern bridge. Maryland Railroad

Source: West Virginia Department of Highways, District 5, 2005

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

The purpose of the STIP, developed by DOH in August 2005, is to identify projects that DOH intends to undertake using federal funds. The STIP is statewide in focus and is developed in coordination with West Virginia’s Metropolitan Planning Organizations, including HEPMPO. The timeframe for the STIP is three years (2006-2008). All of the STIP projects listed below also appear on the Six-Year Highway Improvement Program. Table 4-5 WV DOH STIP Projects for Berkeley County

Length (in Federal Local Project Name Route Type of Work Total Cost ($) miles) Share Share Additional Left Wheatland Area US 11 1.1 1,000,000 800,000 200,000 Lane and Dr Upgrade to 4 Berkeley County 9/19 - WV 9 Lanes and 4 2.6 19,000,000 15,200,000 3,800,000 Jefferson County Bridges Opequon Circle - Upgrade to 4 WV 9 2 16,600,000 13,280,000 3,320,000 County 9/19 Lanes and Bridges Grade Road Op County Replace 0.2 2,780,000 1,624,000 1,156,000 Bridge Rd. 1 Jones & Laughlin Op WV 45 Replace 0.01 1,530,000 1,224,000 306,000 Bridge Roy P Tut Parsons WV 45 Renovate 0.02 100,000 80,000 20,000 Bridge Inwood Traffic Signal Renovate Traffic US 11 0 220,000 220,000 0 System Signal

S Martins - N Martins I-81 Resurface 6.22 4,000,000 3,600,000 400,000

Grade, Pave, and Tablers Station I-81 reconstruct 2 1.6 13,300,000 10,640,000 2,660,000 Connector bridges Virginia State LI-Bunker S302-11- Resurface 3.09 500,000 400,000 100,000 Hill 0.00 00

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HEPMPO Long Range Transportation Improvement Program

The Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Area Long Range Multimodal Transportation Plan, developed by HEPMPO in March 2005, is a comprehensive examination of future travel needs. The Plan identifies a number of potential problem areas within the county due to projected population and employment increases and provides recommended improvements. It is anticipated that population growth will create demand for highway capacity that outpaces the planned system improvements, resulting in deteriorating system performance. If enhancements to the roadway system are limited to projects currently underway and those programmed, HEPMPO identifies the following major roadway segments in Berkeley County as candidates for significant levels of daily traffic congestion in 2030: • WV 45 east of Martinsburg (to Shepherdstown) • Remaining four-lane sections of I-81 north and south of Martinsburg • WV 9 west of Martinsburg • US 11 north and south of Martinsburg along I-81 • WV 51 east of Inwood (to Charles Town)

4-14 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

CHAPTER 5 Community Facilities and Services The purpose of this chapter is to provide an inventory of existing public and quasi-public facilities and services in Berkeley County. The significance of community facilities is critical in assessing needed improvements to serve current and future development. The various Community Facilities Maps are found at the end of the profile.

Public Safety

Police Services Table 5-1lists the departments providing police protection in Berkeley County. West Virginia State Police Troop #2 patrols each of the three Eastern Panhandle Counties. Their command post is located in Charles Town in Jefferson County, with satellite facilities in Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department also provides police protection to the residents of the county. The Department has three divisions – Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Civil Process- Records. Patrol officers “provide general police duties to the county of Berkeley, respond to complaints, investigate traffic collision, enforce traffic laws, patrol for intoxicated drivers, conduct traffic safety checkpoints, conduct criminal investigation, serve criminal arrest warrants, provide crime prevention patrols, security checks, police large events such as ball games, county fairs, community events, etc. In addition to these duties the patrol shifts assist in the service of court subpoenas, domestic violence orders and civil process.”1 The City of Martinsburg has their own Police Department with a total of 51 employees. The Department has a K9 Unit, Bike Patrol, a Special Response Team and a Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The City has also instituted a policy of Community Policing, which is a partnership between the police and the community to identify and address some of the root causes of public safely problems. The Department’s Citizens Academy is a nine week course designed to increase citizen awareness of the role of police officers in the community.

Table 5-1 Police/Sheriff's Departments Serving Berkeley County

Department Address Phone Number Staff

WV State Police Troop #2 100 Shenandoah Road, Martinsburg 304-267-0000 Berkeley County Sheriff’s Sheriff & 32 802 Emmett Rousch Dr., Martinsburg 304-267-7000 Department Deputies Police Chief Martinsburg 232 N Queen St., Martinsburg 304-264-2100 & 44 officers

1 Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department Online at www.web.mountain.net

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Fire and Rescue Services

There are eight Volunteer Fire Stations and substations in Berkeley County, which are managed and maintained by the five Volunteer Fire & Rescue Companies listed in Table 5-2 below. Volunteers respond to fires, vehicle accidents, industrial and commercial accidents, special rescues, and also provide emergency medical services. Berkeley County also has a County Service Board, which was created in 1986 to provide for the improvement, advancement and development of the fire services within Berkeley County, to establish funding priorities and mechanisms and to do any and all necessary business for the fire service and citizenry…”2 In 1995, The Berkeley County Fire Service Fee Ordinance was revised to ensure that collected funds would be used only to defray the cost of fire protection in the county. The City of Martinsburg has two fire stations: Martinsburg Central Fire and Rescue and the Westphal Hose Company No. 5, which operate as a single unit. There are 28 full-time paid personnel, including nine paramedics and 19 Emergency Medical Technicians.

Table 5-2 Berkeley County Fire Departments Station Name/Service Area Address Equipment Main Station: • Engine/Pumper (2) South Berkeley Volunteer Fire 8009 Winchester Avenue, Inwood • Brush Truck (2) and Rescue Company 20/ Substation (Station 29): • Rescue Truck Southern Berkeley County 4127 Winchester Ave., Martinsburg • Ambulance • Engine/Pumper Main Station: Hedgesville Volunteer Fire and • Tanker/Pumper Hedgesville Road (Main Street) Rescue Company 30/ • Rescue/Mini-Pumper Hedgesville Northwest and Central • Brush Truck (2) Substation (Station 70): Berkeley County • Tanker 3676 Mountain Lake Road • Ambulances (2) • Engine/Pumper (2) Bedington Volunteer Fire and Main Station: • Tanker/Pumper Rescue Company 40/ 775 Bedington Road, Martinsburg • Mini-Pumper Northern and Eastern Berkeley Substation (Station 49): • Ambulance (2) County 1036 Mid-Atlantic Parkway • Auxiliary Vehicle (2) • Engine/Pumper Back Creek Valley Volunteer • Tanker/Pumper Fire Company • Tanker 1922 Back Creek Road, Hedgesville 50/Southwestern and Western • Brush Truck Berkeley County • Ambulance • Auxiliary Vehicle (2) • Engine/Pumper Baker Heights Volunteer Fire • Tanker/Pumper 2229 Charlestown Road, Company 60/ Eastern and • Rescue/Pumper Martinsburg Central Berkeley County • Ambulance (2) • Mini-Pumper Source: Berkeley County Fire Service Board Online

2 Article II, Constitution and By-laws of Berkeley County Fire Service Board, Inc.

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Emergency Medical Services The responsible agency for EMS delivery in Berkeley County, as designated by the County Commission, is the Berkeley County Emergency Ambulance Authority. It consists of the Headquarters Office where fees are collected, insurance claims are filed, and other administrative tasks are carried out and the Field Operations Organization. The Field Operations consist of the Career Staff and five Volunteer Companies. The Career Staff operates out of three stations, South (24/7), Center (24/7), and North (24/6 plus 12 hours on Sundays). The Career Staff maintains three ready-duty Ambulances plus two spares for the Field Operations Organization. Each Career Staff Unit is staffed by a Paramedic and an EMT. Each of the Five Volunteer Companies has one ambulance that is housed at either the Company Fire hall or a Substation. The Ambulance Authority regularly transports patients to City, Winchester and Washington County Hospitals. According to the President of the Authority, the Authority was conceived and is managed as an emergency transport service; however, they are being regarded more and more as a rolling First Aid System. These trips cost money but may not result in billable charges. Another key issue that the Authority and the fire departments are facing is the number of volunteers is decreasing and new residents are coming from places that provide EMS and fire services as a portion of government-furnished Services. Efforts to build a Volunteer Auxiliary that could provide committed personnel on-site in one of the stations for 15-20 hours per month with no other commitment except for a disaster have been unsuccessful to date. Map 10 illustrates the location of all of the Emergency Service Facilities in the county

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Educational Facilities

Berkeley County Public Schools There are nineteen elementary schools (including 1 primary school and 4 intermediate schools), five middle schools, and three high schools in the Berkeley County School District. (See Map 11) The new Spring Mills Middle School opened in 2004. District enrollment figures indicate a 2004 2005 student population of approximately 15,000. (See Table 5-3))

Table 5-3 Berkeley County Public Schools, 2004-05 Enrollments

School K Full hood PRE-K TOTAL First Grade Fifth Grade Early Child- Sixth Grade Third Grade Ninth Grade Tenth Grade Eighth Grade Fourth Grade Twelfth Grade Second Grade Seventh Grade Eleventh Grade

Back Creek Valley 2 39 45 50 39 175 Bedington 1 70 75 72 218 Berkeley Heights 96 136 144 125 112 613 Bunker Hill 48 59 48 43 198 Burke Street 38 34 21 22 19 16 150 Gerrardstown 4 39 42 50 41 176 Hedgesville Elementary 16 210 100 98 424 Inwood Primary 42 49 47 42 180 Marlowe 6 82 81 83 252 Opequon 3 132 115 126 126 502 Rosemont 2 89 84 77 79 331 Tuscarora 2 85 72 71 67 297 Valley View 4 131 149 147 140 571 Winchester Avenue 60 43 41 44 42 230 Tomahawk 84 72 77 92 82 407 Potomack 229 269 270 768

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School K Full hood PRE-K PRE-K TOTAL First Grade Fifth Grade Early Child- Sixth Grade Third Grade Ninth Grade Tenth Grade Eighth Grade Fourth Grade Twelfth Grade Second Grade Seventh Grade Eleventh Grade

Mill Creek 384 333 717 Eagle School 202 207 409 Orchard View 246 255 501 Total Elementary Enrollment 234 34 1,167 1,162 1,129 1,053 1,193 1,147 7,119 Hedgesville Middle 218 186 200 604 North Middle 215 223 219 657 South Middle 277 266 250 793 Musselman Middle 374 360 365 1,099 Spring Mills Middle 142 164 155 461 Total Middle School Enrollment 1,226 1,199 1,189 3,614 Hedgesville High 529 303 333 306 1,471 Martinsburg High 485 355 331 300 1,471 Musselman High 433 310 320 245 1,308 Total High School Enrollment 1,447 968 984 851 4,250 TOTAL COUNTY 234 34 1,167 1,162 1,129 1,053 1,193 1,147 1,226 1,199 1,189 1,447 968 984 851 14,983 Source: Berkeley County School District

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The Berkeley County Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan The WV State Board of Education requires each county to develop a ten-year Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan (CEFP). Its primary purpose is to “establish a planned, organized, systematic approach to providing educational facilities that will support the county school system in the delivery of the best possible education to its students within the parameters of available resources.”3 Berkeley County’s most recent CEFP was completed in 2000 and includes an inventory and evaluation of existing facilities, a major improvement plan, and educational plan and a financing plan. The plans final scenario has three phases and includes five new schools, a variety of renovations and additions to existing schools, and some changes to the grade levels in several schools through 2010. Total funding needs to implement the three phases is estimated to be $96,812,856 and will come from a variety of sources, including the School Building Authority of West Virginia, local, and county funds.

Berkeley County’s Private Schools There are also 4 private schools in Berkeley County that enroll Pre K through 12th Grade students. Table 5-4 Private Schools in Berkeley County School Location Grades Enrollment 138 Greensburg Road, Faith Christian Academy Pre K – 12 275 Martinsburg Martinsburg Christian Route 2, Pre K – 12 227 Academy Box 144 Rocky Knoll Seventh Day Route 1 Pre K – 8 63 Adventist School Box 247 RN 336 S. Queen Street Saint Joseph Parish School K – 8 371 Martinsburg Source: www.city-data.com

Other Educational Opportunities Residents of Berkeley County also have access to a variety of alternatives to traditional secondary programs, as well as post-secondary educational opportunities. James Rumsey Technical Institute serves high school students from the Eastern Panhandle and post secondary students from the quad-state (WV, VA, MD, PA) region. The Adult Basic Education Center is available for students to upgrade or enhance their skills, as well as prepare for the civil service test, the CDL (Commercial Drivers License)test, and the GED. Adult and community education classes, along with specialized business and industry seminars are also available. Mountain State University was founded in 1933 and is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher learning. The main campus is located in Beckley, West Virginia and there are three branch campuses, including one in Martinsburg. Located at the University Center on Viking Way, MSU Martinsburg was established in 1999 and serves the three counties of the Eastern Panhandle, as well as the quad-state region. Undergraduate and Masters Degree studies focus on high-demand professional fields, the humanities and sciences.

3 Berkeley County Schools Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan, 2000-2010, January 2000.

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West Virginia University (WVU) – The Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center is the home of WVU’s Eastern Division. Located in Martinsburg, the center provides community-based education in the health sciences to nine West Virginia counties – Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire, Mineral, Hardy, Grant, Pendleton, and Tucker. Their mission is to provide residents an opportunity to receive a broad-based medical education with an emphasis on family medicine, primary care, and rural health. Direct clinical experience is provided for third and fourth year medical students. Partnerships with the Marshall University School of Medicine and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine are improving the quality and access to health care for the entire community. (www.hsc.wvu.edu ) West Virginia University’s County Extension Service also has an office in Berkeley County. Faculty and staff provide assistance and educational opportunities in the areas of agriculture, family and youth, and community development. Their mission is to form learning partnerships with the residents of the county in order to improve their lives and communities. American Public University is an online, accredited university with a curriculum of over 1,500 courses and 50 undergraduate and graduated degree programs. Security Management, Homeland Security and other relevant programs are available. There are also continuing education and certificate programs available. All courses are delivered over the Internet and asynchronous course delivery allows students to log on and download assignments once a week at their convenience. (www.apu.apus.edu) Valley College of Technology was established in 1979 by Control Data Corporation. Campuses in Martinsburg and Beckley were founded in 1983. The Princeton, WV Campus was founded in 1986. The College offers two primary educational programs. The Office Technology program is designed to provide skills necessary for entry level positions in administrative, medical and legal fields. The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration equips graduates with skills needed to operate a business or manage a department in a business setting. (www.valleycollege.com ) Shepherd University is part of the West Virginia system of higher education. Located in Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, the university offers baccalaureate degrees in liberal arts, business administration, social and natural sciences, and other career-oriented fields. Credit and non-credit courses for continuing adult education, public service, cultural arts and athletics are also offered. The Community and Technical College of Shepherd is also located in Martinsburg. It is part of the Community and Technical College System (CTCS) of West Virginia. Their mission is to “deliver affordable, accessible, high quality education and training that advances the economic and social development of West Virginia.” In addition to administering the WV Division of Personnel Written Exams (part of entry level application for state jobs), the CTC also offers a variety of online courses. There are four divisions within CTC – Business and Technology, Collaborative Programs and General Studies, Emergency Services and Allied Health and Economic and Workforce Development. (www.shepherd.edu/ctcweb/) The CTC of Shepherd also funds the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Martinsburg. This center is one of 12 located throughout West Virginia and is also supported by the WV Development Office and the US Small Business Administration. The SBDC offers one-on-one business management consulting, professional staff, resource areas with computers and Internet connections, as well as training workshops. The International Beauty School is located in Martinsburg and offers a cosmetology and a nail technician program. The IBS Cosmetology Salon is open to the public and all services are provided by students at modest prices.

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Health Care Facilities There are 33 different health care facilities in Berkeley County. The majority of these facilities are located in Martinsburg with a few in Hedgesville and Bunker Hill. Table 5-5 provides the name of each health care facility, its address, and the type of facility.

