Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant
Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
PREPARED BY:
JULY 2019 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
CONTACT INFORMATION Table of Contents Inquiries regarding this BUILD CONTACT INFORMATION...... 1 application should be directed to: INTRODUCTION...... 2 Katie Shannon Engineering Support Manager PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 6 City of Virginia Beach Public Works/ Engineering PROJECT LOCATION...... 7 2473 N. Landing Road GRANT FUNDS, SOURCES, AND USES OF PROJECT FUNDS...... 9 Bldg. 23 Virginia Beach, VA 23456 SELECTION CRITERIA...... 10 (757) 385-1514 [email protected] INNOVATION...... 24 DEMONSTRATED PROJECT READINESS...... 27 Elaine Linn Senior Planner for Planning, BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS RESULTS...... 29 Design, and Development Division Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation 2154 Landstown Road Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757) 385-4310 [email protected] Applicant: City of Virginia Beach, VA Congressional District: VA-2 Project Type: Urban Project Cost: $12.4 million BUILD Grant Request: $9.6 million UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS The City of Virginia Beach’s DUNS number is: 0747362990000 The City of Virginia Beach’s Federal Tax Identification number is: 54-0722061
1 City of Virginia Beach Fort Story Strategic Growth Areas SHORE DR Little Creek Ches a p e a k e ² Amphibious Base B a y
Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant
lk fo N Virginia Beachr Trail | PHASE I G o R E N VD A f BL T N N o TO E AMP C ty RTH K i O N R C Burton D INTRODUCTIONStation
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A
K 1.8 Miles D The City64 of VirginiaE Beach seeks to As the R only oceanfront city in the § R K ¨¦ L of active transportation route C FI I R R U T Virginia Beach Trail RD D T S build Phase I of the D CommonwealthH of Virginia,L Virginia T OD C E C GO IT N O to promote active transportation andY BeachW will now be ableE to invite their L A C O H N K N
R mobility through better use of an existing nearly 19 million annual visitors to I A D L
investment to encourage development. walk, wheel, or run to the oceanfront. R D The Virginia Beach Trail is a proposed RD The Virginia Beach Trail also provides Pedestrian Bridge CK D U D D SKIN R R over 10-laneLA Independence Boulevard 12-mile shared use path within a City- a critical missing link on the Virginia H ST N T C 21S T owned corridor the CityW acquired moreI Department of Transportation (VDOT) O W T Hilltop N H B A t l ant i c than a decade ago forW the purposes of and Department of ConservationBEAC LV and Resort E INIA D N IRG O c e a n enhancing transportation options forPem allbr oke Recreation (DCR) effortV to create a Area ¨¦§264 Newtown D Lynnhaven R Rosemon t users. The easternmost 1.5-mile segment Beaches to Bluegrass statewide east
K has already been constructed and is well- to west trail. The trail proposes to PedestrianN.A.S. Bridge
DUC D 264 over Thalia Creek V H ¨¦§ Oceana used by pedestrians and bicyclists year- connect the Virginia Beach oceanfront L C B L T D I R H R T round (Figure 1). This 1.5 miles segment to the CumberlandT Gap in southwestern W O
A T O S Z LA N B is currently known as the Norfolk Avenue Virginia. VDOT and DCR have already L P O A
S M R Trail and will¨¦§ 6be4 incorporated into the identified the VirginiaE Beach Trail as a trail E S N
O Y E
Virginia Beach Trail to complete this to incorporate intoR this statewideW effort. G PR K City of Virginia Beach of remaining Camp O S P Phase I V ID N Fort Pendleton 12-mile active transportation pathwayE E D N V R S Story CE It was not until 1963 thatA PrincessStrat eg ic Growth Areas HORE DR R H E D G to the Atlantic Ocean.IN Of the remaining Little Creek N Ches a p e a k e DI Anne County became theN City of ID A Y 8.7 Mile Corridor² N R B a y Amphibious BasL e 10.5-miles, a 1.8-mileRI segment has been B Dam VE Virginia Beach. This young city isN unlike spanning the width of the City – R O Neck C R prioritized as Phase I. PhaseD I is currently Y D i ELL PKW RR N t FE more established municipalities that from Norfolk to the Atlantic Ocean y k l O
in the design phase. o L o f N developedr an urban core and grew over G D o R f E R N VD A C f BL T E P ON N L time in o a grid patternPT of connectivity. E D h Centerville R AM C CK R L ty I RTH H AM NEK I i NC O D e V N O R C Burton E D s S S L P S L ape M Station A A E N N Tide Light Rail System Strategic Growth Areas B N D R K D A E D V K D a L R E R B 64 R CE § R D D K N ¨¦ L k N C FI E I Norfolk Ave Trail R Military Base R U T e D RD D T S O D T N D H L T E O C E C P GO IT N O P E Y E L D A W C N Proposed Virginia Beach TrailO U City of Va. Beach I 0 1 2 H N 4 K N S R I D A AM D NE L C Miles K RD R D D R N Witchduck Rd 58 Virginia Beach Blvd CK D U D D SKIN R R LA TOWN CENTER H T Independence Blvd Independence S N T C 21S T W I O W T Hilltop N H B A t l ant i c W BEAC LV Resort E INIA D N IRG O c e a n Pembroke V Area VIRGINIA BEACH TRAIL PHASE I 1.8 MILE ¨¦§264 Newtown D Lynnhaven R Rosemont
K N.A.S.
DUC D 64 264 V 264 H ¨¦§ Oceana L C B L T D I R H R T T W O
A T O S Z LA N B L P O A
S M R ¨¦§64 E E S N
O Y E
R W G Figure 2: The Virginia Beach Trail runs directly through several Strategic Growth AreasPR in the City of Virginia Beach. K Camp OV S P ID N Pendleton E E D N V R CE A RD H E IN N G DI N ID AN Y R L RI B Dam VE N R O Neck C R D Y D i ELL PKW t FERR N y O
o L D f R 2 C E P L D h Centerville R NECK R IL INC H DAM e O V E s S S L P S L ape M A A E N N Tide Light Rail System Strategic Growth Areas K D N D R V E D L R a B R CE D N k EN D Norfolk Ave Trail Military Base D O e N E T EP P ND 0 1 2 4 Proposed Virginia Beach TrailU City of Va. Beach S I DAM NEC Miles K RD Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Virginia Beach was formed in the era of the interstate and urban sprawl. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a city that is nearly impossible to travel throughout the city with non- motorized means of transportation. The configuration of large highways or interstate corridors has created physical barriers and effectively isolated several neighborhoods. The Virginia Beach Trail will provide the means to stitch this city together with this active mobility highway and unite us. The trail will be a paved path that begins at the western city limit, goes through the newly-formed urban core of Town Center and six master planned Strategic Figure 1: Bicycle riders enjoy the existing Norfolk Figure 3: The Thalia Creek Greenway is an existing Growth Areas, all the way to our Resort Avenue Trail, which Phase I would connect to shared-use path with views to Town Center and will Area at the Atlantic Ocean (Figure 2). The connect to Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail. trail follows the northern border of Naval The Phase I corridor is within means to access Hampton Roads Transit’s Air Station Oceana—an active military federally-identified Opportunity Zones light rail—The Norfolk Tide . airport and the only master jet base on designated by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Currently, non-motorized users the east coast. Act. Opportunity Zones are designed must travel on narrow sidewalks The Virginia Beach Trail becomes to encourage long-term investments along heavily-trafficked corridors. a critical part of our transportation in specific areas of the City. Phase I Crosswalks are few and far between, infrastructure because of its great impact Opportunity Zones focus on underserved and pedestrian/car interactions have on safety, economic development, quality neighborhoods and development had deadly consequences. Phase I of the of life, and innovative technological centers with the most opportunity for Virginia Beach Trail provides two much- advancements within the corridor and usership. The City of Virginia Beach needed pedestrian crossings: one over surrounding transportation network. recognizes the importance of providing Independence Boulevard, which is the The city-owned corridor is a former alternative transportation and active most highly-trafficked corridor in the Norfolk Southern railroad with a 66-foot mobility for users of varying socio- city, as well as a pedestrian bridge across right-of-way. This wide right-of-way economic backgrounds. This phase Thalia Creek (Figure 4). allows for a future multimodal network. connects the newly constructed Housing Currently, non-motorized users Consideration for future development in Resource Center, multiple established must travel on narrow sidewalks the corridor range from an autonomous neighborhoods, Town Center, existing along heavily-trafficked corridors. vehicle corridor to innovative mass shared-use paths including the Thalia Crosswalks are few and far between, transit. Creek Greenway (Figure 3), and provides a and pedestrian/car interactions have
3 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
The total cost estimate for Phase I is $12.0 million. The City is committed to providing the additional $2.4 million not covered by the grant. Phase I is the most critical section of our city because it presents the opportunity to serve the most residents and businesses; it also parallels and intersects two of the most trafficked vehicular roadways in Virginia Beach—Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard. The project provides a safe crossing separated from the 82,000 vehicles who travel Independence Boulevard every day, and it connects underserved areas who have Figure 4: The proposed pedestrian fly-over is a grade-separated road crossing to allow users to cross been isolated and ignored for too long. Independence Boulevard safely. Ultimately, the Virginia Beach Trail will cover 12 miles and serve as the primary had deadly consequences. Phase I of the at the Municipal Center. As we rebuild active mobility connector across the Virginia Beach Trail provides two much- and take back who we are and what we entire City of Virginia Beach. (Figure 5). needed pedestrian crossings: one over stand for, we need this opportunity to Independence Boulevard, which is the build on inclusivity and equitability more This pedestrian corridor will forever most highly-trafficked corridor in the than ever. make multimodal transportation options accessible throughout the region by city, as well as a pedestrian bridge across The former Norfolk Southern Railroad Thalia Creek (Figure 4). providing this desirable connection to corridor, where the Virginia Beach Trail existing and proposed national, state, In April 2019, the City of Virginia Beach will be constructed, was purchased for and regional alternatives to single- worked tirelessly to co-host the first $40 million using all local funds and is occupancy vehicle transportation annual Something In the Water Festival owned outright by the City. Based on systems by connecting to other such as with Pharrell Williams that drew national the City’s research, public meetings, and our neighboring light rail by connecting attention and 32,000 attendees—the long-term plans, we believe a trail along to other systems and regional trail largest single event hosted at our resort this corridor and connecting disparate networks. In turn, we anticipate an area ever. We were able to successfully neighborhoods is the best use of this increase in tourism and generated showcase how Virginia Beach does life, investment. The City of Virginia Beach economic development. love, music, and inclusivity. One month seeks $9.6 million in BUILD grant funds later, our City drew national attention to construct Phase I of Virginia Beach This project satisfies the merit once again but for the most horrific of Trail. criteria for the BUILD grant program events as 16 city staff were shot and killed of safety, state of good repair, economic competitiveness, environmental
4 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Additional regional connections Richmond include the Virginia Capital Trail, Birthplace of America Trail and Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail. The Birthplace of America Trail , a regional trail system Virigina Capital Trail totaling approximately 190 miles when complete, traces the history of the first European settlement in Virginia from its trailhead in Jamestown until reaching the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and First Landing State Park. The rich history, military installations, and coastal resort destination of Hampton Roads Newport News and Virginia Beach make the Virginia Beach Trail a critical enhancement to the Birthplace of America Trail existing roadway infrastructure that is in Eli abeth need of safer pedestrian accommodations. River Trail Norfolk Virginia Beach On an even larger scale, this trail will expand on the national TransAmeria South Hampton Virginia Beach Trail Trail which was initiated in June of 1976 Su olk Road Trail by the US Bicycle Route System and called the Bikecentennial . This trail begins in Astoria, Oregon, and ends in Yorktown, Figure 5: Phase I 1.8 miles of a larger effort to create a 12-mileVirginia Beach Trail. The Virginia Beach Trail is Virginia, at the Chesapeake Bay about part of a much larger statewide trail network an hour shy of the Atlantic Ocean. The sustainability, quality of life, innovation, benefit the nearly 10,000 residents who Virginia Beach Trail will bicyclists to and partnership, as described in detail in live within 0.5-miles of the trail and complete their ride that last hour to the the Selection Criteria. safely connects a potential workforce Atlantic Ocean. It also provides a critical to prospective employment in Virginia missing link to the statewide Beaches National, Regional, Beach and Norfolk via walking, bicycling, to Bluegrass Trail that first appeared as bus or the Hampton Roads Transit Tide a concept in the 1979 Virginia Outdoors and Local Context Light Rail. The Virginia Beach Trail is also Plan as the Trans-Virginia Trail (similar The Virginia Beach Trail is the future an important component of the planned to the TransAmerica Trail). The plan for a multimodal spine that spans 41-mile South Hampton Roads Trail identifies the long-term route of 39 the length of the entire City. Phase I that will connect Suffolk, Portsmouth, separate trails. Beginning on the eastern connects users to Town Center which Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach end, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and provides a variety of live, work, and play (Figure 5). Cape Henry Trail are already constructed. opportunities. The trail will directly The next segment is the Virginia Beach
5 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Trail, which is the missing link that can priority when being considered for grant all but ineligible for alternative funding connect to the next 4 segments through funding due to the special role they play sources and opportunities because it does Norfolk that are already constructed. in national security. The Virginia Beach not fit the mold as a preserved rails to When the Virginia Beach Trail is complete, Trail parallels Virginia Beach Boulevard, trails greenway project. Nor can it score the easternmost 13.7-miles of the nearly which is classified federally as a MAP-21 well enough for funding from programs 600-mile Beaches to Bluegrass Trail Principal Arterial. Having this parallel such as Virginia’s SMART SCALE, System will be in place. corridor for pedestrian use enables which is the primary means of ranking Federally, Congress has recognized emergency vehicle access off the main and awarding transportation projects the special nature of evacuation routes roadway corridor and gives pedestrians a in Virginia because it weights safety in communities representing federal safe route to evacuate to the nearest mass and economic development at a very military installations in the Moving Ahead transit option away from heavy vehicular low value. For this reason, this critical for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) traffic. transportation corridor is dependent Act (P.L. 112-141) and urged that these Although regionally and nationally upon federal support through the BUILD critical evacuation routes be given higher significant, the Virginia Beach Trail is grant program.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION Typical 10’ Shared-Use Path Shared-Use Path Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail Pembroke SGA which includes construction of a 10-foot-wide harbors the urban core of shared-use path within the former Town Center. The vision Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way in for the Pembroke SGA is a the City of Virginia Beach. This shared- central urban core with a use path will attract active transportation vertical mix of urban uses; users to a safe, non-vehicular travel complete streets, mobility corridor for recreational and commuter and transit alternatives; use. This City-owned right-of-way is urban gathering generally 66-feet wide and runs east/ places; environmental west for a length of approximately 12 and neighborhood miles. Phase I is approximately 1.8 miles preservation and 3’ that connects two Federally-identified enhancement; 2’ Shared-Use10’ Path Opportunity Zones and the City’s Pembroke green buildings; 2’ Strategic Growth Area (SGA). and infrastructure 3’ CLExist. Track 8’ The current Virginia Beach opportunities providing 66’ and varies right of way Comprehensive Master Plan includes eight a variety of civic, strategic growth areas (SGAs), which commercial, artistic, and are areas designated to accommodate ethnically diverse areas. future growth in the City. Phase I of the The City of Virginia Figure 6: This section of the Virginia Beach Trail Virginia Beach Trail runs through the Beach is a young city that shows the width of the corridor.