Table 5-5 Health Care Facilities in Berkeley County

Facility Address Facility Type

2341 Paynes Ford Alice Harmison’s Home Legally Unlicensed4 Road, Martinsburg 730 Brown Road, Board of Child Care Behavioral Health Centers Martinsburg 2720 Charles Town Care Haven Center Long Term Care Road, Martinsburg 630 Winchester Choice Service Coordination Behavioral Health Centers Avenue, Martinsburg P.O. Box 1418 Dry Run City Hospital Acute Care Hospital Road, Martinsburg P.O. Box 1418, City Hospital Transitional Care Unit Long Term Care Martinsburg 1228 Berkeley Station Compassionate Care Home Berkeley Assisted Living Residence Road, Martinsburg 205 East Main Street, Daily Companions Behavioral Health Centers Hedgesville 997 Tomahawk Run Darlene Bane’s Home Legally Unlicensed Road, Hedgesville 235 S. Water Street, East Ridge Health Systems Behavioral Health Centers Martinsburg 103 Marcley Drive, End Stage Renal FMC Martinsburg Martinsburg Dialysis Center 353 Quarter Drive, Friends and Neighbors Legally Unlicensed Bunker Hill 201 S. Water Street, Gaboya Place Group Home ICF/MR Martinsburg 67 Grenich Avenue, Grenich Care Home Assisted Living Residence Bunker Hill 2004 Professional Federally Qualified H A Wanger Md Court, Martinsburg Health Center 209 Clover Street, Heartland of Martinsburg Long Term Care Martinsburg Hospice of the Panhandle 122 Waverly Court, Hospice

4 A legally unlicensed health care home, unlicensed home, or home is any place in WV in which a service provider provides accommodations and personal assistance… for a period of more than 24 hours to one to three residents who are not related to the service provider… These residents may be dependent upon the services of others by reason of physical or mental impairment or may require limited and intermittent nursing care, including those individuals who qualify for and are receiving services coordinated by a licensed hospice

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Facility Address Facility Type

Martinsburg 152 Capitol Street, Linton’s Room and Board Legally Unlicensed Martinsburg Route 4, Box 461-AA, Martinsburg Child Shelter Behavioral Health Centers Martinsburg 183 Monroe Street, Martinsburg Institute Behavioral Health Centers Martinsburg 49 Avondale Road, Mary Mills Home Legally Unlicensed Martinsburg 1086 Sam Mason New Beginning Ministry of Help Legally Unlicensed Road, Bunker Hill 1200 Third Street, Northside Group Home ICF/MR Martinsburg 200 Gloucester Outlook Pointe at Martinsburg Assisted Living Residence Parkway, Martinsburg 1516 Winchester Panhandle Home Health, Inc. Home Health Agency Avenue, Martinsburg Shenandoah Community Health East Moler Avenue, Federally Qualified Center Martinsburg Health Center 305 Rock Cliff Drive, Federally Qualified Shenandoah Maternity Center Martinsburg Health Center 2000 Foundation Federally Qualified Shenandoah Valley Behavioral Health Way, Martinsburg Health Center Shenandoah Valley Family Health Route 51 Inwood Federally Qualified Center Plaza, Inwood Health Center 1000 N. High Street, Silver Age Services, L.L.C. Assisted Living Residence Martinsburg 1207 West Virginia Southside Group Home ICF/MR Avenue, Martinsburg 124 North Maple Stepping Stones Cottages Behavioral Health Centers Avenue, Martinsburg 1006 Tavern Road, Ambulatory Surgical Tri State Surgical Center, LLC Martinsburg Centers SOURCE: WV OFFICE OF HEALTH FACILITY LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION ONLINE

City Hospital City Hospital, located in Martinsburg is the only hospital in Berkeley County, although residents also have access to the hospitals in Winchester, VA and Washington County, MD. The hospital was founded in 1905 and has gone through a number of expansions over the years, including a move to its present location in 1972. In 1979, four additional floors were added, as well as a major expansion of the first floor, which was finally completed in 1982. In 1992, a second improvement program included a new surgical wing, an expanded emergency department, a new front entrance and lobby area, and a consolidation of out-patient services into one area. In January 2005, West Virginia University Hospitals-East became the new parent corporation of City Hospital and Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Jefferson County. Also included in the new not-

5-9 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES for-profit healthcare system is the City Hospital Foundation, Gateway Health Services and Gateway Health Enterprises. The discussions regarding the merger have been in process for over a year. The new Board of Directors includes members of the boards of City Hospital, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, a community representative, and individuals from WVU’s Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center.

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Parks and Recreation The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board is a chartered government organization comprised of appointed members by the City of Martinsburg, the Berkeley County Commission, and the Berkeley County Board of Education. In addition to setting recreation and park service policy in Berkeley County, the Parks and Recreation Board receives annual allocations from each of the three governing bodies to operate recreation programs and to maintain the parks and facilities. The board has eleven full-time staff members, two permanent part-time employees and a seasonal staff of over 140. The board’s 2003-04 Revenues and Expenditures are shown to the right. There are fourteen parks located in Berkeley County; Table 5-6 lists each park, its location, size, owner, and available facilities. The Parks and Recreation Board also offers a variety of recreation classes, including swimming, tennis, and gymnastics/dance. Summer programs include soccer, cheerleading, boys’ basketball, and summer day camps and programs such as Hershey Track & Field and summer basketball leagues. There are also ten sports leagues that are offered to children of all ages during the year. The Summer Playground Program & Passport to Fun are two programs that are partially funded through the United Way of Berkeley & Morgan Counties. Map 12 illustrates the various park areas throughout the county. Source: Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation 2004 Annual Report

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Table 5-6 Berkeley County Parks Size Park Location Owner Facilities Provided (Acres) Rocky Lane & Porter 1 large pavilion, restroom facilities, playground area, picnic Ambrose Park 5 City Avenue, Martinsburg tables & grills, paved parking U.S. Route 11 North of DuPont Park Martinsburg, I-81N to Exit 28 County 4 regulation size fields, 5 acre parking area, concession 20 1 mile south of Gerrardstown Athletic Gerrardstown on 3 County Practice site for baseball, softball, & Soccer Field Virginia Line Road Between Hedgesville 1 lighted regulation size baseball field (used for high school & Elementary & Middle Board of Senior Little League games), 1 lighted Farm League baseball Hedgesville Park 15 Schools, bordering town Education field, 1 lighted Little League Field, 1 pavilion, fitness trail, & home limits of Hedgesville of Hedgesville Little League Property on south side of 1 large pavilion, fitness trail with exercise stations, volleyball Inwood-Bunker Hill Board of Musselman Middle 20 court, playground area, practice soccer field, recreational Lions Park Education School baseball/softball field, 2 outdoor public basketball courts Outdoor pool (bath house & concession stand, baby pool, wading pool, water slide, & 2 shelters), 1 baseball/softball field, Woodbury Avenue, Lambert Park 8 City paved parking, 4 soccer fields, 1 medium sized pavilion, 1 small Martinsburg sized pavilion, & Berkeley 2000 Recreation Center (houses Parks & Recreation Admin. Offices) Martin Luther King Jr. West Main Street, 1 City 1 paved basketball court, 12 fitness center Park Martinsburg West Martin Street, Leeland Playground 1.5 City Playground area Martinsburg Lighted regulation horseshoe pits, combined Oak Street Park Oak Street, Martinsburg 2 City pavilion/restroom/concession building, 1 paved basketball court, playground area, sand volleyball court, parking Corner of Baltimore & William Street (access 2 in-line hockey skating rinks, trout stream, 4 Little League fields, Otesdale Park 22 City from Tavern Rd.), parking, home of Martinsburg Little League Martinsburg

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Size Park Location Owner Facilities Provided (Acres) 1 high school baseball field (dugouts, bleachers, press box, lights, concession stand), 4 tennis courts, playground area, Sycamore & Ryneal P.O. Faulkner Park 30 County pavilion & parking. Home field of Martinsburg High School & Streets, Martinsburg Berkeley Co American Legion baseball. Adjacent to Charlotte Prather Park (girl’s softball complex) Leased 1 high school baseball field (dugouts, bleachers, press box), 2 Off U.S. Route 11 South through Parkside Park 5 softball fields (used for church league & 35 & over softball in Pikeside, Martinsburg WVANG league – both adult slow pitch leagues) 157th Located 3.5 miles West 1 large pavilion, 1 medium sized pavilion, stocked trout stream, of I-81 (King St. Exit, West 6 miles of jogging/hiking trails, playground area, historic barn, Poor House Farm Park 137 County on Tuscarora Pike to stocked 5 acre lake, youth football field, practice soccer field, Poor House Road) recreation ball field, public restrooms, sand volley ball court Between South Georgia Avenue & South Roush Field 1.5 City Practice ball field (can be used for baseball/softball/soccer) Alabama Avenue, Martinsburg Tomahawk area in west County – Berkeley County. 2.5 donated miles off Route 9 west on by the Rooney Park 17 Baseball field excavation began in Fall 2004 Back Creek Valley Road Tomahawk behind the Tomahawk Ruritan Ruritan Club Club Outdoor pool including competition pool, heated leisure pool, & bath house, concession stand, 18 hole lighted miniature golf course, maintenance garage, 6 pavilions, covered concert North Tennessee War Memorial Park 19.5 City stage & bleachers, 4 playground areas, “MIHI” handicapped Avenue, Martinsburg playground area, brick memorial honoring war veterans, 2 sand volleyball courts, 3 public restroom facilities, picnic tables, regulation outdoor tennis courts, parking areas Source: Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board 2005-06 Facilities and Programs Publication

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Public Sewer Facilities and Services

In Berkeley County central wastewater collection and treatment is provided by the Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District (PSSD) for service areas in the County and by the City of Martinsburg for those areas within the city. The Berkeley County PSSD serves a significant area of Berkeley County. In 2005, the Berkeley County PSSD serves about 15,000 customers or approximately 38,000 persons. The City of Martinsburg serves all of the City or about 15,000 persons. This is a total of approximately 53,000 persons or 60 per cent of the total population of the county that receives public sewer service.

Current Service Areas and Wastewater Treatment Plants The Berkeley County PSSD has a widespread service area that stretches from Hedgesville south to the Inwood area and the Virginia border. Service areas also continue east to the Jefferson County boundary. The Public Sewer Services Map (Map#13) illustrates the current and future service areas in Berkeley County as projected by the PSSD. The service area includes a network of collections systems, pumping stations, and wastewater treatment plants that vary in size and location. Current areas are served by several wastewater treatment plants. The northern area is served by the Opequon/Hedgesville Wastewater Treatment Plan (WWTP) located north of Route 45 and east of Martinsburg. This sequential batch reactor (SBR) plant has a capacity of 1.6 million gallons daily (MGD) and discharges into Eagle Run, which is a tributary of the Opequon Creek. This is the largest wastewater treatment plant in the PSSD system. The Bakers Height WWTP is located southeast of Martinsburg and below Route 9. This treatment plant has a current capacity of .9 MGD but expansion to 1.8 MGD is planned for 2006/2007. This is also an SBR plant. Discharge from this plant is to the Opequon Creek. The southern part of the PSSD service area is served by the Inwood WWTP located on Sulphur Springs Road and provides treatment for the PSSD systems in the southern part of Berkeley County. This area, which is referred to as the Inwood Phase 1 and Phase 2A area, serves an approximately 20 square mile area south of Martinsburg between the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport and Route 51. The Inwood SBR plant has a current capacity of .75 MGD with expansion to 1.5 MGD targeted for 2006/2007. The plant discharges into the Opequon Creek. The City of Martinsburg WWTP is located in the eastern part of the city off of John Street with discharge into the Tuscurora Creek. It has a current capacity of 3.0 MGD. Current flows through the plant are in the range of 2.5-2.7 MGD on an average daily basis. The treatment plant has a single stage trickling filter with oxidation tanks. The plant also has a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system for reducing discharges of phosphorus and ammonia nitrates into the receiving stream. Sludge is anaerobically digested and then landfilled. The City of Martinsburg has a combined storm sewer overflow system that combines stormwater and sanitary waste discharges during periods of high flow rain fall events. The City has not pursued separating these flows due to the costs involved Table 5-7provides a list of wastewater treatment plants in the County. In addition to the treatment plants discussed above, the Berkeley County PSSD also lists a large group of treatment plants that are package treatment plants that serve subdivisions and other developments. The PSSD owns these treatment plants and is responsible for their operation and maintenance.

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Table 5-7 Berkeley County Waste Water Treatment Plants and Package Plants Current Maximum Discharge Facility Name Physical Location Monthly Capacity Location Use (ADF)5 Opequon/Hedgesville Eagle School Road 700,000 Eagle Run to Waste Water 1.6 MGD6 east of Martinsburg GPD Opequon Creek Treatment Plant .9 MGD (to Off of Opequon Unnamed Baker Heights Waste be 700,000 Lane, south of Baker Tributary to Water Treatment Plant expanded to GPD Heights Opequon Creek 1.8MGD) South of the Inwood Waste Water intersection of 575,000 .75 MGD Opequon Creek Treatment Plant Strobridge Road and GPD Sulphur Springs Road Slightly north of Spring Mills Waste Nipetown, west of 105,000 25,000 GPD7 Opequon Creek Water Treatment Plant Route 11 near the GPD Rest Area Vanville, off of 25,000 Forest Heights I Airport Road and 26,000 GPD Buzzard Run GPD Independence Lane Unnamed Vanville, off of 26,000 Forest Heights II 26,000 GPD Tributary of Veterans Way GPD Buzzard Run Bunker Hill off of 11,200 Highpointe 11,200 GPD Mill Creek Pinnacle Drive GPD Tarico Heights off of 10,000 Timberwood Village 10,000 GPD Three Run Longwood Drive GPD Unnamed West of Williamsport, 16,000 Northwinds 16,000 GPD Tributary of the off of Michigan Drive GPD Potomac River Slightly north of Falling Waters off of 18,000 Kimberly Heights 18,000 GPD Stehly Run US Route 11 (east GPD side) Off of Vineyard 26,000 Honeywood Road, North of Spring 50,000 GPD Potomac River GPD Mills Off of Route 9 at 6,00 GPD Tomahawk Elementary Tomahawk 14,000 GPD Back Creek 0 Elementary School Gerrardstown Gerrardstown Intermediate School, 8,000 GPD 8,000 GPD Mill Creek Intermediate crossroads of State Routes 24 and 51

5 ADF – Average Daily Flows 6 MGD – Million Gallons/Day 7 GPD – Gallons per Day

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Current Maximum Discharge Facility Name Physical Location Monthly Capacity Location Use (ADF)5 North of Falling Unnamed Marlowe Garden Waters and South of 14,000 GPD 6,000 Tributary of Apartments State Route 1 on Potomac River Forever Green Drive Walden Woods off of Woods Resort-Lagoon 78,000 GPD 50,000 Whites Run Walden Road Woods Main Resort Woods Resort – Club Complex off of 14,400 14,400 Whites Run Plant Mountain Lake Road Source: Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District

Rate Schedules There are two rate schedules for Berkeley County Public Sewer – one that pertains to all customers served by the Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District (Table 5-8) other than the former customers of Sylvan Grove Waste Treatment, Inc. and another for the former customers of Sylvan Grove Waste Treatment, Inc. (Table 5-9) The availability of services in both cases are available for general domestic, commercial and industrial service.

Table 5-8 Charges for Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District Type of Charge Rates Volume Charge $7.60 per 1,000 gallons usage

Service Charge $7.90 per month

Flat Rate $42.08 per month

Service Connection Charge $350.00 10% added to the net unpaid (collected only once for Delayed Payment each bill –does not collect interest) Disconnect/Reconnect/Administrative $10.00 Fees Leak Adjustment $0.53 per 1,000 gallons of water Surface or Groundwater Charges – Surcharge formula = sq ft area of water collection surface X applicable when waters are rainfall in inches X .0006233 X the approved rate per introduced into sanitary system where thousand gallons of metered water usage. evidence of violation exists Capacity Improvement Fees – Ranges from 5/8 inch meter size with CIF of $1,581 to 8 inch Applicable to Developers only compound with CIF of $126,455 Source: Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District

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Table 5-9 Charges for Former Sylvan Grove Waste Treatment, Inc. Type of Charge Cost First 3,000 gallons per month = $8.05 per 1000 gallons Volume Charges Next 7,000 gallons per month = $7.02 per 1000 gallons All over 10,000 gallons per month = $5.11 per 1000 gallons Minimum Charge $24.15 charge which is equivalent to 3,000 gallons of usage Tap Fee $250.00 10% added to the net unpaid (collected only once for Delayed Payment each bill –does not collect interest) Disconnect/Reconnect and $10.00 Administrative Fees Leak Adjustment $0.47 per 1,000 gallons of water Surface or Groundwater Charges – applicable when Surcharge formula = sq ft area of water collection surface X waters are introduced into rainfall in inches X .0006233 X the approved rate per sanitary system where thousand gallons of metered water usage. evidence of violation exists Capacity Improvement Fees – Ranges from 5/8 inch meter size with CIF of $1,581 to 8 inch Applicable to Developers only compound with CIF of $126,455 Source: Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District

Future Service Areas The Berkeley County PSSD has prepared sanitary sewer plans that would eventually lead to providing public sewers for much of the county between Jefferson County and North Mountain.

North Area Service System This proposed service area stretches from the current service area north to the Potomac River. This service area will be developed over a period of years according to the North Area Sanitary Sewer System Facility Plan prepared by the PSSD. North Area Phase 1 has been designed and construction is expected to begin in this area in 2006. Future phases in the North Area will be designed and constructed at some point in the future as funds are available for design and construction of the collection facilities. This is an area of residential, multi family and small industrial uses that continues to grow and expand. Providing sewer service to these areas will relieve the burden of poorly operating package treatment plants and also remove onsite disposal systems that are ineffective due to improper construction or poor soil conditions. Also according to PSSD there are numerous sites

5-17 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES that discharge partially or untreated sewage into local streams throughout the area. This information is documented by USGS studies, health department information and SWAP findings.

Inwood Phase 2 Service Area This area in south Berkeley County has been under heavy development pressure. Responding to this development pressure, the Berkeley County PSSD has developed the Inwood Phase 2 Facilities Plan to provide sewer facilities to much of this area of the County. This planning phase has been divided into Phase 2A and 2B and Phase 2A was completed approximately two years ago. These services areas are along the I-81 corridor and would serve areas mainly west of I-81. Parts of Phase 2A have been constructed with other areas waiting funding for construction. Construction will likely continue over the next 3-4 years to complete Phase 2A. Phase 2B which will serve areas both east and west of the I-81 corridor have been designed and is waiting funding for construction.