6 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I has grown rapidly in recent decades. As the primary transportation corridors Town Center. When treated as one project the City of Virginia Beach evolved from including I-264 into a central position and completed together, the Virginia a rural, agricultural area and oceanfront of the City’s developed area, presented a Beach Trail and the Pembroke SGA will resort into a major metropolitan area, unique opportunity for the creation of a complement each other, alleviate roadway the need emerged for a social, economic, world class regional downtown. Virginia congestion, and heighten overall impacts cultural, and civic epicenter to support Beach lacked an official urban core until on safety, state of good repair, economic the community. The Pembroke SGA, the year 2000 with the establishment of competitiveness, environmental located at the major intersection of sustainability, and quality of life.
PROJECT LOCATION Figure 7: Virginia Newport News Beach Trail takes The City of Virginia Beach is situated users through the in southeastern Virginia and is part of Hampton heart of Virginia the Hampton Roads Planning District Beach to the Commission 23. Planning District Birthplace of America Trail Atlantic oceanfront. Ocean Commission 23 consists of the counties of Gloucester, Isle of Wight, James City, Eli abeth Southampton, Surry, and York; and the River Trail Cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Portsmouth Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Norfolk Virginia Beach Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Williamsburg. Virginia Beach has Beach Trail an estimated 450,000 residents, is the South Hampton Chesapeake most populous city in Virginia, and is Road Trail growing at a rate of approximately 0.4 Su olk percent per year. The greater Hampton Roads metropolitan statistical area, of which Virginia Beach is included, has a population of 1.7 million. Located in the heart of Virginia Beach, Town Center is the center point of Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail and is the 264 TOWN CENTER City’s Central Business District. This 58 vibrant, mixed-use urban center has VIRGINIA BEACH TRAIL PHASE I 1.8 MILE established itself as a special destination 64 within Virginia Beach and the larger metropolitan area. Only 20 years in the making, it is a well-designed urban
7 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Figure 8: The Virginia Beach Town Center has transformed dramatically from 2000 to 2018. The Virginia Beach Trail runs through Town Center and provides better pedestrian, bicycle, and e-scooter access. Photo credit: Armada Hoffler center with a complement of office, retail, rise developments in only 20 years Project History residential, educational, entertainment, (Figure 8). However, in its current cultural, restaurant, and other uses. condition, Town Center is largely The Virginia Beach Trail has a storied disconnected and hard to access history for the City of Virginia Beach. The City of Virginia Beach has seen Since 1979, this trail has been referenced tremendous growth in the area since for pedestrians in surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. This in state and regional master plans. Town Center was constructed in 2000, The trail appears in the Virginia Beach but Town Center is not a traditional problem is compounded by the fact that Town Center is bordered on the west Comprehensive Master Plan, the Virginia urban core. It did not naturally develop Beach Outdoors Plan, the Virginia Beach as an urban business district, it was by 8-lane Independence Boulevard— the most highly trafficked corridor in Transportation Plan, seven of the eight curated. The City of Virginia Beach adopted SGA Plans, and as a priority never had a typical downtown or central the city. The Virginia Beach Trail will introduce a vital connection between project within the Virginia Beach Bikeways business district. Instead, over the past and Trails Plan since 1981. This project is two decades in partnership with private the east and west side of Independence Boulevard, which will greatly improve the not new and has been a part of Virginia development, the City has worked to Beach’s long-term plans for 40 years. develop Town Center as an economic accessibility for the numerous existing center separate from the Resort area. developments as well as facilitate the In 2007, the City acquired and improved Town Center has undergone intense continued growth of Town Center. the final 1.5-mile segment of this same development from open parcels to high corridor into a well-used and highly active shared use path. The remaining
8 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
10.5 miles of the corridor was purchased to receive enough votes in a non-binding on hold, the City purchased the right- in 2009 through local, regional, and referendum and Virginia Beach City of-way and now has sole ownership. federal funding. Together, this 12-mile Council decided to put the project on This approximate $40 million-dollar trail comprises the Virginia Beach Trail. hold; however, there remained public investment from the City is a previously In 2013, the corridor was actively support and enthusiasm around the incurred expense that will be leveraged to evaluated for use as a light-rail transit shared-use path component of the bring life to this corridor and repurpose (LRT) facility through a partnership project. Our neighboring City of Norfolk as a shared-use path. with the Department of Rail and Public proceeded with constructing the HRT Preliminary engineering of the Virginia Transportation (DRPT), the City of Tide Light Rail facility which terminates Beach Trail has been completed to a 15 Virginia Beach, and Hampton Roads at the start of the proposed Virginia Beach percent conceptual design level for the Transit (HRT). The design of LRT and Trail. entire length of the trail, which will allow an adjacent shared-use path progressed While planning for the LRT, the right- design of Phase I to progress swiftly to to a 30 percent preliminary engineering of-way was purchased as a cost-share final plans and construction. stage for delivery as a design-build with partial state funds and partial local project. In 2016, the LRT project failed funds. After the LRT project was put
GRANT FUNDS, SOURCES, AND USES OF PROJECT FUNDS Project Non-Federal BUILD Total Component (City) This BUILD grant request is for the This $9.6 million investment will construction of Phase I—a 10-foot-wide complement the City’s previous $40 Phase I $2.4 million $9.6 million $12.0 million paved multi-use path with crushed million investment that acquired the stone shoulders, open channel drainage right-of-way. In addition, Phase I of PHASE I conveyance, upgraded culverts, the Virginia Beach Trail will connect Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the Thalia Creek Greenway. The 9.6 2.4 BU LD compliant street crossings, and two local, state, and federal funds spent on CVB pedestrian bridges. The total project construction of the Greenway will also be construction cost of Phase I is estimated complemented by the connection to the to be $12.0 million. The BUILD grant new Virginia Beach Trail. request is for $9.6 million, and the City Refer to Appendix E for documentation will fund the remaining $2.4 million with of the local funding commitment, and a 45 5 Total 40 CVB dedicated local funds. detailed cost estimating breakdown of Construct Virginia Beach Land Trail Future phases are not part of this grant how project funds will be spent. A uisition request.
9 PSAP: VB Trail Limits Heat Map
Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
SELECTION CRITERIA PSAP 2012-2016 Safety The Virginia Beach Trail is separated Witchduck Rd from nearby 8-lane Virginia Beach Blvd Independence Virginia Beach Blvd Boulevard, and has been identified through the Rails to Trails program as an ideal candidate for conversion to a path facility. The Virginia Beach Trail will VIRGINIA BEACH TRAIL PHASE I 1.8 MILES feature LED lighting, emergency call- 264 boxes, emergency vehicle access, signage and wayfinding, and cameras to increase safety on the trail. 2018 Non-motorized transportation safety is improved by reducing risk from 1:36,112 July 9, 2019 exposure to motorized vehicles on the VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD 0 0.25 0.5 1 mi roadway network. By providing a separate 0 0.38 0.75 1.5 km facility that is limited to pedestrian use, VDOT Spatial Intelligence Group, VHB, Esri, HERE, Garmin, (c) multiple conflict points are eliminated as pedestrians travel the corridor. Currently, the existing large-scale infrastructure of I-264, Virginia Beach Boulevard, and Independence Boulevard acts as a barrier WITCHDUCK RD to alternative modes of transportation. It makes active mobility nearly impossible to achieve, which results in such a great loss of opportunity for enhanced safety INDEPENDENCE BLVD and quality of life. These challenges to multimodal transportation have only Figure 9: Top image, from 2012 to 2016, there were 22 reported crashes affecting pedestrians. allowed for a piecemeal construction of Bottom image shows all crashes in 2018. Note the intense pedestrian crash pattern along Virgina Beach Blvd. an active transportation network. There are pockets of walkable connectivity corridor and greatly improve equity and occupancy vehicle for Virginia Beach within the City, but Virginia Beach lacks accessibility to our active transportation residents and visitors. a robust system connecting desirable network. Construction of the Virginia The Virginia Beach Trail runs parallel destinations. The creation of the Virginia Beach Trail will generate a new way of life to Virginia Beach Boulevard and I-264 Beach Trail will allow future webs of unburdened by the gridlock of the single- offering an exclusive pedestrian spine walkable connections to radiate from this through the City as an alternative to
10 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I narrow roadside sidewalks that cross crashes. There were 22 reported crashes anyway. Town Center, located on the numerous commercial entrances. In affecting pedestrians in this time. One east side of Independence Boulevard, fact, through the limits of Phase I of of these reported crashes resulted in the has experienced dramatic growth in the the Virginia Beach Trail, a pedestrian fatality of the pedestrian. Of the crashes past years. Many high-rise structures route on the parallel Virginia Beach that resulted in a visible injury, almost create the urban center with office, retail, Boulevard facility crosses 25 commercial half of them occurred when pedestrians residential, educational, entertainment, entrances on the eastbound side and 37 were attempting to cross an entrance cultural, restaurant, open spaces, and commercial entrances on the westbound and were struck by a turning vehicle. other uses. Recently, on the west side of side. All of these conflict points would be Many others occurred while pedestrians Independence Boulevard, development eliminated, which greatly reduces the risk attempted to cross the street at unsafe opportunities have flourished. These of pedestrian-involved crashes. The only locations or when a vehicle swerved to new developments include Wegmans, crossings that remain are at a handful of avoid a roadway collision and sideswiped Buffalo Wild Wings, Wal-Mart, and controlled street crossings with proposed more. The impulse to unsafely cross a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Figure 9 safety measures to alert vehicular and Independence Boulevard will only shows VDOT data mapped in 2012–2019 pedestrian traffic alike of the upcoming increase as development continues. The PSAP and VDOT in 2018. The Virginia crossing point. City recognizes this problem and has a Beach Trail is a much-needed alternative strong desire to proactively correct the VDOT developed a Pedestrian Safety to eliminate the risk of these unneeded issue by providing a pedestrian bridge Action Plan (PSAP) to provide guidance pedestrian and vehicular collisions. on specific locations throughout the over Independence Boulevard as a part The Virginia Beach Trail Phase I was state that should be prioritized for of Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail. This designed with specific safety features in pedestrian safety improvements. VDOT bridge would bolster Town Center to a mind. Some of the most impactful safety urges that the PSAP priority corridor more walkable urban core. With funding measures are highlighted below: map and analysis items be considered from this grant, this connection can and referenced when developing funding Pedestrian Bridge Over Independence become a reality. applications. The PSAP priority corridor Boulevard. At the location of the proposed Minor Road Crossing Treatments. The map identifies the segment of Virginia bridge, Independence Boulevard is 9 lanes design of the Virginia Beach Trail project Beach Boulevard, which Phase I of wide—and becomes even wider at the includes implementation of multiple the Virginia Beach Trail would parallel, nearest intersection where turn lanes are safety measures at street crossings to as a priority area. Implementation of introduced. Independence Boulevard is alert path users and vehicles on the the Virginia Beach Trail would make the most heavily-trafficked highway in roadway that a potential hazard is significant strides toward improving the City, with average annual weekday incoming. These include solid striping pedestrian safety, in line with the traffic volumes of 82,000 vehicles per down the center of the path, material recommendations put forward by VDOT. day. Currently, there are no crosswalks change from asphalt to concrete, stop Based on the published crash data or safe routes for pedestrians to cross bar and stop sign for the path user, from 2012 to 2016, as referenced in the Independence Boulevard; however, continental-style crosswalks across PSAP report, the entirety of Phase I of there are desirable destinations on both roadways, and signage to warn drivers of the Virginia Beach Trail is within an area sides of the street, which persuades potential pedestrian crossings. of high-density pedestrian involved pedestrians to try to make the crossing
11 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
be decreased. By decreasing the levels the Virginia Beach Fire Department has accordingly, there is a smoother vehicles that are designed to easily access transition by the human eye when trail users when needed. focusing from a lit path to an unlit Safety During Oceanfront Event Traffic. adjacent area. This helps the observer This year brought the first annual with light transition and provides safety Something in the Water festival to in situational awareness. the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This Emergency Call Boxes. Call boxes large-scale event brought nearly 35,000 provide a reliable way to communicate people to the oceanfront to enjoy music Figure 10: Z-crossing diagram. with emergency services. The Virginia together, and each of these festival- Beach Police Department has experience goers required transportation to and In the limits of Phase I of the Virginia using emergency call boxes that have from the oceanfront venue. Festival- Beach Trail, the proposed path crosses been installed in other locations of the goers were encouraged to bring their the roadway at Constitution Drive. At City and have used them to serve and bikes and park remotely throughout this location, a mid-block z-crossing is protect the community. . the City. The Virginia Beach Trail would proposed. By forcing the path users to Emergency call boxes will be employed provide the infrastructure to support turn and face oncoming traffic with the this aim. Something in the Water will “z” pattern, safety is elevated. on the Virginia Beach Trail as an added security measure and are proposed in continue to thrive year after year in LED Lighting. Along the length of locations where pedestrians could be Virginia Beach and is one of many the trail, LED lighting fixtures will be further than 0.5-miles from a major festival events that occur annually at implemented. Not only is LED an efficient crossing road. This spacing ensures that the oceanfront, each bringing many technology that provides a long-term if a path user is in danger or is having tourists with transportation needs. return on investment, it also provides a medical emergency, the furthest they Active transportation is a cultural norm a safety benefit. One obvious safety would need to travel for help from local at the oceanfront. The boardwalk is lined benefit is providing a well-lit corridor for responders would be 0.25-miles. with bicyclists, walkers, and other active pedestrian use in nighttime hours. Since transportation methods—including people tend to feel safer when walking Emergency Turnarounds. In case e-scooters. The recent influx of e-scooters at night on well-lit walkways, it can emergency vehicles need to use the has presented a logistics challenge to encourage more usership and increase the path, hammerhead turnarounds have the City that could be solved in part by amount of time people spend walking or been provided every 0.5-miles to ensure the implementation of the Virginia Beach using the recreational mode of transit. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Trail. This is one of the reasons that the vehicles have an efficient path to the Virginia Beach Trail has the endorsement In addition, since LED lights have nearest street crossing and route to of the local City Council. a longer life cycle, a uniform system medical services. In addition, the path is more achievable with LED lights to pavement section and width are designed State of Good Repair maintain a state of good repair and to accommodate the infrequent loading sustained safe lighting levels. LED lights and typical dimensions of a maintenance The Virginia Beach Trail will support also have higher apparent brightness or emergency vehicle. Currently used for commerce and economic growth levels, so lighting levels can actually other boardwalk areas within the City, by facilitating the accessibility and