Phase 3 – Future The Berkeley County PSSD has also proposed a Phase 3 – Future service area. This service area is west of Phases 2A and 2B and continues to the base of North Mountain. This planning area known as Phase III has no current planning, design or construction activities. Any activities for this area are well into the future according to the PSSD.

Public Water Facilities and Services The Berkeley County Public Service Water District (BCPSWD) was formed in 2001 by consolidating the three existing county public services water districts: Opequon, Hedgesville, and Berkeley County Public Service District. The City of Martinsburg continues to operate a separate water facilities system. The following is a review of the current water system in Berkeley County and planned expansions and improvements. Much of this information is taken from the Berkeley County Public Service Water District Water System Facility Plan prepared in August, 2004.

Service Area Although the entire county falls within the PSWD boundaries, the current service area includes about half of the county’s total land area. Those areas not served by the PSWD rely upon on- site well water for their water supply. In addition, the City of Martinsburg water distribution system is a separate system that serves most of the city’s residents, approximately 15,000 people. According to PSWD, about 36,000 of the 65,000 (2002 population estimate) are served by PSWD and receive public water. PSWD is adding about 75 new customers per month and currently (2004) has a total of approximately 14,700 customers. Map # Public Water Service Areas, illustrates the current extent of the county’s public water services.

Water Treatment Facilities There are three major distribution systems in the BCPSWD: Hedgesville, Opequon and South Berkeley.

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The South Berkeley system has several sources for raw and finished water. This system receives finished water purchased from the City of Martinsburg at a connection known as Big Spring. In addition, raw water is withdrawn from Lefevre Spring and Baker Lakes Quarry, which is treated at the Bunker Hill Water Treatment Plant located below Inwood. The Bunker Hill WTP is a 2.8 MGD plant that uses earth filters and chlorination to produced finished water. The Hedgesville system is primarily supplied through Ben Speck Spring, which is a spring fed reservoir located and treated at the Hedgesville Water Treatment Plant. When this spring cannot fulfill demand, the Hedgesville system receives treated water from the Opequon system. The Hedgesville WTP is a 0.28 MGD capacity plant that uses Microfloc Trident package treatment units with clarifiers and filters. Treatment facility rehabilitation is scheduled for this plant in 2005. Hedgesville also purchases processed water from the City of Martinsburg. The third major water distribution system is the Opequon System. The Potomac River is the source of water for the Opequon system. Water from the Potomac River is treated at the Potomac River Water Treatment Plant WTP, which is located in the Falling Waters area of Berkeley County. It is a 2.8 MGD plant with plans to expand to 4.0 MGD by 2007 and 6.0 MGD at some point in the future. The plant is currently permitted to withdraw 4.0 MGD from the Potomac River. The Potomac River WTP consists of a river intake, pre-clarification, two Microfloc Trident package units, and chlorine disinfection. The City of Martinsburg also supplies water to the BCPSWD through a series of interconnections with the City of Martinsburg water system. In 2003 the BCPSWD purchased 153,555,000 gallons of water, presumably all from the City of Martinsburg. This represents about 10 per cent of the total finished water available in 2003. The City of Martinsburg has two water treatment plants. The Kilmer Springs Water Treatment Plant is a 2.0 MGD plant located on Baltimore Street in the City. The source supply for this plant is an artesian well. The Big Spring Water Treatment Plant is located on US Route 11 south. This is a 2.5 capacity WTP that use multi stage, multimedia filtration. The source supply is a 5.0 capacity well located on Essrock property south of the City. Another water treatment facility is the Glenwood Forest Utilities treatment facility. This facility is located on Route 45 west of Inwood and I -81. This facility’s water source is a well field and treats the water through chlorination only.

Future Demand and Facilities In 2003 the BCPSWD prepared a forecast of future water demand for the Source Water Assessment and Protection Committee (SWAP) through the year 2022. Projected annual growth rates are significant over the planning period of 2003 – 2015, particularly in the residential category. The Water Facility System Plan projects that much of the county’s growth will be concentrated in the southeastern part of the county along Routes 51 and 9. Much of this growth is influenced by that in nearby Winchester, Virginia. Other growth areas in Berkeley County include Hedgesville, the greater Martinsburg area and Falling Waters. The Water System Facility Plan illustrates that the Berkeley County Public Service Water District will need to continue to locate safe and sustainable supplies to meet future water demands. Currently, the District’s water supply is marginally exceeding demands through treatment and purchases of finished water. However, the expansion of the Potomac River WTP by 2007 will boost total water supply to 5.83 MGD, which is expected to accommodate the District’s demands until 2010.

5-19 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Beyond 2010 there are several alternatives for meeting increased demand for water in Berkeley County. One possibility is the development of the Inwood Quarry water source located near the District’s water treatment plant at Bunker Hill in south Berkeley County. This source is estimated to have a safe yield of 1.9 MGD that would increase the safe sustained yield to 7.73 MGD in the District’s system and would cover projected demands until 2019. Another source would be the expansion of the Potomac River WTP to 6.0 MGD or the development of the Blair Quarry at Route 45 and Opequon Creek east of Martinsburg. Blair Quarry has a safe sustainable yield of 450-500 gallons per minute (gpm). The District may also choose to develop two additional well fields in Berkeley County that would provide additional supplies and add flexibility to the water supply system. The District has performed groundwater supply investigations and has identified several promising areas, including the Bakers Heights area on Route 9 and the Ridgeway area in the southeastern corner of Berkeley County.

Public Utilities Residents of Berkeley County have good access to modern utilities, although in many areas choices are limited with regard to service providers. Of particular concern to many is the limited broadband and high speed internet access, which is an increasingly important tool in today’s business world. The following are the major public utility providers in Berkeley County. • The Potomac Edison company, a division of Allegheny Power, is the primary electricity provider. • The Mountaineer Gas Company, which does business as Allegheny Power, Shenandoah Gas, and Columbia Propane supply natural and/or propane gas. • Verizon West Virginia Inc. is the primary telephone service provider and also provides both DSL and dial-up internet services. • Adelphia Cable provides cable service, while satellite service is available through DirecTV and Dish Network.

Storm Water The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Storm Water Permit Team is responsible for administrative and technical review of applications and storm water pollution prevention plans submitted for coverage under storm water general permits. There are three General Storm Water Permits. The Storm Water Construction permit covers all earth-disturbing construction activities that are one acre and greater. The Multi-Sector Storm Water Permit covers storm water effluent from certain Industrial activities and the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Permit covers storm water discharges from certain municipalities and other public entities such as hospitals, universities, highways and prisons. Berkeley County’s Public Service Water District is covered by an MS4 Permit. Additional specifics regarding each type can be found at the WV DEP website at www.wvdep.org

5-20 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Solid Waste At the present time there is one landfill in Berkeley County – The North Mountain Sanitary Landfill, which is owned by LCS Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Management, Inc. This Class B Facility8 opened in January of 1991. According to the owners, there was a monthly average of just over 6,000 tons of Berkeley County waste disposed at the facility in 2003. Additional tonnage from Jefferson and Morgan Counties was approximately 3,700 tons. Based on this and other information, it is estimated that Berkeley County residents generate approximately 182 tons per day before recycling. Projections indicate that by 2020 this figure will increase to over 210 tons per day. The North Mountain Landfill is one of three that handle Berkeley County wastes. It has a reported available capacity of 6.4 million tons. Mountain View Landfill near Upton, PA is a primary disposal area for Waste Management, Inc. Chambersburg Waste Paper, another hauler in the county, is utilizing the Blue Ridge Landfill near Chambersburg, PA as its primary disposal area. The Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority has established four, non-commercial recycling centers in the county and the City of Martinsburg operates both a curbside and drop-off recycling program. Table 5-10 Recycling Centers in Berkeley County Center Location Hours South Berkeley Pilgrim Street Mon, Tues, Sat.; 9 - 5

Marlowe Handi Shopper Thurs. 9 - 5

Martinsburg Grapevine Road Mon – Sat; 9 – 5

Hedgesville Eagle Plaza Fri – Sat; 9 - 5

Source: Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority

In 2004, the Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority adopted its Commercial Solid Waste Facility Siting Plan. It was approved by the WV Solid Waste Management Board in 2005. The plan specifies the type of solid waste facilities and under what restrictions and conditions one may establish, expand convert, operate or construct any given solid waste facility in the county for the next twenty years. It considers and responds to the eleven conclusions of the County’s Comprehensive Litter and Solid Waste Control Plan completed in 2003, which are summarized here as they provide an excellent summary of the issues and improvements related to the handling of solid waste in Berkeley County. • The County continues to have substantial solid waste issues to address.

8 Solid waste facilities are classified according to the amount of solid waste handled per month. Class A facilities handle between 10,000 and 30,000 tons per month; Class B receives, or is expected to receive, an average of 100 tons per working day, serves or is expected to serve 40,000+ population, but does not receive solid waste exceeding an aggregate of 10,000 tons per month. Berkeley County Solid Waste Facilities Plan, 2004

5-21 CHAPTER 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

• Continued growth will place tremendous burdens on the existing solid waste management programs and the implementers of those programs. • The county has seen a tremendous start on public recycling programs since 1998, but continues to lack sufficient funding to reach the 50% diversion rate by 2010 as directed by the WV Legislature. • Interstate 81 creates an “out-of-county” litter problem that cannot be addressed through local education programs. • A minimum of 61 percent of county households are participating in a subscription based collection service; however, there continues to be a lack of support for mandating such services. • Significant progress has been made to properly cap the now closed Berkeley County Landfill, but is not complete. • When considering the available capacity and the permitted disposal limitations and the projected disposal requirements there is sufficient capacity at the two Waste Management Facilities to satisfy the disposal needs of Berkeley County for more than 20 years.

The Facility Siting Plan includes a series of maps that illustrate the areas in the county where specific types of solid waste facilities are prohibited. No Class A facilities are permitted in Berkeley County and there are very few places where Class B, C or D facilities could be located. This information will be carefully considered as the future land use map and other plan strategies are developed.

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CHAPTER 6 Economic Profile Berkeley County’s economy continues to evolve and change. Agriculture has traditionally been a significant part of the county’s economy. During the early 1700s the first settlers worked the land and many of the original farm complexes are still in operation. With the arrival of the B&O Railroad in the 1840s and the Pennsylvania Railroad 30 years later, the area’s economy diversified with flour and textile mills providing products to the Alexandria and Baltimore markets. In addition, the various machine shops associated with the railroads were also important. This profile provides an assessment of Berkeley County’s economic structure and performance, as well as its labor force. This analysis provides a basis for strategic planning for a healthy and sustainable economy.

Economic Performance The structure and performance of Berkeley County’s economy Figure 6-1 are evaluated primarily using available public data on Total Employment Trends (Percent of 1990 Value) employment figures and Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis employee earnings.1 This section examines the employment in terms of “place 150 of work”; that is, workers 140 employed in Berkeley County regardless of where they live. 130 These data thus reflect the local industry performance and 120 employment opportunities available in the county. The 110 adjacent counties are

%of 1990 Level 100 referenced for context. A look at data on total 90 employment trends (Figure 6-1) 80 reveals strong growth rates for 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 Berkeley County – about 44 percent over 1990 levels. This is Berkeley County, WV Morgan County, WV in stark contrast to the growth Jefferson County, WV Clarke County, VA trends for the nation overall Frederick County, VA WashingtonCounty, MD and most of the surrounding USA Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA region. Only Frederick County, VA experienced similar growth.

1 Employment data come from two sources: 1) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on employment covered under unemployment insurance programs. The following categories are excluded from these data: federal employment, interstate railroads, self-employed, and household workers. These data include approximately 95% of all employment. 2) The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis begins with these data and adds estimates for the missing classes of employment, as well as provides earnings statistics for all of these categories. Employment data from the U.S. BEA, however, are only available at a more aggregated industry sectoring scheme. All of these employment data are for both full-time and part-time employment.

6-1 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Berkeley County was the only county in the reference area to not experience a decline in total employment during the early 1990s. In fact, growth in Berkeley County was partly responsible for the consistent growth of the Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA during that time. Frederick County, VA ranks second in the area with regard to total employment growth - approximately 33 percent greater than 1990 values. Washington County, MD experienced the least amount of total employment growth. While growth in the surrounding area has leveled off during the late 1990s, Berkeley County has continued to experience growth in total employment levels. Private sector employment accounted for almost 80 percent of Berkeley County’s total employment in 2003. This is fairly consistent throughout the region, and only slightly lower than for the U.S. (83 percent). Washington County had the highest percentage of private sector employment – 87 percent. As shown in Figure 6-2, the growth in the private sector in Berkeley County was the strongest in the region, with an increase of almost 51 percent over 1990 levels. Frederick and Jefferson Counties, as well as the Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA, each experienced increases of approximately 25 to 30 percent in the private sector. Although not as strong as Berkeley, this rate exceeded that of the US, where there was only an 18 percent increase in private employment between 1990 and 2003. Morgan County experienced the smallest increase – approximately 13 percent.

Figure 6-2 Private Employment Trends

(Percent of 1990 Value) Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis 160 150

140

130 120

110 100 90

Percent of 1990Level 80 70

60 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

Berkeley County, WV Morgan County, WV

Jefferson County, WV Clarke County, VA

Frederick County, VA WashingtonCounty, MD USA Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA

6-2 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Trends in the Government and government enterprises sector were quite different than in the private sector shown in Figure 6-3. Throughout the early 1990s, growth in this sector was relatively stagnant throughout the region. Berkeley County began to experience growth during the latter half of the decade, which has leveled off during the early years of the 21st Century. Clarke County experienced significant growth in this sector during the mid to late 1990s. Growth peaked in 2000 at approximately 50 percent over 1990 levels and has since seen a decrease of 3 percent. Each of the three Eastern Panhandle counties has experienced similar trends in the growth of employment in the government sector. Frederick County, VA has experienced continued growth, while only Washington County, MD has experienced losses, with 2003 levels at only 86 percent of 1990 levels. This has had a significant impact on the MSA, as data indicates less than 3 percent growth over 1990 levels.

Figure 6-3 Government and Government Enterprises

Employment Trends (Percent of 1990 Value) Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 Percent of 1990 Value of Percent 70 60 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002

Berkeley County, WV Morgan County, WV Jefferson County, WV Clarke County, VA Frederick County, VA WashingtonCounty, MD USA Hagerstown-Martinsburg MSA

6-3 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Industrial Structure The examination of Berkeley County’s industrial structure begins with a snapshot look at employment and earnings in broadly defined sectors within the county, including a comparison to the region, the state, and the nation. The section concludes with a close-up view of more narrowly defined industrial categories that have special prominence in Berkeley County’s economy.

Employment and Earnings Figures 6-4 and 6-5 depict the composition of Berkeley County’s economy based on employment and earnings, respectively. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the following industries each comprised over ten percent of total employment in the county in 2003). This indicates a relatively diverse economy within the county.2 • Government and Government Enterprises (19 percent) • Professional, managerial and other services (17 percent) • Retail trade (14 percent) • Education, health care and social assistance (12 percent)

Figure 6-4 The sheer number of jobs is Employment in Berkeley County only part of the picture. as a Percent of Total Employment, 2003 Some industries play a larger Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis role in the economy by injecting more labor income, due to a higher rate of earnings per job. This higher Construction earnings rate results from a Government and 8% combination of higher wages government and higher average hours enterprises Manufacturing 19% worked per job. Note that 8% the employment figures do Wholesale trade not distinguish between full- Accommodation 4% and part-time employments. and food services 7% Retail trade 14% Education, health When measured by earnings care and social Information proportions, government and assistance 5% government enterprises takes 12% FIRE on an even greater Professional, 6% prominence, accounting for managerial and over one third (37 percent) of other services 17%

2 F.I.R.E: Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

6-4 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE all earnings in the County in 2003 (Figure 6-5). Professional, managerial, and other services comprise an additional 12 percent of total earnings. The retail trade and the education, health and social assistance sectors decline in prominence when the measure changes from jobs to earnings.

Figure 6-5

Earnings as a Percent of Total Earnings, Berkeley County, 2003

Construction 5%

Manufacturing 10% Government and government Wholesale trade enterprises 7% 37% Retail trade

8%

Information Accommodation 5% and food services 3% FIRE 4%

Education, health Professional, and social managerial and assistance other services 9% 12%

Figure 6-6 on the following page illustrates the earnings per job3 comparisons that are behind the differences between Figures 6-5 and 6-6. The top industries in terms of earnings per job in Berkeley County are government and government enterprises, wholesale trade, and manufacturing. Again, the prevalence of part-time work limits the use of this data to make hourly wage comparisons.

3 Earnings or compensation of employees is the sum of wage and salary disbursements and supplements to wages and salaries, including employer contributions for employee pension and insurance funds and of employer contributions for government social insurance. (US Bureau of Economic Analysis)

6-5 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Figure 6-6

Earnings Per Employee by Industry Berkeley County, 2003 Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

Government and government enterprises 62

Wholesale trade 60

Manufacturing 42

Management of companies and enterprises 39

Finance and insurance 37

Information 34

Professional and technical services 34

Mining 31

Health care and social assistance 27

Construction 20

Administrative and waste services 19

Retail trade 18

Accommodation and food serv ices 14

Other services, except public administration 14

Educational services 12

Real estate and rental and leasing 8

0 10203040506070 Thousands of Dollars

6-6 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Figures 6-7 and 6-8 allow compare non-farm industrial composition by employment (6-7) and by earnings (6-8) for Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia, and the United States. With few exceptions, the industrial make-ups of each are quite similar. Government and government enterprises, professional, managerial and other services, and education, health and social assistance are the top sectors when measuring by proportion of total employment. However, the information and wholesale trade sectors are more prominent in Berkeley County than at the regional, state and national levels.

Figure 6-7 Industry Mix by Employment, 2003 Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

20.2 Government and government 25.0 19.6 enterprises 17.5 14.4 9.2 Accommodation and food 13.6 7.3 services 7.1 6.8

10.8 Arts, entertainment, and 2.4 0.0 recreation 1.8 2.1

8.7 Jefferson County Education, Health and social 0.0 11.8 Morgan County assistance 14.5 12.1 Berkeley County 11.0 Professional, Managerial and 15.4 West Virginia 17.3 other services 15.3 19.3 USA

6.2 7.7 FIRE 5.8 5.8 8.4

1.0 1.4 Information 4.7 1.6 2.2

0.0 Transportation and 0.0 0.0 warehousing 2.9 3.2

15.5 15.5 Retail trade 13.9 12.9 11.2 1.6 1.3 Wholesale trade 4.1 2.9 3.7

8.4 7.8 Manufacturing 7.9 7.8 9.2

7.4 9.7 Construction 7.6 5.7 5.9

0.0 0.0 Utilities 0.0 0.7 0.4

0.0 0.0 Mining 0.1 3.0 0.4

0.0 Forestry, fishing, related 0.0 0.0 activities, and other 0.5 0.7

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 Percent of Non-Farm Employment

6-7 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Figure 6-8 Industry Mix by Non-Farm Earnings, 2003 Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

34.1 Gov ernment and 43.7 36.8 gov ernment enterprises 25.1 3.6

4.9 Accommodation and 9.8 3.0 food serv ices 3.1 2.1

8.2 Arts, entertainment, 0.7 0.0 and recreation 0.8 9.2

8.7 Education, health care, 0.0 9.2 and social services 13 . 7 10 . 0

5.6 Professional, managerial 8.0 11. 7 and other serv ices 9.8 2.5

3.7 4.6 FIRE 3.6 4.2 7.5

1. 2 1. 4 Information 5.9 2.1 3.9 Jefferson County 0.0 Transportation and 0.0 Morgan County 0.0 warehousing 3.5 3.3 Berkeley County

12 . 2 West Virginia 12 . 5 Retail trade 7.6 7.6 United States 6.8

2.3 1. 3 Wholesale trade 7.4 4.0 5.2

12 . 4 12 . 2 Manufacturing 10 . 1 13 . 6 13 . 5

6.5 5.8 Construction 4.6 5.0 6.1

0.0 0.0 Utilities 0.0 1. 9 1. 0

0.0 0.0 Mining 0.1 5.3 0.8

0.0 Forestry, fishing, related 0.0 0.0 activ ities, and other 0.2 0.4

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0

Percent of Non-Farm Earnings

6-8 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Detailed Sector Analysis – 3-digit SIC/4-digit NAICS

The remaining analysis of the county’s economy examines industries at the “three-digit” level of the NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System). The data are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and therefore exclude some public sector employment, as well as some industries not participating in the state unemployment insurance program. Figure 6-9 on the following page depicts the percentage of total employment in the three-digit industry group for each industry with greater than one percent of total county employment. • Jobs in the food services and drinking places sector are prominent in the county’s private market, capturing almost 10 percent of total employment (2,150 jobs) in 2003. • Administrative and support service jobs also figure prominently – 1,573 jobs or just over 7 percent. Professional and technical service jobs capture about 6 percent of total employment. The chart reveals a number of industries in which the county is not typical of the region overall. The accommodation and credit intermediation and related activities sectors are underrepresented in the county compared to the region. On the other hand, the county is more highly weighted than the region in administrative and support services, professional and technical services, plastics and rubber products manufacturing, merchant wholesalers and general merchandise stores. While the data in Figure 6-9 are somewhat interesting in themselves, they need to be placed in some context in order to use them effectively in characterizing the county’s economy. Figure 6-10 on page 11 accomplishes this aim by depicting the employment data in terms of location quotients. The location quotient allows a comparison of Berkeley County’s economy to the United States economy by calculating the ratio of the category’s percentage of employment in Berkeley County to its percentage of employment in the United States. Industries with a location quotient greater than one are more highly represented in the county than they are in the nation. A location quotient well over one suggests that the county “specializes” in that industry. Traditionally, a location quotient over one indicates that the industry is likely one in which the specified geography exports product outside its borders. Such industries provide a source of income coming into the region.

Figure 6-10 illustrates the Berkeley County industries with location quotients greater than one, arranged in decreasing order of location quotient. Based on location quotients, the top two industries in the county are plastics and rubber products manufacturing and nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing. Both have a percentage of total employment that is close to four times higher than in the nation. The county also specializes in several other sectors, including construction of buildings, waste management and remediation services, and non-store retailers. It is important to note that an industry may comprise a minor percentage of the county’s economy, yet still have a high location quotient. That is, the location quotient measures specialization, not prominence in the economy. Industries that are especially important to Berkeley County’s economy, those that are high in both employment and location quotient, include construction of buildings, merchant wholesalers of durable goods, non-store retailers, and chemical manufacturing.

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Figure 6-9 Top Industries as a Percentage of Total Employment by NAICS Code, 2003 Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

NAICS 722 Food serv ices and drinking places

NAICS 561 Administrative and support services

NAICS 541 Professional and technical services

NAICS 621 Ambulatory health care services

NAICS 423 Merchant wholesalers, durable goods

NAICS 452 General merchandise stores Morgan County Jefferson County NAICS 238 Specialty trade contractors Washington County

NAICS 445 Food and beverage stores West Virginia Berkeley County NAICS 326 Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

NAICS 236 Construction of buildings

NAICS 624 Social assistance NAICS 522 Credit intermediation and related activities

NAICS 441 Motor vehicle and parts dealers

NAICS 721 Accommodation NAICS 327 Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

NAICS 444 Building material and garden supply stores

NAICS 447 Gasoline stations

NAICS 325 Chemical manufacturing

NAICS 484 Truck transportation

NAICS 811 Repair and maintenance

0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00%

Percent of Covered Employment

6-10 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE

Figure 6-10 Location Quotients, Berkeley County 2003 Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

NAICS 326 Plastics and rubber products manufacturing

NAICS 327 Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing

NAICS 236 Construction of buildings

NAICS 111 Crop production

NAICS 562 Waste management and remediation

NAICS 454 Nonstore retailers

NAICS 423 Merchant wholesalers, durable goods

NAICS 452 General merchandise stores

NAICS 447 Gasoline stations

NAICS 325 Chemical manufacturing

NAICS 624 Social assistance

NAICS 493 Warehousing and storage

NAICS 445 Food and bev erage stores

NAICS 444 Building material and garden supply stores

NAICS 321 Wood product manufacturing

NAICS 722 Food serv ices and drinking places

NAICS 441 Motor v ehicle and parts dealers

NAICS 721 Accommodation

NAICS 561 Administrativ e and support serv ices

NAICS 453 Miscellaneous store retailers

NAICS 621 Ambulatory health care serv ices

00.511.522.533.544.5 Location Quotient

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An examination of the county’s industrial structure concludes with a look at industries that are notable in terms of gains or losses in jobs in recent years. Figure 6-11 depicts the recent top- growing private industries, measured in terms of the increase in number of employees. • Professional and technical services top the list with 206 jobs added between 2001 and 2003. Specialty trade contractors have also seen substantial growth over this time period. • The increases in construction of buildings and the plastics and rubber products manufacturing are particularly notable because these are industries important to the county’s economy in terms of having a high location quotient. • The growth in these industries is especially good news, considering the relatively high average wages of jobs in these industries.

Figure 6-11

Top Growing Industries in Berkeley County 2001 - 2003

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

541 Professional and technical serv ices 206

238 Specialty trade contractors 189

236 Construction of buildings 151

722 Food serv ices and drinking places 146

621 Ambulatory health care serv ices 83

326 Plastics and rubber products manufacturing 81

441 Motor v ehicle and parts dealers 75

624 Social assistance 65

531 Real estate 62

336 Transportation equipment manufacturing 53

0 50 100 150 200 250 Number of Jobs Gained

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A look at declining industries illustrates where the county may have some cause for concern. (See Figure 6-12). • The largest absolute decline was in nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing. • Truck transportation and merchant wholesalers of durable goods also experienced significant losses. Taken together, the county lost 669 jobs in these three industries in the two-year period. Nonmetallic product manufacturing and merchant wholesalers of durable goods are important to the county’s export base in that they have high location quotients. On the other hand, none of these three industries individually contributes more than 5 percent to total county employment.

Figure 6-12 Top Declining Industries in Berkeley County, 2001 - 2003 Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

814 Private households -13

812 Personal and laundry services -13

321 Wood product manufacturing -15

999 Unclassified -15

551 Management of companies -21

611 Educational services -25

517 Telecommunications -25

448 Clothing and clothing accessories stores -53

423 Merchant wholesalers, durable goods -165

484 Truck transportation -207

327 Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing -297

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 Number of Jobs Lost

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Table 6-1 puts together employment and wage data for top industries as measured by a combination of location quotient and proportion of total county employment. • Plastics and rubber products manufacturing and construction of buildings are good performers in terms of their high rank across categories: a high location quotient, relatively high wages, and steady growth. • The other high wage industries, namely nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing and merchant wholesalers, are important employers in terms of number of employees and wages, but have seen a decrease in employment in recent years.

Table 6-1 Wage and Growth Comparisons of Top Industries in Berkeley County, 2003

Average Percent of Employment Change Location Weekly 3-Digit Industry Employment, 2001-2003 Quotient Wage, 2003 2003 # % 326 Plastics and rubber products 4.16 3.82% $499 81 11.4 manufacturing 327 Nonmetallic mineral product 3.85 1.94% $876 -297 -42.6 manufacturing 236 Construction of buildings 2.0 2.21% $496 151 49.2

111 Crop production 1.93 1.14% $329 -7 -2.8 562 Waste management and 1.85 ND ND ND ND remediation services 454 Nonstore retailers 1.82 0.73% $331 5 3.4 423 Merchant wholesalers, 1.72 4.76% $1,075 -165 -14.3 durable goods 452 General merchandise stores 1.7 4.61% $330 18 1.9

447 Gasoline stations 1.53 1.48% $346 -10 -3.2

325 Chemical manufacturing 1.49 1.19% $866 ND ND

Source - Bureau of Labor Statistics

Berkeley County Top Employers Table 6-2 lists the top ten employers in Berkeley County, their primary product, industrial classification and the number of employees. The list clearly supports the top industries and location quotient data presented earlier in the chapter.

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Table 6-2 Berkeley County Top Employers, 2005 # Of Employer/Product Industrial Classification Employees Berkeley County Schools/Education NAICS 611 Educational Services 1,794 Veterans Administration Center/ NAICS 622 Hospitals 1,300 Health Care West Virginia Air National Guard/Air 1,180 (full & NAICS 928 National Security Defense Training part time) Quad/Graphics, Inc./magazines, NAICS 323 Printing and related 1,000 catalogs, color inserts support activities City Hospital, Inc./Health Services NAICS 622 Hospitals 906 IRS – Martinsburg Computing Center/ NAICS 541 Professional and 900 Income Tax Computer Center technical services Regional Education Service Agency NAICS 541 Professional and 416 VIII/ Assists school systems of the region technical services Aker Plastics (MAAX) Bathroom NAICS 326 Plastics and rubber Sector/fiberglass bathtubs, shower 400+ products Manufacturing stalls, whirlpools and spas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and NAICS 541 Professional and 400 Firearms (Records/computing) technical services NAICS 323 Printing and related Quebecor Printing/ Book Printing 400 support activities Source: Berkeley County Development Authority

A Closer Look at the Agriculture Sector Agriculture has been an important industry in Berkeley County since the earliest settlers arrived in the 1700s. As shown in Table 6-1, crop production is still an area of specialization in the county as evidenced by its location quotient. Even though the sector only accounts for approximately one percent of total employment in the county, the market value of production is significant - $18,430,000 in 2002 according to the Census of Agriculture. There were 676 farms operating in Berkeley County in 2002, which is up from the 1997 Census figure of 639 farms. However, the total amount of land in farms has decreased from 77,901 acres in 1997 to 76,393 acres in 2002. The average farm size has also decreased, from 122 acres to 113 acres. Top crops by acreage are forage crops, apples, corn for grain and silage, and soybeans. Apple production ranks first in the state and 19th in the United States. Each of the remaining categories are among the top ten in West Virginia, but not the nation.

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Workforce Characterization and Trends The characteristics of an area’s workforce are among several priority factors that influence a company’s decision to locate a new facility or expand operations. In the past, the cost of labor, i.e., the hourly wage, was the primary labor-related consideration. Today, those responsible for making corporate site selection decisions are also looking very closely at the skills, productivity, work ethic, and size of the prospective labor force, as well as “quality of life” and other intangibles offered by a community or region. This section profiles Berkeley County’s resident workforce, i.e., the people who live in Berkeley County regardless of where they work. It is developed to help county officials, the Berkeley County Development Authority, and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce assess the desirability of the county as a place to do business and also to plan strategically for the future. It will also provide these organizations with the statistical data that companies are looking for as they go through the initial stages of the site selection process.

Civilian Labor Force, Employment, and Unemployment Table 6-3 compares the change in the size of the labor force in Berkeley County between 1990 and 2000 with the surrounding counties. It does not distinguish between the civilian labor force and those in the armed forces because less than one-half of one percent of the labor force in each county reported being in the armed forces.

Table 6-3 Change in Labor Force, 1990-2000

Total Residents 16 Years Residents 16 years and Over in the Labor and Over Force Municipality 1990 2000 % of % of 1990 2000 # # total total

United States 191,829,271 217,168,077 125,182,378 65.3 138,820,935 63.9 West Virginia 1,404,900 1,455,101 744,032 53.0 792,344 54.5 Berkeley County, WV 45,394 58,653 29,362 64.7 38,040 64.9 Clarke County, VA 9,648 10,002 6,352 65.8 6,712 67.1 Frederick County, VA 34,756 45,387 24,986 71.9 31,787 70.0 Jefferson County, WV 27,751 33,354 18,540 66.8 22,669 68.0 Morgan County, WV 9,652 11,962 5,605 58.1 6,953 58.1 Washington County, MD 96,806 104,251 59,369 61.3 63,714 61.1

• The total number of residents in the labor force increased for each of the compared geographies between 1990 and 2000. Berkeley County experienced the most significant percentage increase, almost 30 percent. This change is significantly higher than for the U.S. (10.9 percent) and West Virginia (6.5 percent). • As shown in Figure 6-13, changes in the labor force are comparable to changes in the total population for Berkeley, Morgan, and Clarke Counties. Jefferson County and West Virginia

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each experienced larger increases in the labor force than in total population. In contrast, the United States, Frederick and Washington Counties each had greater increases in total population than in the labor force. As a percentage of the total 16 year+ population, the labor force is increasing for each of the surrounding counties except Frederick and Washington, as well as for the United States.

Figure 6-13 Change in Labor Force vs. Change in Population 1990 - 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD

Morgan County, WV Change in Population Change in Labor Force Jefferson County, WV

Frederick County, VA

Clarke County, VA

Berkeley County, WV

West Virginia

United States

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0

Percent Change

Figure 6-14 compares unemployment rates for the US, West Virginia and Berkeley County since 1990. As shown, during the early 1990s each experienced increases in total unemployment; with West Virginia and Berkeley County spiking much higher than the US. However, by 1993 this trend began to reverse. Berkeley County has experienced the most significant decline in the unemployment rate and all three geographies had lower rates in 2004 than 1990. In 1997, Berkeley County had a lower unemployment rate than the US for the first time in ten years and has since maintained that status.

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Figure 6-14 Unemployment Trends 1990-2004 Source: West Virginia University

12 Berkeley County West Virginia 10 US 8

6

4

2 Percent Unemployed

0

0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 00 199 199 199 199 199 2 200 200

Employment by Place of Residence The following sections review employment data related to the resident workforce. The data compares industry and occupation statistics for the people who live in the county, regardless of where they work, from the Census Bureau for 1990 and 2000. In addition, commuter trends, educational attainment, and workforce training opportunities are also discussed.