12 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I movement of people via a much-needed to public entities, and political leaders goods and services, and attracts and active transportation thoroughfare that to individual citizens, this project retains residents who contribute to the does not currently exist anywhere in the is recognized as a critical piece of local economy. City. The creation of this spine enhances infrastructure that will be valued and Betterments to Utilities. An and supplements the existing condition maintained by the citizens of Virginia underground proposed duct bank is of the transportation infrastructure. Beach. included in the construction of the The project also features a duct bank to Robust Facility to Support Commerce Virginia Beach Trail to accommodate enhance the City’s fiber optic network future upgrades to the fiber optic network that aids in the future vision of the and Economic Growth. Construction of Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail and Intelligent Transportation Systems. overall transportation system throughout This will help the City prepare for the the City. will enhance the mobility of people to and from otherwise non-pedestrian future of transportation, including bus The Virginia Beach Trail project is accessible areas. The Virginia Beach Trail rapid transit and autonomous vehicle consistent with multiple systematic introduces a new mode of transit to the infrastructure, and support the resiliency plans that exist to create a robust active established transportation system and of existing infrastructure assets. The mobility infrastructure system. As provides accessibility and mobility of Innovation section further details how previously mentioned, these include the people. In addition, the path will act as a the proposed duct bank will improve the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Master catalyst for economic growth. This new overall efficiency and state of good repair Plan, the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan, mode of transit will stimulate economic of the City’s transportation system. the Virginia Beach Transportation Plan, activity by $31 million over the next 20 six of the eight adopted SGA Plans, the Sustainable Source of Revenue. The years and is desired by a wide range of City of Virginia Beach will provide Virginia Beach Bikeways and Trails Plan, residents with varying socioeconomic Beaches to Bluegrass Trail, Richmond regular maintenance on the completed backgrounds. It will provide connectivity roadway improvements using the Public Capitol Trail, Birthplace of America Trail, to those who cannot afford to purchase Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail, and the Works Operations Division. Once the a vehicle of their own, a younger facilities are constructed, Operations TransAmerica Trail. If left unimproved, generation who may prefer not to rely the lack of an active mobility will maintain, inspect, and repair the on a vehicle, an older generation who facilities regularly. The City of Virginia transportation asset will threaten may no longer be able to drive safely, transportation network efficiency and the Beach will be responsible for routine and many more unique scenarios. In maintenance tasks associated with the accessibility for people who choose non- fact, the Wall Street Journal published an vehicular travel routes. open channel conveyance system that article in April that estimated only 25 will run alongside the trail as well. It is obvious that public and private percent of 16-year-olds had a driver’s Maintenance will be funded with annual entities alike are in support of the license in 2017 compared to 50 percent of City Operations funding. The City’s Virginia Beach Trail and are committed to 16-year-olds in 1983. With our changing Operating Budget for FY19 includes more upholding its state of good repair after culture and resident demands, the need than $11 million for annual maintenance. construction. More than 40 letters of for active mobility continues to grow. With regular maintenance, the Virginia support have been written to demonstrate The Economic Competitiveness section Beach Trail will continue to serve the local devoted support for the project; see further details how the project supports economy and support thriving trail- Appendix A. From private developments economic growth, connects people to oriented development.
13 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Flood Resilience. Although much of Economic Competitiveness Retail: 256,459 sf the City of Virginia Beach lies within Residential: 935 units FEMA mapped floodplain zones, Phase I The Virginia Beach Trail creates a of the Virginia Beach Trail is proposed in new commuter route and connects Hotel Rooms: 412 rooms a corridor that is higher in elevation and adjacent established neighborhoods To date, Armada Hoffler invested nearly more resilient to flooding. The alignment and the Housing Resource Center to $500 million in the Town Center of mostly avoids floodplain zones, except businesses, jobs, and the second largest Virginia Beach in addition to $108 million for minor portions on the eastern limit. commercial center in the City. The path of public investment. A recent statistic Maintaining this high design elevation is also an attractive amenity with many found that almost 40 percent of tourists will make sure the trail is accessible opportunities to encourage revitalization who visit the Resort Area also visit Town during storm events and is resilient to and trail-oriented development along the Center during their stay. nuisance flooding and future sea level corridor. rise. In addition, stormwater management Promoting Continued Economic Vitality There are many residents in the best management practices (BMPs) are in the Pembroke SGA. The Pembroke Virginia Beach Metropolitan Statistical proposed within the Virginia Beach Trail to SGA serves as the city’s central business Area (MSA) who will generate economic manage water quality and quantity. The district and one of its most heavily- benefit from implementation of this trailside ditches will safely convey water trafficked areas, intersected by I-264 and trail. The 36th largest MSA in the without overtopping during a design Virginia Beach Boulevard. The district United States, the Virginia Beach MSA storm. They will also have adequate is home to several major office parks and encompasses 15 cities and counties with a residence time to provide water quality Town Center, which has quickly become population of more than 1.7 million and a treatment. the premier Class A office location in workforce of more than 850,000. Evacuation Route. The parallel roadway southeastern Virginia and will soon be Signature Paths in Hampton Roads. facility, Virginia Beach Boulevard, complimented by the Virginia Beach Trail As an independent regional study, the is designated as an evacuation route to serve the high demand for pedestrian Hampton Roads Transportation Planning corridor per the Federal Highway mobility. Organization (HRTPO) conducted a study Administration (FHWA) National Virginia Beach is currently developing to add a “signature” path to Hampton Highway System, which is reinforced in an approach to foster mixed use as a Roads based on research in other areas the City of Virginia Beach Evacuation Plan principal tool for redevelopment and of the country applied to geographic . Since Virginia Beach Boulevard is one as a preferred land use pattern within specific conditions present in Hampton of the six evacuation routes identified in the Pembroke SGA. The Town Center Roads. In that study, HRTPO cited data the City, it is important for its state of of Virginia Beach is the City's major from Americantrails.org that trails and good repair to minimize conflict points business district that spans 17 city greenways can affect local and national with pedestrians and prioritize vehicular blocks and encompasses 25 acres. Town economies by increasing tourism, movement. The parallel Virginia Beach Center includes a number of different enhancing event management, promoting Trail will contribute to the state of good developments: urban redevelopment, encouraging repair of the roadway system by adding community improvements, increasing Office: 814,736 sf an alternative corridor for non-vehicular property value, decreasing health care travel. Restaurants: 127,807 sf costs, boosting jobs and investments,
14 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I and growing general consumer spending. This study identified 14 sites as the best 7000 HRTPO Forecast of candidates for a signature trail within Additional Persons Using 6,0 3 the region, and the results specifically 6000 Active Trans to Work, highlighted the viability of a trail in the Living Within 2 Miles of Subject Rail-Trail, Build former Norfolk Southern corridor. The 5000 Scenario Virginia Beach Trail reaches at least four times more residents when compared 4000 to other trail sites throughout all of Persons Actual Persons Currently Hampton Roads; it also has the most 3000 Biking to Work, Living residential parcels within a 0.5-mile Within 2 Miles of Subject buffer. The study estimates approximately Rail ROW, Census, 2000 1,99
6,000 people living near the corridor 1,6 6 2009-2013 1,551
would be able to bike or walk to work and 1,099 1,0 0 953 93 2 generate economic activity. Additionally, 1000