Resident Employment by Industry There are thirteen broad industrial categories related to resident employment reported by the 2000 Census. They are listed below and discussed in greater detail on the following pages. The data only includes industry statistics from the 2000 Census because the classification system is different than that used in 1990. • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting and • Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Mining Rental and Leasing (FIRE) • Construction • Professional, Scientific, Management, • Manufacturing Administrative, and Waste Management • Wholesale Trade • Educational, Health and Social Services • Retail Trade • Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation, and Food Services • Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities • Other Services (except public administration) • Information Industries • Public Administration

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Figure 6-15 Resident Employment by Industry, 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Public administration Other serv ices 7% Agriculture, forestry, (except public fishing and hunting, administration) and mining 4% 2% Arts, entertainment, Const ruct ion recreation, 9% accommodation and food services Manufacturing 6% 18%

Educational, health Wholesale trade and social services 3% 19%

Professional, Retail trade scientific, 13% Transportation and management, warehousing, and administrativ e, and utilities waste management Finance, insurance, 5% services real estate and 6% rental and leasing Information 5% 3%

As shown in Figuregure 6-15, 50 percent of Berkeley County’s labor force are employed within three industrial sectors – education, health and social services (19%), manufacturing (18%), and retail trade (13%). No other industrial sector employs over 10 percent of the resident labor force. Relative to the surrounding counties, there are many similarities with regard to the employment of the resident workforce; however, there are some items of note: • Berkeley County had the smallest percentage of residents employed in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting and mining sectors in 2000, approximately 1.5 percent. Clarke County, VA had the highest percentage, 5.1 percent. • Berkeley County (18%) was second only to Morgan County (20%) with regard to the percentage of residents employed in the manufacturing sector. Jefferson County had the smallest percentage – 10.8 percent.

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Employment by Occupation The previous section reviewed the types of industries in which Berkeley County residents are employed. This section examines the types of jobs, or occupations, that residents have within those industries. The Census Bureau divides occupations into six major categories: Management, professional, and related occupations, Service occupations, Sales and office occupations, Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations, Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations, and Production, transportation, and material moving occupations As with the industrial data, the occupations classification system used for the 1990 Census is not the same as the one used for 2000; therefore, only 2000 data is analyzed. As shown in Figure 6-16, almost 75 percent of Berkeley County residents are employed in three occupational categories as defined by the US Census Bureau: Management, professional and related occupations (26%), sales and office occupations (25%) and production, transportation, and material moving occupations. Figure 6-17 provides a comparison of employment by occupation for Berkeley County, the adjacent counties, West Virginia, and the US. As shown, Jefferson and Clarke Counties and the US each had over a third of the resident workforce employed in management, professional and related occupations in 2000. Only Clarke County had more than one percent of the workforce employed in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. Berkeley County was second only to Morgan County with regard to the percentage of residents employed in production, transportation, and material moving occupations.

Figure 6-16 Resident Occupations, 2000 Berkeley County, West Virginia Source: US Census Bureau

Production, Management, transportation, and professional, and material moving related occupations: occupations: 26% 22%

Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations: 13% Service occupations: 14%

Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations Sales and office <1% occupations: 25%

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Figure 6-17 Resident Employment by Occupation, 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Management, professional, and related Morgan County, W V occupations:

Service occupations: Jefferson County, WV

Frederick County, VA Sales and office occupations: Clarke Count y, VA

Farming, fishing, and Washington County, MD forestry occupations

Berkeley County, W V Construction, extraction, and maintenance occupations: West Virginia Production, United States transportation, and material moving occupations: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Percent of Workforce

Commuting Patterns A review of the commuting patterns of the County’s workforce helps to further define Berkeley County’s economic position. By comparing 1990 and 2000 data, it is possible to see the changes in the location of the region’s employment centers.

Place of Work by County 1990-2000 The percentage of residents who traveled out of Berkeley County for employment increased between 1990 and 2000 from 38 percent to 43 percent. Most of these commuters are also traveling out of state. The increase in residents traveling outside their home county is a regional trend, as evidenced by the fact that each of the surrounding counties also experienced increases. Figures 6-18 and 6-19 illustrate the in-county and in-state trends in relation to West Virginia and the United States.

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Figure 6-18

Percent of Resident Workforce Working in Their County of Residence, 1990 - 2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD

Morgan County, WV

Jefferson County, WV 2000

1990 Frederick County, VA

Clarke County, VA

Berkeley County, WV

West Virginia

United States

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 Percent of Resident Workforce

• As shown in Figure 6-18 Berkeley County (56%)is second only to Washington County (73%) in the percentage of the resident workforce employed in-county among the surrounding counties. While this is less than for the US (73%) and West Virginia (69%), it is more than for the other Eastern Panhandle Counties of Morgan (40%) and Jefferson (45%), as well as for Clarke (36%) and Frederick (42%)Counties • Frederick County experienced the greatest decrease in the number of residents working in their home county between 1990 and 2000 – almost 20 percent. • Figure 6-19 compares the percentages of the resident workforce that worked in-state in 1990 and 2000 for Berkeley and the surrounding counties, West Virginia, and the United States. As shown, the counties of the Eastern Panhandle had significantly smaller percentages of the workforce employed in West Virginia. However, this is not surprising given the physical location of the Panhandle.

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Figure 6-19

Percentage of Workforce Working in State of Residence, 1990-2000 Source: US Census Bureau

Washington County, MD

Morgan County, WV 2000

1990 Jefferson County, WV

Frederick County, VA

Clarke County, VA

Berkeley County, WV

West Virginia

United States

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

Percent of Workforce

Table 6-4 compares the top county-level destinations for Berkeley County’s resident workforce in 1990 and 2000. As shown, Berkeley County was the top destination in both 1990 and 2000. While there are significantly more residents working in the county, it is a smaller percentage of the workforce. • Washington County, MD was the top out-of-county destination for Berkeley County residents in both 1990 and 2000. Jefferson and Frederick Counties held their ranks as the third and fourth most popular destinations.

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• The top ten destinations remained the same in 1990 and 2000; however, there was some shifting of ranks. Winchester City, VA moved up from tenth to fifth on the list of destinations, while Montgomery County, MD moved down from fifth to ninth.

Table 6-4 Top Ten Commuter Destinations for Berkeley County Residents, 1990 -2000 1990 2000 # of % of # of % of Destination Destination Commuters Total Commuters Total

1. Berkeley County, WV 16,758 62.1 1. Berkeley County, WV 20,031 56.2 2. Washington County, MD 2,522 9.3 2. Washington County, MD 4,696 13.2 3. Jefferson County, WV 2,161 8.0 3. Jefferson County, WV 3,158 8.9 4. Frederick County, VA 1,703 6.3 4. Frederick County, VA 1,534 4.3 5. Montgomery County, MD 576 2.1 5. Winchester City, VA 1,135 3.2 6. Frederick County, MD 567 2.1 6. Frederick County, MD 1,079 3.0 7. Loudoun County, VA 421 1.6 7. Loudoun County, VA 604 1.7 8. Fairfax County, VA 313 1.2 8. District of Columbia 503 1.4 9. District of Columbia 305 1.1 9. Montgomery County, MD 470 1.3 10. Winchester City, VA 267 1.0 10. Fairfax County, VA 365 1.0 Source: US Census Bureau

Travel Time to Work 1990 – 2000 Travel time to work can indicate distance to work and may be an indicator of congestion. The following illustrates the trends in travel time for Berkeley County residents from 1990 to 2000. The data is also be referenced in the transportation profile. • Approximately 63 percent of Berkeley County ’s workforce traveled less than thirty minutes to their place of employment in 2000; about 5 pe rcent less than in 1990. Each of the surrounding counties also experienced decreases in the percentage of workers traveling less than a half an hour to work. • Figure 6-20 compares travel times to work trends for Berkeley County, West Virginia, and the United States. As shown, Berkeley County experienced the most significant decrease among the geographies in the “less than 15 minutes” category, and was the only one to see increases in the “15 to 29 minutes” category. This is likely a reflection of increased congestion in the county, particularly in light of the fact that 60 percent of the workforce was traveling in-county to work.

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• Berkeley County is also notable for the increases in the “30-60 minutes” and the “90 or more minutes” categories relative to the US and West Virginia.

Figure 6-20

Travel Time to Wor k, 1990 & 2000 Source: US Cen sus Bureau

45.0

40.0

United States 35.0 West Virginia

Berkeley County, WV 30.0 orce

orkf 25.0 of W 20.0 cent Per

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000 1990 2000

Less than 15 15 - 29 minutes 30 - 60 minutes 60-89 minutes 90 or more Work at Home minutes minutes

Educational Attainment (Decennial Census) According to a 1991 report regarding the practice of economic development,4 “the increasing incorporation of technology in virtually every type of job…calls for better reading and ma thematical skills and a generally higher level of employee competence.” This section analyzes trends in the educational attainment levels of Berkeley County’s 25 years and older population as reported by the Census Bureau for 1990 and 2000. The number of high school and college graduates residing in Berkeley County has increased. Census data indicates that 15.5 percent of the county’s 25 year and older population had

4 American Economic Development Council Education Foundation, “Practicing Economic Development”, 1991.

6-25 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE obt ained college degrees in 1990. By 2000, that figure had increased by 4.1 percent to 19.6 percent. High school graduates in the county also increased from 53.0 percent in 1990 to 58.0 percent in 2000. As shown in Table 6-5, the percentage of residents in the county that obtained some type of college degree exceeds that for West Virginia and Morgan County, WV, but lags behind the national rate, as well as those of the remainder of the surrounding counties.

Table 6-5 Educational Attainment as a Percent of the Population 25 Years or Older

1990 2000 Municipality High College High College School* Degree School* Degree USA 48.9 26.6 49.7 30.7 West Virginia 49.9 16.1 56.0 19.2 BERKELEY COUNTY 53.0 15.5 58.0 19.6 Clarke County, VA 52.5 22.5 53.5 28.6 Frederick County, VA 50.5 19.5 54.8 23.7 Jefferson County, WV 48.9 19.3 53.1 26.0 Morgan County, WV 49.7 15.1 61.8 14.3 Washington County, MD 52.7 16.6 57.6 20.2 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000 STF3A *High school includes obtaining a high school diploma or equivalency.

Workforce Education and Training Resources Berkeley County residents have a wealth of education and training resources available to them. Traditional academic programs are offered at the county’s high schools and the local campuses of West Virginia University and Mountain State University. In addition, technical and vocational training is available at the James Rumsey Technical Institute, the Valley College of Technology, and the Community and Technical College of Shepherd (CTC). More information about the educational opportunities available, the reader is referred to the Community Facilities Profile.

Relationships to Infrastructure Conditions The county’s ability to sustain and expand its economy is related not only to market and workforce trends but also to the availability of land and physical infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, waste disposal and telecommunications networks). While more detailed inventories of land use and infrastructure are provided in other profiles, the relationships of these elements to the county’s economy and employment are outlined here. [This section may be revised upon the development of other profiles.]

Land Markets Land availability is critical for business retention and new business development. Existing businesses need land for expansion and new businesses, whether initial start-ups or relocating

6-26 CHAPTER 6 ECONOMIC PROFILE businesses, need land for new facilities. The location of available land in relation to other infrastructure conditions is equally, if not more, important. There are a variety of locations and sites available for new and expanding businesses. The West Virginia Development Office provides specific information about each, including available utilities, proximity to transportation facilities, and contact information. The Berkeley County Development Authority is the local organization for providing assistance with regard to these properties. Table 6-6 list those sites and properties currently available in Berkeley County according to WV Development Offices.5

Table 6-6 Berkeley Coun ty Available Propertie s

Available Parks Acreage Falling Waters Industrial Cen ter 38 Spring Mills Business Park 50 John D. Rockefeller IV Science & Technology Center 120 I/CON Industrial Park 130 Cumbo Yard Industrial Park 229 Liberty Business Park 275 Tabler Station Business Park 324 Available Buildings Sq. Ft. IRS Storage Facility 37,400 Schmidt Baking Building 43,412 Solarex Building 68,100 Berkeley Business Park 132,060 Site Sites Acreage Tabler Station Site 22 Willis Site 30 Bryarly Manor Orchards Site 151 F.O. Day Site 300 Source: West Virginia Development Office

The Berkeley County Development Authority’s mission is to attract and retain jobs in Berkeley County. Most new businesses are referred through the WV Development Office. Business retention is achieved through a business calling program that allows the Development Authority to better understand the needs and concerns of the county’s existing businesses. According to the Development Authority, there is a great deal of hiring going on in the county, which is creating a certain amount of competition. Linking businesses with customized and appropriate training resources is also a key role of the EDA.

5 The list of sites contains live links to the WV Development Web page in the electronic version of the profile, which provides more information for each property. They will work only if already connected to the internet.

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Transportation The role of the transportation network is to move people, materials, and products. While the network has traditionally focused on roadways, railways, and air transport, the network also includes bicycle and pedestrian modes of travel. Each of these modes has potential for moving people (employees and clients) and goods more efficiently. Businesses tend to favor road and rail-based modes for the sheer volumes of materials they can transport. While Berkeley County has excellent rail and highway access, results from public meetings indicate that congestion in many areas of the county, particularly near Martinsburg, has increased substantially in recent years, and may negatively impact economic development efforts in the future. On the other hand, the county is well served by alternative modes, including a regional airport, commuter rail service and local public transit.

Water and Sewer Utilities Water and sewer infrastructure are important, especially to businesses inv olved in processing and refining materials into finished goods. The availability, as well as the cost, of these utilities relative to other locations can be an important factor to expanding or relocating business operation.

Waste management Much like water and sewer, waste disposal is important to processing and production operations. The types of waste facilities, distance to waste facilities, capa cities of those facilities, and relative cost of waste disposal frequently influence a business’s site selection.

Telecommunications Telecommunications is perhaps the newest element of basic operating in frastructure. A company’s ability to market its products and services across town and ar ound the world is increasingly important to regional and global competitiveness. Throughout the public involvement process, it was cl ear that there is a need for improved high-s peed internet access throughout Berkeley County.

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CHAPTER 7 Cultural Resources Profile

Introduction Cultural resources consist of prehistoric and historic districts, sites, structures, artifacts, and other physical evidence of human activities considered important to a society. A wealth of cultural resources may be found throughout Berkeley County. Knowledge of these resources increases our understanding and appreciation of the local heritage and improves the overall quality of life of local residents. This chapter will provide a basic inventory of the cultural resources located within Berkeley County and will give particular attention to local historic preservation efforts.

National Register of Historic Places Listing in the National Register contributes to preserving historic properties in a number of ways: • Recognition that a property is of significance to the nation, the state, or the community. • Consideration in the planning for federal or federally assisted projects. • Eligibility for federal tax benefits. • Qualification for federal assistance for historic preservation, if funds are available. Like many state and federal preservation programs, the interest in National Register listing originates with the land owner. Once approved by the state, the state historic preservation agencies can nominate the property to the national level. Listing in the National Register does not interfere with a private property owner's right to alter, manage, or dispose of property. However, it often changes the way communities perceive their historic resources and gives credibility to efforts to preserve these resources as irreplaceable aspects of the community. According to the Berkeley County Historical Society, there are over 3,000 sites in Berkeley County that are on the National Register, as well as 45 additional sites that are not included in the following list of properties.

Historic Places in Berkeley County Source: Berkeley County Historical Society (www.bchs.org) The John-David-Jacob Rees House: This house is significant for its historical association with the Rees family, an early Quaker family in Berkeley County. It is also significant for being a collection of American architectural history representing three different periods and three different types of construction, consisting of three sections, built at different times using log (1761), stone (1791), and brick (1885). This site is located in Bunker Hill off Rt. 11 and was added to the National Register in 1984.

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"Morgan Acres" - William G. Morgan House: This house was built in 1849 by William G. Morgan, who was a great grandson of Morgan Morgan. Near the present house is the site of Col. Morgan Morgan's first crude building and the site of the log home of his son, Morgan Morgan II, who was associated with the Morgan Chapel. Traditionally, Mrs. Morgan designed this long floor plan so she could see in the parlor mirrors her servants at work in the kitchen. This site is located in Bunker Hill on Secondary Rt. 24, south of the junction with Secondary Rt. 26 and was added to the National Register in 1984.

"Golden Meadows" - David Morgan House: One of the oldest cabins in Berkeley County is the present kitchen section of the house. The house was built circa 1745 by Col. Morgan and sons for his son, David Morgan. David became famous as an Indian fighter, and along with Jacob Prickett and others, built Prickett's Fort. This site is located in Bunker Hill off of Secondary Rt. 26 and was added to the National Register in 1985.

"Marshy Dell" - Gilbert McKown House: This house is architecturally significant as an example of early permanent settler housing that was successfully integrated as a major part of a Berkeley County vernacular farmhouse. The original log house was built in 1774 by Gilbert McKown. Samuel McKown added to the house in 1810. This house, located just east of Gerrardstown, is historically significant for its association with the McKown family. This site is located in Gerrardstown along WV Rt. 51 and was added to the National Register in 1984.

"Mountain View" - Washington Gold House & Rippy Cabin: Washington Gold built the brick house in 1854. This is a significant example of Greek revival architecture. This property remained in the Gold family until 1900.

Rippy Cabin is a 1 1/2 story log cabin, with the single all-purpose room on the first floor and a 1/2- story loft. All the logs and joists were hand hewn. The cabin dates to the mid-18th century. The cabin served as an early home for the Rippy family.

Both sites are located south of Gerrardstown on Secondary Rt. 51/2 and was added to the National Register in 1984.

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James Nathaniel Burwell House: This house is significant for its historical association with the Burwell family and for being an excellent example of late Federal rural domestic architecture. It was built in 1842 by James Nathaniel Burwell. There was a Civil War skirmish around the house. A cannon ball and bullets were dug out of the west wall, a bayonet was found in the basement, and a Union officer's belt buckle was found in the front yard. This site is located in Ridgeway and was added to the National Register in 1991.

"Oban Hall" - Mary Park Wilson House: This house was built in 1825 by William Wilson, a very prominent merchant of the Gerrardstown area. This house is architecturally significant as a classical example of rural American Federal architecture. This site is located along Secondary Rt. 51/2 in Gerrardstown and was added to the National Register in 1984.

Teter M. French House: This house was built in 1860, and is significant for its scenic view as well as for the amount of original material which has survived. It is a Greek Revival style with accents of early Victorian details. This site is located in Hedgesville at the junction of Rts. 1 and 3 and was added to the National Register in 1980.

"Maidstone Manor" - William Robinson Leigh House: This house is significant because it was the early home of William Robinson Leigh, a famous Western scenic artist. Built in 1848 by William Leigh, the house has a further significance for its outstanding architectural type. Born here on September 23, 1866, William was a double grandson of Rawleigh Colston and Elizabeth Marshall Colston, sister of Chief Justice John Marshall. This site is located along Secondary Rt. 1 in Hedgesville and was added to the National Register in 1980.

Harmony Cemetery: A pre-Civil War meeting house was built at this site in 1830, and was taken over by the Methodist Church. Found along Secondary Rt. 1 in Marlowe, this site was added to the National Register in 1980.

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Decatur Hedges House: This house, built in 1875, is an excellent example of vernacular Victorian Gothic architecture. It is "L" shaped with central hall plan and the "L" is two rooms deep. The main entrance porch is Victorian in design. This site is located along WV 9 in Hedgesville and was added to the National Register in 1984.

"Fort Hedges" - Hedges-Leman House: Built in 1748 by Joshua Hedges, Fort Hill is a two-story stone dwelling originally surrounded by a stockade. Fort Hill became a stopping place for travelers. George and Martha Washington and Patsy Custis lodged with Joshua Hedges on August 5, 1769, and again on the return from the Springs in Berkeley Springs on September 9, 1769. This is one of the only two existing houses in Berkeley County that Washington referred to in his diaries. Located at Rt. 4, .7 miles north of its junction with WV 9 in Hedgesville, this site was added to the National Register in 1991.

Mount Zion Baptist Church: This church is significant for its type of architecture. Built in 1836-38, of slab limestone carefully shaped and laid, resembling brick coursing, different from other stone work in the County. Organized in June 23, 1835, this was the New Baptist Church. This site is located on Opequon Lane in Martinsburg and was added to the National Register in 1980.

"Allen Dale”: This lovely plaster-over-stone Greek Revival mansion was built about 1785 by Jacob VanDoren, Sr., of Somerset County, New Jersey. He inherited the land from his grandfather, Jacob Vandeveer of Somerset County, New Jersey. In 1822, Jacob VanDoren, Sr., sold "Allen Dale" to his son, Jacob, Jr. During the ownership of Jacob, Jr., "Union School" was organized at the plantation. This site is located one mile southwest of the Rt. 45/3 and Rt. 40 junction in Martinsburg and was added to the National Register in 1984.

Susan Couchman House: This is a two-story, gable- roofed, "L"-dwelling which is constructed entirely of logs on a stone foundation and covered with clapboard. This site is located on Warm Springs Road east of Martinsburg and was added to the National Register in 1994.

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Smoketown School: This brick one-room school was built in 1869 on land donated by Jacob Miller. It is three-bay with gable roof. The entrance porch has a shed roof in the gable end. This site is located along Rt. 45/4 east of Martinsburg and was added to the National Register in 1994.

Rush-Miller House: This house is constructed of coursed rubble limestone, and built in two sections. The rear section was constructed first circa 1810. The front section was built circa 1873. This site is located along WV 45 in Smoketown and was added to the National Register in 1985.

Continental Clay Brick Plant: An impressive battery of ten obsolete beehive brick kilns and associated chimneys built in 1917. Originally the kilns were coal fired but later converted to gas. The beehive method was replaced by a continuous production line method which is currently used. These are the only surviving examples of their type and represent an extensive and very important industry in the County which dates back to the 18th century. This site is located along Rt. 9 southeast of Martinsburg and was added to the National Register in 1980.

Kearfoot-Bane House: This house is an excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian Architecture. It is built on the foundation of an earlier house which burned in 1895. This house was owned by the Kearfoot family who resided there from 1847 - 1879. John P. Kearfoot was a surveyor for Berkeley County and is responsible for the 1894 Kearfoot map of Berkeley. This site is located along Rt. 36/1 in Baker Heights and was added to the National Register in 1985.

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There are also a number of historic districts that have been identified within the county and placed on the register. They are listed below in Table 7-1 and illustrated on Map 15 Historic Districts. Table 7-1 Map Date District Location Number Added Roughly bounded by B&O RR from Baltimore and Ohio and Related south side of Burke St. underpass to 1 1980 Industries Historic District north side of B&O & PA RR bridge, Martinsburg

Roughly along Winchester Ave. to Arden Rd., W. King St. to Red Hill 2 Boomtown Historic District 1980 Rd., W. Stephen, W. Addition St, and Raleigh Sts., Martinsburg

Roughly bounded by W. Stephen, S. Spring, and S. Queen Sts., 3 Boydville Historic District 1980 including Boydville grounds, Martinsburg

4 Bunker Hill Historic District Jct. of US 11 and Rt. 26, Bunker Hill 1980 5 Clary’s Mountain Historic District North of Hedgesville 2004 6 Darkesville Historic District US 11 at Middle Creek, Darkesville 1980

Roughly bounded by W. Race, Downtown Martinsburg Historic 7 Water, Stephen, and Charles Sts., 1980 District Martinsburg

Roughly bounded by B&O RR 8 East Martinsburg Historic District right-of-way , N. Queen St., Moler 1980 Ave., and High St., Martinsburg

Roughly, along WV 51 and Virginia 9 Gerrardstown Historic District 1991 Line Rd., Gerrardstown Green Hill Cemetery Historic 10 486 E. Burke St., Martinsburg 1980 District 11 Harlan Spring Historic District Harlan Spring, Hedgesville 1980 Roughly bounded by N. and S. 12 Hedgesville Historic District Mary St., and E. and W. Main St., 1980 Hedgesville 9 acres along Dam #4 Road , 13 Jones’ Mill Run 1980 north of Scrabble Martinsburg, Mining, Also known as MMM&I Historic 14 Manufacturing & Improvement 2002 District; Martinsburg Co. Historic District Runs along Mill Creek extending 15 Mill Creek Historic District both E and W of Bunker Hill, Bunker 1980 Hill

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Map Date District Location Number Added S along Ridge Rd. from Nollville, 16 Ridge Road Historic District 1980 Nollville Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia, 17 Rosemont Historic District 2002 Kentucky Aves., Martinsburg 18 Scrabble Historic District Scrabble Road; Dam #4 Road 2006 Roughly bounded by E. John, 19 South Water Street Historic District Water, and E. Burke Sts., and B&O 1980 RR, Martinsburg Portions of Hammonds Mill Rd. and 20 Spring Mills Historic District 2004 Harlan Spring Rd. 21 Swan Pond Manor Historic District Swan Pond, Martinsburg 1980 North of Tabler’s Station Road, 22 Tabler’s Station 2004 west of US 11 Roughly bounded by N. Tennessee 23 Tuscarora Creek Historic District Ave., S on Old Mill Rd. to Rt. 15, 1980 Martinsburg Source: USNPS National Register Information System

State Historical Markers

There are 31 State Historical Markers located in Berkeley County according to the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. (See Table 7-2) Originally implemented in 1937, the West Virginia Highway Historical Marker Program was started to encourage tourism. The West Virginia Commission on Historic and Scenic Markers worked with the State Road Commission, Works Progress Administration, and Federal Emergency Relief Administration to place 440 markers during the first year alone. After World War II, markers were placed at the sites of most state-run facilities and schools. The West Virginia Historic Commission took over the program in 1963 and since the late 1960s the program has been managed by the West Virginia State Archives, which is part of the West Virginia Division of Culture & History. The State Archives maintains files on each of the markers. Unfortunately, many of these files are outdated because markers have been moved and road names have been changed. In 1996, the Division of Culture & History was awarded a federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) grant to survey the state's highway markers. The updated markers guidebook is now available online from the Division of Culture and History at www.wvculture.org/history/markerbook . The historical markers were funded by the state until 1985. All markers placed since then have been funded by groups or private individuals. There are two styles of markers, both of which include the State Seal. In order to place a new marker, the site, property, district, or community to be honored must possess some degree of significance in state or local prehistory (archaeology), history, natural history, architecture, or cultural life. A complete list of guidelines can be obtained from the State Archives.

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There is no state funding to repair or replace markers. Some historical societies and civic groups assume the cost for refurbishing markers in their counties. Missing or damaged markers should be reported to the State Archives. More information about the Markers Program can be obtained by contacting Frederick Armstrong, Director of the West Virginia State Archives.

Table 7-2 Historical Markers in Berkeley County Marker Title Location Inscription Founded, 1778, by Gen. Adam Stephen. Named for Intersection of North Thomas Martin, nephew of Lord Fairfax. Home of Queen Street and Eagle Martinsburg Admirals Charles Boarman and C. K. Stribling. Schoolhouse Road, Locomotives seized here, 1861, in Jackson's raid were Martinsburg drawn by horses to Winchester, Va. Site of stockade fort built during the early Indian wars. Mt. Zion Episcopal Church was built soon after. A mile Hedgesville WV 9 in Hedgesville west is the tavern, built, 1740-1750, by Robert Snodgrass on land patented in 1732 by William Snodgrass, pioneer settler. "The Mountain State"--western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of defense between the English and French during the West Virginia US 11 at West French and Indian War, 1754-1763. (Berkeley Virginia/Maryland border County)/Maryland (marker missing) Named for Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of Charles I, who gave a royal charter to Cecil Calvert, second Lord Baltimore, 1632. First settled at Saint Mary's City in 1634. It is one of the thirteen original colonies. During the French and Indian War, Fort Neally was captured and its garrison massacred, Sept. 17, 1756. US 11, two miles north of Fort Neally Many settlers in the vicinity also were killed. Among Martinsburg captives was Isabella Stockton, later wife of Col. William McCleery, Morgantown. Built, 1812, by Elisha Boyd, general in the War of 1812, on land bought from Gen. Adam Stephen. Mansion 600 block of South Queen Boydville noted for its fine workmanship. Home of his son-in-law, Street, Martinsburg Charles J. Faulkner, Minister to France, and his grandson, U.S. Senator Faulkner. Established, 1778, by General Adam Stephen. Named for Col. Thomas Martin, nephew of Lord Fairfax. Home of Admiral C.K. Stribling and Admiral Charles Boarman. In Jackson's raid, 1861, captured B&O locomotives 300 West King Street at Old were drawn by horses to Winchester. Martinsburg/Berkeley Federal Building, Riflemen Martinsburg The Berkeley Riflemen from Eastern Panhandle counties, under Capt. Hugh Stephenson, were first southern troops to join Washington in 1775 at Boston. In a "bee line" from Morgan's Spring, they marched 600 miles in 26 days.

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Marker Title Location Inscription Here was home of General Adam Stephen, founder of 309 East John Street, Martinsburg and county's first sheriff. Was famous as Gen. Adam Stephen Martinsburg fighter in French and Indian Wars, and as major- general in the American Revolutionary War.

On July 16, 1877, worker of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad went on strike and closed this railroad yard to protest a cut in wages. Their action sparked the largest nationwide strike the country had seen. Extensive damage was done to company property at Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Wheeling, and over 50 workers were killed before the strike was crushed. Federal troops were used for the first time in a labor dispute. As the country's first general strike, it focused national attention on labor's grievances and made workers End of East Martin Street aware of the power of collective action. Railroad Strike of and Roundhouse Drive at 1877/Roundhouse Caperton Station in and Shops The B&O Railroad reached Martinsburg in 1842, and by Martinsburg 1849, a roundhouse and shops were built. These first buildings were burned by Confederate troops in 1862. The present west roundhouse and the two shops were built in 1866. The east roundhouse was built in 1872. These buildings represent one of the last remaining examples of American industrial railroad architecture still intact and in use. These structures serve as important reminders of the status of the railroad in the mid-19th century and the role it played in the economic development of Martinsburg, the county, and the state.

Tuscarora Presbyterian Church, which was built before Tuscarora Pike at entrance 1745 by Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. Rev. Hugh Vance, Tuscarora Church to church, about 0.5 miles first pastor, is buried here. During Indian days, west of I-81 Exit 13 worshipers hung their guns on pegs in the walls while they sang and prayed.

1.5 miles north is Swan Pond Manor, a 2,000 acre retreat set aside in 1745 for use of Thomas Lord Fairfax, WV 45 and Secondary once the proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia Road 45/2, four miles east who established an estate at Greenway Court, Swan Pond Manor of Martinsburg (marker Frederick County in 1738. So named because wild missing) swans inhabited site. Conveyed in 1775 to John Lewis and in 1801 to Dr. Edward O. Williams who built present manor house circa 1810.

Named for the property owners this stone bridge built in 1832 across Opequon Creek was major Needy Road (CR 36) at improvement for travelers on Warm Springs Road Van Metre Ford southeast end of bridge, connecting Alexandria and Bath, Va., site of famous Bridge two miles east of mineral waters. The Berkeley County Court established Martinsburg a commission to study and contract for construction of bridge. Silas Harry erected at local expense 165 foot bridge at reported cost of $3,700.

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Marker Title Location Inscription

Established as the Newton D. Baker General Hospital, U. S. Army. Named for Newton D. Baker, native of Veterans WV 9, 4.5 miles south of Martinsburg and Secretary of War, World War I. Administration Center Martinsburg Opened for patients in 1944. It became Veterans Administration Center in 1946.

Fort Evans, built here, 1755, was attacked by Indians, 1756. The men were absent but Polly Evans, whose US 11, south of Martinsburg Fort Evans husband, John, had built the fort, led the women in its (marker missing) defense. The Big Spring here was noted camping ground of both armies, 1861-1865. Secondary road 51/2 Built by John Hays, 1743. Became home of Reverend about 0.1 mile south of David Gerard, who founded Gerrardstown in 1787. His Gerard House intersection with US 51 in father was Reverend John Gerard, the first Baptist Gerrardstown Minister west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Established as a town, 1787. Named for John Gerrard, WV 51 at Gerrardstown first pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church, which was Gerrardstown west of intersection with US organized by early settlers about 1743. The 51/5 congregation reorganized after Indian hostilities during the French and Indian War. Named for Gen. William Darke, veteran of the Revolution and the Indian wars. He saved the remnants Darkesville US 11 at Darkesville of St. Clair's army from massacre in 1791 when badly defeated by the Miami Indians. His son, Capt. Joseph Darke, lost his life. Morgan Morgan, a native of Wales, established his home at Bunker Hill before 1732, and was leader in the In Morgan Park, US 11 at Morgan Morgan Eastern Panhandle's early development. His sons gave Bunker Hill name to Morgantown, and fought in Indian and Revolutionary wars. The first Episcopal Church in West Virginia. It was US 11 and secondary road fostered, 1740, by Colonel Morgan Morgan, an early Morgan's Chapel 26 in Bunker Hill (marker immigrant from Wales, who established his home here. missing) The present structure, built in 1851, is still used as a place of worship. Two miles west is the site of the first house in present In Morgan Park, US 11 at West Virginia. It was built by Col. Morgan Morgan who "Morgan Acres" Bunker Hill came from Delaware in 1726. It was destroyed and the one now there was built in 1800 by another Morgan.

Originally built 1731-34 as second home of Morgan Morgan-first white settler in West Virginia. Rebuilt with On WV 26 2.2 miles west of some of original logs in 1976 as a State and County Morgan Cabin US 11 on east side of Bicentennial project. It was here during the Revolution Runneymead Road that James Morgan, the grandson of Col. Morgan Morgan, was shot and killed by a group of Tories. Since then, this area has been known as Torytown.

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Marker Title Location Inscription

On WV 51 (south side) at Formed from Frederick in 1772. Named for Norborne southwest corner of Berkeley, Baron Botetourt, governor of Virginia, 1768- Opequon Creek Bridge 1770. Home of many leaders in the Revolution. As early as 1774, George Washington had orchards planted Berkeley WV 45 at here. County/Jefferson Berkeley/Jefferson border County (marker missing Formed, 1801, from Berkeley. Named for Thomas Jefferson. Home of Gens. Gates, Darke, and Charles WV 9 at Berkeley/Jefferson Lee. Here four companies of Washington's men border (marker missing) organized. Shepherdstown was strongly urged as the seat of the National Capitol. Formed from Frederick in 1772. Named for Norborne Berkeley, Baron Botetourt, governor of Virginia, 1768- 1770. Home of many leaders in the Revolution. As early Berkeley WV 9 (northbound) at as 1774, George Washington had orchards planted County/Morgan county line on Morgan here. Formed, 1820, from Berkeley and Hampshire. County side of creek Named for Gen. Daniel Morgan of the Revolutionary Army. Many of his renowned "Riflemen" were from the Eastern Panhandle, where he once lived. Famed Berkeley Springs here. "The Mountain State"--western part of the Commonwealth of Virginia until June 20, 1863. Settled by the Germans and Scotch-Irish. It became a line of West Virginia WV 45 (marker missing) defense between the English and French during the (Berkeley French and Indian War, 1754-1763. Named for Queen County)/State of US 11 (marker missing) Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen of England. Site of the first Virginia permanent English settlement in America, 1607. One of the 13 original colonies. The Old Dominion is the birthplace of eight United States Presidents.