565 Actual Persons Currently 45 in accordance with HRTPO’s analysis 342 Walking to Work, Living using a similar trail in Austin, TX, real 0 3 Atlantic & Danville Bayville Bruce Road Churchland Churchland High Courthouse Larkspur Virginia Beach Norfolk Southern - Penniman Seaboard Southern Tyre Neck Virginian-East Virginian-West Within 2 Miles of Subject estate values adjacent to the trail would ROW, Census, 2009-2013 increase by a total of approximately $12 million. As is evidenced by Figure 11 from the HRTPO study, the Virginia Beach Trail (identified as the Norfolk Southern corridor trail in the study) will have economic benefits that far exceed similar Inactive Rail Right-of ays, Candidate Rail-Tails trails in the region. This is recognized Figure 11: HRTPO forecast of total persons using active transportation to work, living within 2 miles of propose by our partners in Norfolk who have rail-trail, build scenario 2009-2013. Source: HRTPO analysis of Census data by block group endorsed the Virginia Beach Trail; refer to Appendix A for their letter of support. access jobs and businesses nearby. This as development centers. Therefore, by will provide an environment for both providing a safe and attractive multi- Improve Access. The Virginia Beach businesses and residents to flourish as is use trail system, transportation costs to Trail will be in a catalyst for economic intended for the Strategic Growth Area. residents will be greatly reduced as many development traversing across the entire short trips in the corridor will no longer Decrease Transportation Costs. The Pembroke SGA. The land use and urban be dependent on an automobile. nature of the Pembroke SGA yields many more residents who use the shared use short-trip destinations. The trail makes it path for travel, their travel costs will Overall Support of Economic Growth easier for residents of the area, including reduce since travel by bicycle or on foot with Trail-Oriented Development. Phase those most in need who use the newly is nominal. This area of the city is dense I of the Virginia Beach Trail goes through constructed Housing Resource Center, to with established neighborhoods as well the Pembroke City SGA and is crucial
15 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I to the new and ongoing developments DCR, the and National Recreation and They found that investing in walking surrounding the Town Center area. Park Association also document the and bicycling facilities stimulated The Virginia Beach Trail will provide substantial economic benefits generated local economies by generating tourism connections between nearby residencies by trails. The Virginia Beach Trail has revenue, supporting local businesses, and these developments to support a generated much excitement from and creating jobs. For example, based thriving local economy. Phase I of the private and public entities alike who on a case study of The Economic Virginia Beach Trail is entirely within realize the potential for economic gain Impact of Investment in Bicycle Facilities Opportunity Zones, and connects from implementation of this Trail; refer in the Northern Outer Banks of North underserved neighborhoods to new to the Partnership section below and Carolina , a one-time public investment developments, Town Center, and the Appendix A. of $6.7 million in trails and wide paved newly constructed Housing Resource and AARP published a Roadmap to shoulders has generated $60 million in Community Health Center. Livability Collection . This roadmap annual tourism revenue from bicyclists. An estimated 1,400 jobs are created or Increased Value of Homes. The City details strategies and solutions to make of Virginia Beach currently has a Walk a community great for all ages. In it, supported each year with expenditures Score of 33 and a Bike Score of 41 based they define a livable community as one from bicycle tourists. on walkscore.com . Scores are on a that reduces reliance on motor vehicles, Other studies published by the scale of 1 to 100, and according to a updates land uses so people can live National Recreation and Park Association study completed by CEOs for Cities, a closer or within walking distance of show that investments in park and one-point score increase on walkscore. jobs or community resources and has recreation facilities create a virtuous com increased the value of homes by as transportation options for non-driving cycle: they attract workers, which much as $3,000. The implementation of residents. A trail can be part of creating attract employers, which in turn attract the Virginia Beach Trail will have a direct a livable community by providing even more investment and jobs. Trails impact on the walkability through the another transportation option. Livable can attract businesses to site, enhance spine of the City and have a direct impact communities increase property values, business retention and expansion, and on increased value of homes along the save money with decreased infrastructure attract talent to support business growth. many neighborhoods adjacent to the costs, and offer a setting where older Trails can even make communities more corridor. adults can continue to be productive in resilient to natural disasters (through the workforce while living near needed land management methods and green Economic Growth in Opportunity Zones. and wanted community amenities. infrastructure investments. See Quality of Life section for detailed The desire for a livable, walkable information on the growth opportunities community spans generations and both that the Virginia Beach Trail will facilitate Environmental Sustainability baby boomers and millennials express Introduction of this exclusive for low income neighborhoods adjacent to similar preferences. Beaches to Bluegrass the project corridor. pedestrian and bicyclist commuter route Trail Master Plan published by Virginia will encourage non-vehicular traffic, Evidence of Trail-Oriented Economic Department of Transportation and which in turn reduces pollutants. The Growth and Development. Additional Virginia Department of Conservation and project also improves water quality studies published from a wide variety Recreation looked at other communities of adjacent streams and outfalls with of sources like AARP, VDOT and who had implemented similar trails. the inclusion of trailside water quality
16 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I features. Because the corridor was project site is treated before entering allow residents to experience nature with formerly used as a rail line, there is the outfall system. This will contribute minimal environmental impact. This fact minimal additional environmental to the overall health of the adjacent sheet , produced as a joint project by footprint with the construction of this waters. These regulations are particularly the Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse project. stringent since the Virginia Beach delves further into the environmental community is sensitive to water quality benefits that can be expected from trails Auto Abstinence. The Virginia Beach Trail encourages the use of non-automobile in the Chesapeake Bay, which serves as and greenways. travel by providing an exclusive the main outfall of the City. Programs alternative. This facility will encourage like the Watershed Implementation Plans Quality of Life those who live and work along the (which restrict Total Maximum Daily Enhanced recreational opportunities corridor to access their neighborhoods, Loads (TMDLs)) have been put in place introduced by the construction of this shopping, and work locations by to ensure that all projects adhere to separated trail exclusive to pedestrian methods other than automobile. Not regulations so that new construction is and bicycle use will provide the safe and only will these automobiles not be on environmentally responsible. healthy options that support an active, the roadways, but parking for these Enhancing the Environment. The Virginia multimodal transportation system vehicles will not be necessary. This shift Beach Trail includes linear greenspaces throughout the City. This enhancement in modes will increase energy efficiency, alongside the trail. As noted by the Rails to quality of life will attract and retain reduce the dependence on oil, and reduce to Trails Conservancy, linear greenspaces residents of all ages. greenhouse gas emissions. Adjacent have all the traditional conservation The Virginia Beach Trail improves to Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail, benefits of preserving green space and the quality of life for nearby residents there are many congested vehicular have additional benefits as tools for by providing an alternative mode of corridors including I-264, Virginia Beach ecology and conservation to preserve accessible transportation. Having the Boulevard, and Independence Boulevard. natural landscapes, provide needed links shared-use path facility available as a This trail is well placed to provide a viable between fragmented habitats, and offer transportation option gives residents transportation alternative to vehicular tremendous opportunities for protecting the choice to travel to and from home, traffic. The separated facility provides plant and animal species. They can also commerce, work, and recreation without an attractive route to the many residents be useful tools for wetland preservation dependence on the automobile. It also who live within proximity of the Trail. and the improvement of air and water allows local businesses to attract and quality. Not only will the Virginia Beach Water Quality. In accordance with retain a more diverse workforce and Trail Virginia Stormwater Management itself preserve a linear habitat for consumer. Program (VSMP) regulations, the wetland species to thrive, it will also connect to the Thalia Creek Greenway. Improvements to the City’s Virginia Beach Trail will include design infrastructure are necessary due to features that remove phosphorus and The Thalia Creek Greenway features an elevated boardwalk through wetlands the way Virginia Beach developed. The other pollutants from stormwater town grew up simultaneously with the runoff. In accordance with Virginia DEQ for a portion of the trail; it is used as an educational tool for students and automobile, so it is incredibly lacking specifications for grassed channels, in walkability and overall connectivity adequate sizing and residence time will provides a nature experience for all users. Likewise, the Virginia Beach Trail will unless traveling by automobile. The be provided so that discharge from the City was developed in a way where it is