By act of the Virginia House of Burgesses 1744, a ferry was established extending from the mouth of Canagochego Creek in Maryland across the Potowmack to the Evan Watkins landing, about 250 West side of US 11 North yards southeast. This landing was also the entrance of Watkins Ferry beside bridge across Braddock's Road into what is now Berkeley County, Potomac River West Virginia, where Washington and Braddock crossed in 1755 on their way to Fort Duquesne. To the northeast is Maidstone-on-the-Potomac, home of Evan Watkins, 1744.

Born 1848 in Hardy Co. A Civil Warvet., Storer College graduate, teacher and principal at local Sumner School. Published Pioneer Press (1882), first African American paper in state. First of race to pass state bar J.R. Clifford Martinsburg exam (1887); argued two race discriminatoin cases before Supreme Court. A founder of Niagra Movement, a predecessor of NAACP, and its 1906 Harpers Ferry meeting. Died in Martinsburg, 1933.

West Virginia was long a part of Virginia. Morgan US 11 (southbound) at the Morgan began the settlement of the region in 1727. A VA-Z291 West Virginia Virginia and West Virginia great battle with the Indians took place at Point state line. Pleasant, 1774. West Virginia became a separate state of the Union in 1863.

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Marker Title Location Inscription Formed from Frederick in 1772. Named for Norborne Berkeley, Baron Botetourt, governor of Virginia, 1768- WV-WV016 Berkeley Not listed 1770. Home of many leaders in the Revolution. As early County as 1774, George Washington had orchards planted here. Established as a town, 1787. Named for John Gerrard, first pastor of Mill Creek Baptist Church, which was WV-WV017 Not listed organized by early settlers about 1743. The Gerrardstown congregation reorganized after Indian hostilities during the French and Indian War

Historic Monuments In addition to the aforementioned markers, there are also a number of monuments located throughout Berkeley County. These monuments recognize a variety of significant events and individuals and are shown in Table 7-3. Table 7-3 - Historic Monuments in Berkeley County Location Inscription Patriot-Legislator-Founder. Major General Adam Stephen, 1718-1791. He was commander of a division in the Revolution. Voted for the adoption of the Constitution while a member of the Virginia West side of the 600 block Assembly. Granted 130 acres of land for the site of Martinsburg and of South Queen Street was the first sheriff of Berkeley County. Erected by the County Court through the efforts of William Henshaw Chapter-Daughters of the American Revolution. June 14, 1920 Due west of this tablet, 650 feet, is the Boyd House in which dies July 17, 1863, Brig. Gen. James Johnston Pettigrew of North Carolina, CSA. At Gettysburg he commanded and led Heth’s Division in the assault on Cemetery Ridge, July 3: and in the retreat was mortally South of Bunker Hill, west wounded at Falling Waters, July 11, 1863. He was a brave and side of Route 11 accomplished officer and gentleman and his loss will be deeply felt by the country and the Army – R.E. Lee. Erected in 1918 by the North Carolina Historical Commission and the North Carolina Division, U.D.C. 1917-1918. This memorial is dedicated as an enduring tribute to the patriotism of the citizens of Berkeley County who rendered loyal service to our country in the great world war and to honor the 300 block of West King memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the cause of street (Doughboy) humanity. Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiallry; Florence M. Whitmore-Pres.;Sarah Adelson-Vice Pres.; Annabel B. Morrison-Sec.; M. Eleanor Shade-Treas.; Ethel Sites-Historian; Ella S. Gerhardt, Susan G. Hannis-Hospital Corps. Intersection of West Stephen street, Faulkner Erected by Emily Alburtis Bishop in memory of husband and son. and Virginia avenues John W. Bishop, 1843-1897, Sprague Bishop, 18-71-1900 (Bishop)

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Erected by the State of West Virginia in commemoration of the first settlement within the present boundaries of said state which was made by Col. Morgan Morgan, a native of Wales, and Catherine Garretson, his wife, in the year 1726 on a tract of 100 acres about 2 miles west of here. Granted too him by colonial Virginia patent and in recognition of the sterling character of the said Morgan and family Banks of Mill Creek in who, by their efforts and example, were largely useful in the Bunker Hill in a roadside community of which he was the founder and had great influence area just off of US 11 upon early history of the territory now constituting this state. His grave (marked) is nearby, adjacent to Christ’s Episcopal Church, formerly called Morgan’s Chapel, the oldest church in this state, which he helped organize and build. Commissioners: Ephraim F. Morgan, governor of W. Va.; Harry P. Henshaw, state senator; Mrs. Blanche M. Pickering; Haze Morgan. A.D. MCMXXIV. 400 yards west of this spot is the Red House, the home of Edward Beeson where the county of Berkeley was founded from a part of Frederick County, Virginia, May 19, 1772 and where the first county court was held after the following men had been chosen and West edge of US 11 where commissioned by Lord Dunmore: Ralph Wormley, Jacob Hite, Adam the old Kent Terrace Road Stephen, John Nevill, James Nourse, William Little, Van Swearingen, intersects (Red House) Thomas Rutherford, Thomas Robinson, Samuel Washington, Robert Strogden, Thomas Swearingen, Robert Stephen, Hugh Lyle, John Briscoe, James Strode, William Morgan, James Seaton, Robert Willis and Will Drew, clerk. Erected and presented to Berkeley County by the Shenandoah Valley Chapter, N.S.D.A.R. Martinsburg, WV 1928. In memory of General “Stonewall” Jackson. This tablet is erected by the Berkeley County Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, East die of US 11 just north to commemorate an instance of General Jackson’s remarkable of Beall Road in the Falling bravery at all times in the face of gravest danger. On this site, July 2, Waters area 1861, General Jackson was seated under an oak tree, giving orders, when fired upon by Federal troops. A cannon ball cut off a limb of the tree, But Jackson unhurt, rode calmly away. (FRONT) To the memory of the 30 brave soldiers , They fought for honor’s sake, and died for right 1861-1865, CONFEDERATES. Located in Green Hill (BACK) We care not whence they came, dear in their lifeless clay, Cemetery whether unknown or known to fame, their cause and country still the same, the died and wore the gray.

This tablet marks the spot where the oldest horse ford crossed the Opequon River. This was the first road built in the county, builty 1727- West side of the Opequon 1728. About four hundred yards north of this spot on the east side of Creek, south of Rt 9 bridge the creek is the location of the John Evans Fort built in the year 1755- 56. (UPPER PLAQUE) “Arden.” Founded by Jacob Moon, 1770. Named byhim for his old home in England. The first house built is part of the house 40 feet east of this point. This tablet erected by the citizens of Arden and vicinity. August 25th, 1928. Arden

(LOWER PLAQUE) Glenn M. Pitzer, Pres., Robert C. Horner, Jr., Claude W. Miller, Holmes Talbott, Willis F. Evans, C.F. Brady. Arden Memorial Commission. Grounds donated by Mrs. Sarah A. Horner.

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Our Honored Dead listing of local soldiers killed in the following War Memorial Park military operations World War I, World War II, Korea, Viet-Nam, Beirut Lebanon

Local Historic Preservation Efforts In addition to sites of state and national significance, there are a number of properties in Berkeley County that signify county and local history or that represent cultural aspects of history. The Berkeley County Historical Society has researched and documented over 3,000 individual properties, including cemeteries, and 22 historic districts in Berkeley County. The Historical Society’s primary goals are to preserve county records and historically significant buildings. There are currently over 700 members who live across the country. The County Archives, Research Center, Book Store, and Herb Garden are located at 136. E. Race Street in Martinsburg. The Berkeley County Landmarks Commission was formed in 1975 by the Berkeley County Commission. There are five voting members. For several years the Berkeley County Landmarks Commission has reviewed grants for the state office to hire someone to write up the forms for a district or individual property to be listed on the National Register. As part of the review process, the Landmarks Commission supplies only the history. The commission has also done this for many of the buildings, 50 years or older, to determine if they may be eligible for the National Register. At the present time, there are two requests into the state program for 2006, a district or two and 8 individual properties in Berkeley County. The commission also has a $12,000 grant to survey and establish two more historic districts in Martinsburg. The city is putting up the match. For properties in Berkeley County, the County Commission provides the necessary matching funds. The Landmarks Commission has also installed two additional historic markers in Berkeley County as shown below in Table 7-4. Table 7-4 - Landmarks Commission Historic Markers Marker Title Location Inscription Providence Quaker North side of Tuscarora Established in 1738 by members of Cemetery Road, ¼ mile from the I-81 the Hopewell Friends on land Exit 13 owned by Richard Beeson II. The original stone wall around the cemetery was built in 1822 and rebuilt in 1999. Pack Horse Road West of the intersection of First road constructed in the Pack Horse Road and US 11 present Berkeley and Jefferson Counties of West Virginia. Built ca. 1727, it followed the route of an older Indian path that was a branch of the Warrior’s Path.

Cultural Landscape

According to the National Park Service (NPS), a cultural landscape is a geographic area (including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein),

7-14 CHAPTER 7 CULTURAL RESOURCES PROFILE associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. In the urban environment, the built features define the character of the local landscape. Building types, architectural styles, porch designs, window placement, and rooflines, particularly those prior to WWII, can be unique to a region or locale. These features can provide justification for historic significance and preservation as individual sites and collective districts. In the rural environment, historic sites are often farmhouses and barns. Until recently, there was no broader attention to the rural landscape as a whole as a representation of the past, in the way that historic districts recognize continuity in the urban environment. New efforts to designate rural historic landscape districts have helped rural areas to protect their community, foster community cohesion, and speak with one voice to federal, state, and regional decision-makers. Beyond the NPS definition, even ordinary neighborhoods are cultural landscapes as they reflect the ways of life and values of those that live there.

Historic and Contemporary Arts

Cultural resources also include historic and contemporary arts, such as performing arts. These organizations and events represent ways in which county residents and communities interact with one another and with county visitors.

Museums of Berkeley County: (Source: Berkeley County Historical Society) • General Adam Stephens House, Triple Brick Museums and The Tunnels: The Adam Stephen House is a furnished house museum and the Triple Brick beside it is a general museum in Martinsburg. • The Belle Boyd House is the home of the famous southern Civil War spy, Belle Boyd. It is a general museum with displays primarily on Berkeley County in the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World Wars I and II. It also has displays of toys, archeology, and other exhibits of general interest. • The Dillon Farm Museum displays and offers periodic demonstrations of farming implements and other tools and items from the past. • The Sumner-Ramer Heritage Archives is an African-American School built in 1917. It contains a room with memorabilia dating from the early days of education for Negroes in Martinsburg. • The Morgan Cabin Musuem, a restored/reconstructed cabin, was a Berkeley County West Virginia Bicentennial project completed July 13, 1977. The Zackquill Morgan House and farm adjoin the cabin and are open for tours at various times. • The Berkeley County Historical Society, Archives, and Resource Center contains history and historical collections on the old Berkeley County area, now Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. History and genealogy books on the tri-county area are sold here and next door at the Ben Boyd store. This facility is open five days a week year round. It is closed Sundays, Wednesdays, federal holidays, and Christmas through New Years (www.bchs.org). • Bunker Hill Mill is open at special, prearranged times.

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Cultural Events:

• Martinsburg Roundhouse Complex Events http://www.martinsburgroundhouse.com/ • Berkeley County Historical Architectural Tours http://www.bchs.org • Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival http://www.msahf.com/ • Sumner-Ramer Heritage Archives http://www.bchs.org • Berkeley County Youth Fair http://www.berkeleycountyyouthfair.org/Performing Arts • House and Garden Annual Spring Tour, sponsored by the Shenandoah Potomac Garden Council • Morgan Cabin Spring Festival • Belle Boyd Annual Birthday Party • Adam Stephen Founder’s Day • Christmas at the Belle Boyd House • Trolley Tours sponsored by the Berkeley County Landmarks Commission • Berkeley County Historical Society House Tour

Other Cultural Resources

Apollo Civic Theater – Performing Arts 128 E. Martin Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 http://www.apollo-theatre.org/

The Arts Centre – Visual Arts, some music 229 East Main Street, Suite 300 Martinsburg, WV 25401 http://www.theartcentre.org/

Inwood Performing Arts Company – Dance, music 2297 Henshaw Road Inwood, WV 25428 http://www.inwoodperformingarts.com/

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CHAPTER 8 Land Use Profile

Introduction

The development of land use data is only one aspect of the inventory phase of planning projects in the community. Identifying how land is used is an extremely important part of the process, as land resources continue to be developed. This is important in communities such as Berkeley County where land development and population growth have been a focus of the comprehensive planning process. Land use is of much interest in the development of the comprehensive plan since it forms the basis for many decisions pertaining to transportation, parks and recreation, open space, natural resource preservation and housing. While each is integrated, land use forms the foundation upon which much of the other community development components are based. The existing Land Use dataset used in the Berkeley County 2006 Comprehensive Update was derived primarily from a single dataset; a land use/land cover dataset developed by the University of Maryland Regional Earth Science Applications Center (RESAC) as part of their Chesapeake Bay watershed mapping efforts. The RESAC dataset was classified using modified Anderson Level II classification system (Anderson, et al. 1976). The dataset was based on twenty-one Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite images captured during spring, summer, and early winter seasons in the year 2000. In addition, a mosaic created by the USDA NRCS of 2-foot pixel, true color orthoimagery flown by the WV State Addressing and Mapping Board in the spring of 2003 was used to enhance the temporal resolution of the RESAC dataset. Manual aerial imagery interpretation was performed and areas deemed “developed” were digitized as polygons by the Berkeley County Planning Department. “Developed” was defined as areas that could be considered residential, commercial, or industrial. Specifically those areas that could not be built upon further given a minimum mapping unit of three residential units, coupled with context and ancillary information, were deemed “developed.” Developed areas dataset then had areas that were classified in the RESAC dataset as barren, extractive, open water, and transportation erased. The developed areas dataset was then merged with the RESAC dataset. Finally, the original twenty-one land use classes of the RESAC dataset were aggregated into eight different classes: agriculture, barren, developed areas, extraction, forested areas, open water, transportation, and wetlands.1

1 Berkeley County Planning Commission and University of Maryland RESAC.

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Existing Land Use

Topography and natural resources play a significant role in the development of both historic and contemporary land uses in the County. The ridge and valley patterns in Berkeley County have been responsible for land use patterns in the County. The valley formed by North Mountain on the west and the Opequon Creek and Jefferson County on the east form an area that was cleared by early settlers for agricultural activity and to take advantage of the rich agricultural soils in the valley. The other valley formed by North Mountain and Third Hill Mountain is known as Back Creek Valley. The early economy of Berkeley County was based upon agriculture and Martinsburg became the local market center. Transportation links in the 19th century began to open up the County to outside influences. First the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal system followed by the railroad improved access and created linkages to outside economies. The Civil War had a big impact on Berkeley County. As a transportation corridor the railroads were prized by both the Union and Confederacy. Destruction from the Civil War slowed development in the area for many years. Following reconstruction the area started to see a shifting economy from agricultural to more industry. Textile mills formed the basis of this new industrial revolution in Berkeley County. Additional improvement to the transportation network continued to influence land use patterns. Additional highways enabled residents to travel greater distances to their work, school and social destinations in less time. This flexibility has eventually led to scattered development throughout the county. In most communities, early commercial and industrial uses were located in towns and villages where transportation resources and employees were available. As the scale of these operations increased and downtown real estate values increased these uses began to locate on the urban fringes where vacant land was abundant and land costs were lower. This led to uses being located on the urban fringe surrounding existing communities and business centers. Today we find commercial and industrial complexes in suburban and rural areas where transportation access is available and land is less expensive to develop. The biggest impact on communities and certainly on Berkeley County was the interstate highway program. The construction of I-81 through Berkeley County and the improvements to other highways in the County have had a profound impact on the movement of people and goods in and out of the county and on the land use patterns that have evolved for this highways system. Berkeley County’s more recent growth is largely a phenomenon of its location in the heart of the four state region of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. This region is experiencing enormous growth moving outward from the Washington D.C. area. Until recently, much of this growth was confined to Maryland and northern Virginia. However, as housing and land costs have escalated in those areas, developers and home buyers have continued to search for affordable housing. During the past 10 years this has placed Berkeley County in the focal point of a housing boom and the commercial sector to support the new residents. This housing boom has spread throughout the region and now includes the border counties in Pennsylvania such as Franklin and Adams Counties, Washington County, Maryland, Jefferson County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Virginia. Berkeley County has been at the focal point of this growth and with good transportation access and affordable housing cost has become a popular destination for those seeking good housing and also the lure of open spaces.

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Each of these factors has stimulated unprecedented growth in the county which is taxing the county’s entire support system, including transportation systems, water resources, schools and wastewater treatment. Furthermore the County’s widely expanding sewer and water facilities have made the County an extremely attractive location for new housing development. Berkeley County occupies approximately 205,497 acres or 320 square miles. Despite the development trends of the past 15 years the County remains 76.09 per cent undeveloped with 56.14 per cent in forested lands and 19.21 per cent in agricultural uses. Only 21.96 per cent of the County’s total land area is classified as developed. (See the following Table on Land Use in Berkeley County and Map 16 Land Use) The descriptions that follow provide a detailed characterization of land use categories and their distribution throughout the county.

Developed Lands The most recent available land cover information for Berkeley County provides land use information by land cover/land use categories. These categories are illustrated on the Land Use Map for Berkeley County and are also compiled by acres. (See Figure 8-1 and also Table 8-1) Developed Areas: According to the land use mapping for Berkeley County developed areas account for 45,122 acres or about 22 per cent of the total land area of Berkeley County. Developed areas include residential, commercial, and industrial development that has occurred in the county. Developed areas occur mostly in the valley between North Mountain and the Opequon Creek/Jefferson County border with major concentrations of development along I-81 and US Route 11. A closer inspection of the Existing Land Use map indicates concentrations of developed areas from north to south starting with the Falling Waters areas in the north of the County, development along the Route 9 corridor from I-81 west to Hedgesville, the greater Martinsburg areas and development patterns from Martinsburg south to Inwood and the Virginia border roughly along the I-81 and US 11 corridors. The corridors of Routes 45, 9 and 51 from US 11 to Jefferson County are also each well developed. Figure 8-1 Outside of the I-81 corridor areas Existing Land Use - Berkeley County 2003 the biggest concentrations of Sources: Berkeley County Planning Commission; U. of MD RESAC development occur along Route 9 west of Hedgesville and at the Wetlands <1% Woods development in the Transportation northwestern corner of the 2% County. There is limited Open Water development in the Back Creek <1% Valley area Agriculture 19% Barren Transportation: Since <1% transportation is integral to all developed land uses, these Developed lands are usually limited to large Areas 22% scale transportation corridors. Forested Areas Extractive Highways rights-of-way, 56% <1% interchanges and service

8-3 CHAPTER 8 LAND USE PROFILE facilities are included in this category. Local roads that service towns, villages and subdivisions are typically not separated but included in the developed areas land use mapping. Transportation facilities occupy 3,961 acres of land or about 2.0 per cent of the total land area of the County. The Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport is included as a developed area rather than a transportation land use because of its integral use for commercial and industrial development.

Table 8-1 Existing Land Use Summary % of Square Classification Acres Total Miles Agriculture 39,485.0 19.21 61.68 Barren 68.0 0.03 0.11 Developed Areas 45,122.5 21.96 70.48 Extractive 24.9 0.01 0.04 Forested Areas 115,368.1 56.14 180.20 Open Water 460.7 0.22 0.72 Transportation 3,961.0 1.93 6.19 Wetlands 1,007.1 0.49 1.57 Total 205,497.3 100.00 320.99

Undeveloped Lands Berkeley County is developing rapidly and there are large amounts of land that have been subdivided and could be developed in the future. However the land cover/land use data that has been used for this plan show that about 75 per cent of the land area in Berkeley County remains undeveloped. This demonstrates that a large portion of the county is not developed and the implementation of growth management recommendations in this comprehensive plan can guide the County towards preserving undeveloped resources in the County and managing the growth that does occur. Forested Areas: The forested areas of Berkeley County are significant and are now viewed as a recreational resource. This forested open space, a combination of public and private lands, dominates land use in Berkeley County with 115,368.1 acres or 56 per cent of the County. This is the largest single land use in Berkeley County. Much of the forested areas are located on North Mountain and Third Hill Mountain and the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Many of these areas are either owned by the State of West Virginia (Sleepy Creek) or have steep slopes that make development difficult. Agriculture: Agricultural lands are those lands dedicated to the production of crops and livestock and to the support of these operations. On the Existing Land Cover/Land Use Map agricultural related land uses account for 39,485 acres or 19 per cent of the total land in the County. Most of these areas occur in the valley between North Mountain and the Jefferson County border since these are the areas that are underlain by the valley’s limestone and have the richest soils for agricultural production. Concentrations of agricultural activity occur in the northeast part of the county from Route 9 north to the Potomac River, and west of I-81 between Falling Waters and Hedgesville Also the area between I-81 and North Mountain is the location of many of the County’s fruit orchards which have made the County a leading fruit producer in both West Virginia and in the United States.

8-4 CHAPTER 8 LAND USE PROFILE

Wetlands and Open Water: Wetlands and open waters are a small part of the land cover in Berkeley County. They account for 1,467.8 acres or only 0.7 per cent of the total acreage in the county. Others: Other land uses that appear on the Existing Land Use map include barren lands (68 acres) and Extractive-Quarries (24.9) acres.

Historical Comparisons and Trends As communities grow their land uses change. Properties are sold, subdivided and developed. This is certainly true in Berkeley County which has seen tremendous development activity over the past decade.

Land Use Trends As developed lands have dramatically increased in Berkeley County, agricultural lands have experienced steep declines. A comparison with the 1990 Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan and previous land use trends is revealing to see the impact of development on Berkeley County agriculture.

Table 8-2 Berkeley County Land Use Trends - Agriculture 1969 1978 1982 1988 2005 95,611 acres 84,591 acres 85,807 acres 81,500 acres 39,485 acres Sources: 1990 Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan & Berkeley County Planning Commission – 2005

Taking in to account that the methods for compiling agricultural lands have probably varied to some extent when each of these land use numbers were compiled, it is startling to see the decrease in agricultural activity in Berkeley County over the past 35 years. From 95,611 acres devoted to agricultural activity in 1969 the amount of land used for agriculture has decreased to only about 39,485 acres. This is a loss of about 56,000 acres of agricultural land since 1969.

Increases in developed land have during the same period grown sharply. Table 8-3 illustrates these increases.

Table 8-3 Berkeley County Land Use Trends – Developed Land Uses 1966 1980 2005 4,629 acres 9,687 acres 45,122 acres Sources: 1990 Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan & Berkeley County Planning Commission – 2005

Berkeley Count has clearly changed from an agrarian based community in the mid-20th century to a highly developed residential and commercial community by the beginning of the 21st century. With over 6,500 lots approved by the Berkeley County Planning

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Commission from 2000-2004 this trend of rapid land development will continue unabated for the near future. In the 1990 Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan there is an illustrated map of major areas of urbanization in Berkeley County. This map shows nodes of development around certain areas in the county including: • Martinsburg • Marlowe • Falling Waters • Whitings Neck • Baker Heights • Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport • Tabler Station • Darksville • Inwood • Ridgeway • Gerrardstown • Glengary • Jones Springs • The Woods • Hedgesville

What has occurred over the past 15 years can clearly be seen in the 2005 Existing Land Use Map. Theses development nodes still exist but they have been blurred by the development that has linked each of these nodes to one another. There are continuing ribbons of development along I-81 and US 11 running from the northern boundary of the county along the Potomac River to the southern boundary in Virginia. Also there are east-west ribbons of development along WV 45, 9 and 51 and the eastern boundary with Jefferson County.

Land Use Regulatory Measures Land use is controlled and managed by land use regulations as provided for in Chapter 8A of the West Virginia Code. Chapter 8A provides for a variety of measures that can be employed by county and local municipalities to manage and control their land use including zoning and subdivision and land development.

Berkeley County: Berkeley County adopted their current comprehensive plan in 1990. This policy plan established plans and recommendations for future development in Berkeley County. Berkeley County has no county-wide zoning. However the County does have a subdivision and land development ordinance that was adopted in 2003. This ordinance is used by the Berkeley County Planning Commission to manage the subdivision of land and land development of individual properties. However it does not manage the uses of land that can occur in the county.

County Building Code: Berkeley County utilizes building codes which are administered by the Berkeley County Engineer’s office. The County utilizes the 2000 International Residential Code and the 2000 International Building Code.

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Other Areas of Berkeley County with Zoning Regulations: There are several neighborhood zoning ordinances in Berkeley County which have zoning in place and are administered by the Berkeley County Planning Commission.

• The Tuscarora Community Zoning Ordinance was prepared in cooperation with the Tuscarora Community Citizens Advisory Committee and was adopted in September, 1975. This is an area west of I-81 at Exit 13 and extends north and south of the Tuscarora Pike.

• The Windewald Neighborhood Zoning Ordinance was prepared in cooperation with the Windewald Neighborhood Citizens Advisory Committee and was adopted in September, 1975. This is an area immediately to south of the City of Martinsburg and to the north of Apple Harvest Drive.

City of Martinsburg: The City of Martinsburg has a comprehensive plan that was adopted in 1994. The City also has an amendment to their comprehensive plan for lands to the west of the I-81 that were recently annexed by the City. This plan is entitled the “Martinsburg West Side Plan”, June 2005. The City also has a zoning ordinance and subdivision and land development ordinance which are administered by the City staff.

City Building Code: The City of Martinsburg utilizes the State Building Code which includes the BOCA National Building Code, Thirteenth Edition, 1996 and the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code

Town of Hedgesville: The Town of Hedgesville has a zoning ordinance which is administered by the Town.

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The Berkeley County Planning Commission

The Berkeley County Comprehensive Plan Update

Public Opinion Survey Results

Page 1

Berkeley County Community Survey

Please circle ONE number that best represents your level of agreement with the following statements. Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree NoResponse StronglyAgree SomewhatAgree StronglyDisagree

1. Taking all things into consideration, the quality of 5.4 33.1 28.7 8.6 2.8 0.2 21.3 life in the County is very good.

2. The following are major issues in Berkeley County: a. Location of new development 49.6 24.3 11.2 6.4 4.2 2 2.4 b. Affordable housing 41.2 24.5 15.3 9.6 4 3.2 2.2 c. Lack of employment opportunities 30.3 26.1 19.7 11.8 3 6.4 2.8 d. Protection of water resources 48.2 24.9 12.5 4.6 2.8 4.8 2.2 e. Traffic congestion 64.1 15.5 9.2 4 3.6 1.2 2.4 f. Pace of new development 56.8 18.7 10.2 5.2 5.4 1.2 2.6 g. Cleanliness of the County, including road-side litter 44.4 27.5 16.3 6 2.6 1 2.2

3. The following types of housing should be encouraged in Berkeley County: a. Single-family detached homes 42.8 30.7 12.4 5.2 3.6 1.8 3.6 b. Multi-story Apartment Buildings 5.6 12.5 23.3 26.9 23.1 4 4.6 c. Loft units above businesses 8.8 14.1 25.7 22.7 15.9 8.2 4.6 d. Town homes 7.2 20.5 27.5 19.3 19.1 2.2 4.2 e. Conversion of single family homes to apartments 2.4 4.6 14.9 38 30.5 5 4.6 f. Retirement Villages/ Assisted Living facilities 37.5 35.7 16.9 1.8 3.6 2 2.6

4. The availability of the following community services and utilities is adequate within the County: a. Police Protection 6.8 23.7 30.3 19.1 13.7 3.8 2.6 b. Fire and Ambulance services 8.4 32.5 34.3 12.2 6.8 4.4 1.6 c. Street and Road Maintenance 4.2 12.2 28.3 25.1 26.7 1.6 2 d. Public Water 12 29.9 25.5 15.7 6.4 6.8 3.8 e. Public Sewer 11 28.7 23.3 18.1 8.2 6.8 4 f. Internet Access 8.4 30.3 21.9 13.1 8.6 12.9 4.8 g. Public Library Services 14.7 40 25.9 5.6 3.6 6.2 4 h. Trash Removal/Recycling 13.5 28.7 22.5 20.1 10.4 1.2 3.6 i. Parks and Recreation 10.4 29.7 29.5 14.7 7.2 5.6 3 j. Cable TV 9.4 23.5 26.9 17.3 11.6 8.4 3

Page 3 Berkeley County Community Survey

Please circle ONE number that best represents your level of agreement with the following statements. Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree NoResponse StronglyAgree SomewhatAgree StronglyDisagree 5. The following transportation related projects should be pursued by County officials: a. Complete planned improvements to WV9 from Virginia to 42.6 26.9 15.9 3 1.8 6.2 3.6 US 522. b. Complete planned improvements to WV 51 from Charles 30.1 28.9 21.7 6 2.6 7.4 3.4 Town to US 522. c. Provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities that connect neighborhoods to schools, community facilities, and rural 29.1 24.5 26.7 11 2.8 3.8 2.2 sections of the county d. Improve public transportation. 33.9 32.7 20.7 4.2 0.4 5 3.2 e. Reduce congestion in and around Martinsburg, Inwood, 65.9 21.1 7.6 1.8 1 2.6 Hedgesville, and Tablers Station. f. Promote the use of the facilities at the Eastern West 30.5 34.1 16.9 5.2 1.8 8.4 3.2 Virginia Regional Airport. g. Provide transportation related services to elderly and the 45 36.3 13.3 1.2 0.4 1 2.8 handicapped. 6. I am very satisfied with County government in regard to the following: a. Citizen input about community decisions. 4.8 13.1 31.1 20.9 16.5 10.4 3.2 b. Building Permits, Codes Enforcement, and Inspections. 4 12.4 28.1 22.1 20.7 10 2.8 c. Planning and Zoning Regulations. 4 8 22.3 23.7 30.5 8.4 3.2 d. Cooperation with other governments in the County and 3.8 13.9 35.5 10 9.6 24.1 3.2 State. e. Historic and Natural Resource Protection. 6 23.9 34.7 7.8 10.8 14.3 2.6 f. Keeping citizens informed of planned projects. 13.9 17.5 29.3 21.1 10.4 6 1.8 g. Keeping citizens informed of available assistance 12.5 15.7 28.1 20.1 12 9.4 2.2 programs. h. Keeping citizens informed of community activities. 12.2 22.5 35.9 15.1 6.8 5.4 2.2 7. Berkeley County needs more of the following recreational facilities/programs : a. Neighborhood parks/playground facilities 28.1 33.1 22.9 6 1.8 5.6 2.6 b. Basketball and Tennis Courts 17.3 27.1 24.9 13.9 4.2 9.8 2.8 c. Baseball/Softball Fields 15.3 24.5 28.3 14.9 4.6 9.4 3 d. Football Fields 10 17.3 30.7 23.5 6 9.8 2.8 e. Soccer Fields 11.8 19.3 32.5 18.5 5 10 3 f. Places to walk and hike 35.7 34.1 16.3 5.6 1.6 4.2 2.6 g. Bike trails/paths 34.1 28.7 21.7 6 2.2 4 3.4 h. Swimming pools 21.1 23.3 30.7 10.8 5 6.4 2.8 i. Arts and crafts classes 13.9 22.5 32.5 12.7 5 10 3.4 j. Fitness classes 20.5 26.9 27.5 11.2 3.2 7.6 3.2 k. Community Sports Leagues 13.9 24.7 30.9 13.1 3.8 10.4 3.2

Page 4 Berkeley County Community Survey

Please circle ONE number that best represents your level of agreement with the following statements. Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree NoResponse StronglyAgree SomewhatAgree StronglyDisagree 8. Berkeley County needs more of the following community and cultural activities: a. Historic Site Tours and Activities 16.1 30.7 28.5 10.4 4 7.4 3 b. Concerts 19.5 32.1 26.9 9.2 3 6.8 2.6 c. Live Theater 17.9 30.7 26.5 11.6 3.6 7.2 2.6 d. Parades 5.4 15.5 31.7 28.1 7 9.4 3 e. Festivals 12.9 27.3 36.1 11.4 3 6.4 3 f. Protected greenways along streams and scenic roads 42.6 26.9 17.9 4.6 1.2 4.4 2.4

Would you tell us a little about yourself? (All responses will be kept confidential. Final survey results will be in the form of statistical summaries in which NO individual persons can be identified.)

9. How old are you? a) 18 – 29 (1%) d) 65 – 74 (19.9%) b) 30 – 49 (25.3%) e) 75 or older (12%) c) 50 – 64 (40%) f) NO response (1.8%)

10. How long have you lived in Berkeley County? a) Less than one year (0) e) 16 – 20 years (8.6%) b) 1 – 5 years (14.3%) f) 21 years or longer (55.2%) c) 6-10 years (11.8%) g) No Response (2.4%) d) 11 – 15 years (7.8%)

11. Do you own 96% OR rent 0.8% your home? No Response – 2.6%

12. Please circle the response(s) that best describe your employment status a) Employed full-time (40.8%) e) Other (0.6%) b) Employed part time (7.2%) f) Self Employed (10.8%) c) Homemaker (2.8%) g) Retired (42.4%) d) Student (0.4%) h) Unemployed (1%)

13. Where is your place of employment? _55% responded – need to follow up

14. Please circle the tax district in which you reside (They are illustrated to the right)

a. Hedgesville (18%) f. Gerradstown (11%) b. Falling Waters (14.1%) g. City of Martinsburg (17.3%) c. Opequon (10.2%) h. Town of Hedgesville (0.4%) d. Arden (14.1%) e. Mill Creek (11.8%)

Page 5