17 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Figure 12: Virginia Beach is consistently ranked lower than similarly-sized cities for bikability. Source: People for Bikes incredibly challenging to travel anywhere tool People for Bikes , gave Virginia established neighborhoods as well as without a car. Beach a score of 1.4 out of 5. Compared development centers. It provides access to According to walkscore.com, Virginia to cities of similar size like Minneapolis, existing and future developed sites. The Beach has a Walk Score that defines MN, and New Orleans, LA, Virginia Beach trail brings residents a transportation the City as “Car-Dependent,” meaning is consistently ranked lowest (Figure alternative with an elevated level of that most errands require a car. Since a 12). The Virginia Beach Trail is an ideal safety compared to current choices vehicle is typically the second largest project to have a great impact on these available to pedestrians. In addition, family expense behind housing, scores since it spans the width of the separating pedestrian traffic and this limits mobility for low-income City and connects multiple residential potential vehicle to pedestrian conflict residents. Virginia Beach's Bike Score neighborhoods to jobs and commerce. points along nearby Virginia Beach Boulevard enhances the vehicular is in the lowest classification defined as Increases Viable Transportation Choices. corridor as well. Traffic flow will be less “Somewhat Bikeable,” meaning that there The Virginia Beach Trail introduces a safe is minimal bike infrastructure available. impeded by pedestrians attempting to and reliable pedestrian route through share this route. Another active transportation evaluation an area of the City that is dense with
18 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Opportunity Zones and Census Tracts. both affordable housing and community City of Virginia Beach and the nation, (Census Tracts 410.02, 456.04 and services have been established to better illustrating much lower incomes, higher 456.03) serve this population. Also included is poverty rates, and lower education rates. census tract 456.03. It is not classified Note that based on recent developments Census Tract 410.02 and 456.04 are as an opportunity zone but has both Opportunity Zones and a city- in these Opportunity Zones, the City similar socio-demographic statistics. the population is set to increase by designated redevelopment area. These Collectively, these three census tracts census tracts currently have low-income an additional 530 residents with low surround the proposed Virginia Beach incomes. populations, and recent additions of Trail. Table 1 compares these tracts to the
Figure 13: City of Virginia Beach Opportunity Zones
19 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Table 1: Comparison of Census-Tract Household and Community Data Census Tract Census Tract Census Tract City of Virginia Nation 410.02 456.04 456.03 Beach Opportunity Zone Census Tract YES YES NO N/A N/A Median Household Income¹ $49,015 $49,255 $56,250 $70,500 $57,652 Average Household Size¹ 2.3 2.2 1.9 2.6 2.6 % of People in Poverty¹ 18% 12% 7% 8% 15% % of all low-income households that are severely housing cost burdened² 33% 47% - 44% N/A (paying 30% or more of their income towards housing costs) % of families that are single parent¹ 20% 30% 24% 15% 30% % of single parent families in poverty¹ 26% 24% 27% 20% 34% % of adults with H.S. Diploma or higher¹ 83% 97% 93% 93% 87% % of adults with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher¹ 15% 29% 36% 35% 31% % of population that is a racial or ethnic minority (i.e., non-white or Hispanic 42% 49% 25% 38% 39% or Latino)¹ Transportation costs as percent of income (15% is considered affordable)³ 21% 18% 17% 21% N/A Walkability Score⁴ 43 39 - 33 N/A Transit Accessibility Score⁴ 26 18 - 21 N/A USDA Low Access to Grocery Census Tract5 Yes Yes - N/A N/A CENSUS BLOCK GROUPS Block Group 410.02.1 410.02.2 456.04.1 456.04.2 456.04.3 456.03.1 456.03.2 Total Population¹ 1,428 784** 1,735 2,475 2,172 707 954 Median Household Income¹ 55,587 37,292 56,181 47,844 47,800 40,705 68,304 MHI Margin of error¹ 8,211 8,958 21,027 5,728 7,931 3,218 9,194 ** Expect 530 more people with low incomes in 1 Census ACS 2013-2017 5-year estimates 4 Walk Score https://www.walkscore.com/ score/ this census block group with inclusion of new 2 U.D. Department of Housing and Urban Note: Census tract data from Enterprise residents at 200 West Apartments and housing Development (HUD) CHAS Data 2009-2013 Opportunity 360 Measurement Report for Census resource center studio apartments Tracts 410.02 and 456.04 3 Center for Neighborhood Technology H + T index -Indicates data not available https://htaindex.cnt.org/map/ 5 Enterprise Opportunity 360 Measurement Report Blue Shading indicates block groups that contain for Census Tracts 410.02 and 456.04 using USDA the proposed trail Food Access Research Atlas
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Census Tract 410.02—Current and Future Residents. The Virginia Beach Trail offers a unique opportunity to better connect the current and future residents to the employment opportunities along Virginia Beach Boulevard and Town Center, as well as community services, including the community health center. Low income households, even when provided with an affordable housing unit, have difficulty affording the purchase of a new, reliable car as well as the ongoing costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Having the option to walk or bike to employment, Figure 14: Housing Resource Center, which includes a Health Center retail services, and other amenities as well as easy, safe walkways to bus transit rate housing. This development will have The Center offers temporary shelter lines will provide these households with easy access to the trail once the roadway and assistance in helping sheltered greater economic and housing stability, and sidewalk improvements that are households rapidly transition to which is shown to lead to better health underway on North Witchduck Road at permanent housing as well as 29 units of outcomes and educational outcomes for the I-264 interchange are completed. permanent affordable studio apartments. Unsheltered adults in need of showers, children. Recent ACS data (2017) indicate Housing Resource and Community laundry facilities, mail services, and that there are currently 2,212 residents Health Center. The western limit of housing support can also access day in this census tract. The housing in the Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail was services at the center. These housing tract consists of 356 single family homes specifically selected and prioritized programs and day services are operated in a subdivision built in the early 70s, based on its connectivity to the Housing by three non-profit organizations: The 348 mobile homes, and 212 market rate Resource and Community Health Center. apartments (Independence at Town Samaritan House, Judeo-Christian The Virginia Beach Housing Resource Center). In addition, the City of Virginia Outreach Center, and Virginia Supportive Center (HRC) is a one-stop shop of Beach opened the Housing Resource Housing. In addition, the City’s Human services for families and individuals and Community Health Center in Services department has offices and experiencing homelessness or a housing September 2018 to serve the City’s most provides services at the Center including: crisis (Figure 14). The integration of vulnerable population. Additionally, 264 Child Welfare Prevention, Employment emergency shelter, permanent supportive units of new affordable housing at 200 Services, Behavioral Health services, and housing, a health center, dining hall, West Apartments are currently under homeless outreach services. learning facility, supportive services construction. Just outside of the census and community resources in one facility Southeastern Virginia Health Services tract to the west, a future affordable operates a health center at this site housing development, Renaissance makes it the first of its kind in the greater South Hampton Roads region. with a separate entrance, and their Apartments, will provide 192 units of services are available to the entire affordable housing and 48 units of market
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community, not just those residing at the Center. The Health Center provides Thalia Creek comprehensive primary care health services for adults and children, such as exams, immunizations, and management N Witchduck Rd of chronic (hypertension, diabetes, etc.) Renaissance Apartments and acute (cold, flu, etc.) conditions. (240 Units) Health education, nutrition counseling, 58 Virginia Beach Blvd medication assistance, and laboratory Virginia Beach TOWN CENTER services are also offered on site. Patients Housing Resource Center Blvd Independence are charged based on a sliding scale. VIRGINIA BEACH TRAIL PHASE I 1.8 MILES Affordable Housing Developments Independence at Town 64 200 West Apartments Center Apartments under construction in the census tract (264 Units) (410.02). The affordable apartments Thalia Creek Greenway being developed, 200 West Apartments 264 and Renaissance Apartments, are funded by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which requires the property Figure 15: Map showing communities and resources near the Virginia Beach Trail owner to restrict occupancy of the units based on household income and to offer Table 2: Total number of units and the current area median family income (AMFI) an affordable rent for at least 30 years. Annual rent increases are restricted Low Income Housing # of Units Maximum Annual Gross Maximum monthly Charge under this program, which provides Tax Credit Income Income for Household of 3 for rent and utilities for households with assurances that rents Restrictions at each AMFI level* 2-bedroom Apt.** will not be drastically increased from year 60% of AMFI 332 $42,840 $1,071 to year. 50% of AMFI 98 $35,700 $892 The total number of units to be 40% of AMFI 26 $28,560 $714 provided at these two affordable housing developments and the current area Total Units 456 median family income (AMFI) and rent restrictions for a 2-bedroom apartment *AMFI published by U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development are shown in Table 2. **Maximum charge based on 30% of gross AMFI; If tenant pays all utilities, rent paid to landlord is reduced by utility allowance of $190, based on Section 8 Allowances for Tenant Furnished Utilities published by the City of Virginia Beach Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation and approved by HUD. By comparison, a 2-bedroom apartment at Independence at Town Center, which is located in the same census tract, is $1,350/month, not including electricity. With an estimated electric bill of $50/month, the total housing cost is $1,400/month, or $329 more per month than the affordable units.
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R Þ Þ N n D E S Newtown ResÞort Area I ÞN I D D Þ Þ n Pembroke Þ Lynnhaven R V N A L O L B R T R En Þ D D Rosemont Þ R N V Þ D Þ D N S Þ Þ O Þ I P P 2 T R n C N P E Þ TE nE M K Þ Þ n Þ Þ T E N nS A n O Þ H D n N P O T V Þ N A N O Þ R L C n O B n C E D N Þn N V Þ M O D Þ G P T U E Þ C N P E n Þ E A M Þ n R Þ I n A Þ Þ D Þ Burton Station H N B E A K O RT 264 N D n N O L A T H C n A Application for BetterN Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Þ M § G ¨¦ R Þ V Þ T L B E ÞÞ C A R n nD A I Þ N n D A Þ A Burton Station B Þ T Þ E E N I D T Þ K L A I C T C Þ V Þ T L E Þ Þ B K Þ Þ W Þ A I Þ Þ D A Þ N C Þ R Þ n A Þ Þ Þ Þ R N Þ Þ E S Þ K Þ Þ D A R Þ C Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I T Þ n Þ V E Þ Þ Þ K I D Þ D L I L C E R n D R Þ D F Þ Þ Þ R R L D R Þ K A R Þ Þ D Þ Þ R D T Þ n Þ Þ R C O Þ V 4 64 Þ O Þ Þ N D n Þ U D F I W n A § ÞES G E ¨¦ D LEY E Y D R Þ I I R K I A Z OCEANA NAS 1 ÞN DR A R Hn Þ R Þ HL K Þ S Þ D C A C D O Þ C ÞÞ SÞ D T E Rn L T Þ Þ D nÞ A Þ O I Þ L Þ C I U Þ T EN W Þ n F V L ID ÞESL G Þ W D Þ P R V n O EY V Y I L D PR NEWTOWANN R DD A ÞH Þ Þ R C n Þ R H N E Þ S Þ T n S nC O Þ Þ S nB Þ Þ IT Þ Þ Þ Þ G 3 Þ 2 Þ n nP Þ Þ H T DL A W Þ H I n N Þ n Þ I O Þ DAM NECK WN RD n C P D NEWTO Þ M Þ Þ O n nÞ N R T Þ N L Þ A I n O ÞA E L Þ Þ Þ B N Þ I C O L Þ Þ L ÞA R 2 ÞÞÞn nK Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ N V O Þ n I Þ A L I D Þ P F O Þ V Þ Þ Þ L 4 O n R n n N N E Þ N I A E I Þ I n R SK Þ B Þ C R Þ T Þ n D I A Þ D L C n R Þ nÞ ÞA D Þ Þ T Þ Þ Þ Þ 3 N L E Þ A D Þ L I Þ L R D F Þ L Þ O R 4 V A Þ n N Þ I E ÞI I n Þ DÞ L R SK Þ C T Þ A Þ E Þ L R Þ Þ n Þ D Þ N 3 T N FERRE n Þ 264 A E LL PKW L Þ Þ n Y n E Þ Þ ¨¦§ V Þ S Hilltop 264 N Þn E Þ Þ C Þ P Þ E n A Þ Þ E R N K n Þ Þ VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD 264 E L I S G N Þ Þ E Þ Þ R Þ Hilltop ¨¦§ Þ § E n C S Þ ¨¦ Þ Þ C Þ Þ B Hilltop n E D ÞÞ Þ M R D n Newtown K S Þ ResÞort Area Pembroke BLVD Þ Þ I n VIRGINIA BEACH LynnOhaven R C Þ S Þ S R D DA Þ M Ros emont NECK RD Y R Þ n Centerville R Þ Þ R KW Þ A Þ S S L Þ D N P ER Þ Þ E Þ E T O B K V N D Þ T A ÞÞ N n H D O n N Newtown D YN N PM N ResÞort Area L Þ Þ Þ I n C Pembroke Þ Þ Þn E Lynnhaven D R E Þ Þ R Rosemont O D K R U Þ O C R Þ S Þ D R Þ R n Þ D NTE N Þ Þ D K Þ Þ Þ T K Þ n Þ Þ Þ O T N D 26Þ4 Þ P Þ D VIRGINIA BEACH BLV B H C n § Þ R E ¨¦ Þn R Þ Þ n R S C C U N n Þ D I C Þ Þ D D Þ Þ T E Þ D Þ D K Þ I Þ O 264V G Þ R Þ N L Þ H n Þ Þ Þ §B E T Þ ¨¦ R Þ Þ W Þ Þ
Þ C Þ Þ T E nn Þ Þ R P Þ ÞC D Þ Þ S T Þ n D B E N Þ Þ I Þ E Þ Þ Þ U n D Þ R D Þ Þ Þ L Þ Þ Þ W n N Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ E Þ Þ Þ Þ V R Þ Þ D P Þ Þ Þ Þ D Þ S E nT n Þ n Newtown Þ Þ I Þ Resort Area R Þ D Þ Þ I 64 Þ L N Þn Þ § I A Þ Þ Þ Þ Pembroke ¨¦ L E L S Lynnhaven R n Z OCEANA NAS Þ Þ Þ Þ n R 1 D Þ L Þ E Þ A Þ D Þ T Þ n D Þ R L Þ D Þ Þ n Þ R E R n n 64 C I L Þ Þ D DEN Þ Þ R V Þn VI T Þ P A Rosemont O V L R § ¨¦ PR n E Z OCEANA NÞAS Þ Þ E Þ P Þ Þ S Þ D 1 n S n n Þ Þ Þ L Þ Þ nÞB Þ S Þ Þ A D Þ Þ Þ G D Þ E Rn K P ÞL Þ Þ D nÞ N R Þ L H NC I Þ D IN ÞIDE Þ Þ Þ I R H V DAM NECK IM E V nÞ P O E ÞM V O DR L M Þ P Þ Þ R Þ T Þ T Legend IA E Þ S Þ L E K O n S Þ Þ B nB Þ Þ T N Þ O P N Þ K Þ L Þ G P n K R Þ Þ Þ H N O Þ Þ A D W I I Þ O H Þ N Þ V n Þ O Þ I DAM NECK Y P D M N O E Þ R T I R Þ n B D Þ n A E n L D B Þ C N R Þ O L N L Virginia Beach Trail D Þ– PhaseK I Þ Þ E R Þ A R Þ O N D I A O Þ V Þ n D Þ L O Þ Þn E N W R Þ n B R n R Þ Þ Þ D n n D R n Þ E E FE N L E D nRRELL PKWY n Þ Þ U Þ R n C S O S n Þ N A N P D L Þ A T E Neighborhood Need Areas R N Þ Þ R Þ L I N F N n G E A n EnRRELL PKWY n Þ Þ Þ E CÞ S E D Þ S Þ N Þ E Þ S K M P R C A S Þ Þ R S O K E DAM S D NECK L 264 I n RD Centerville Y G N PKW R N A S LG R Þ E Urban Need Areas AVE Þ E C N S E INO R Þ NNH D E N D N CH n Y M N Þ n L M R Þ S E Þ LA D D Þ S Þ Þ S O O TH O Þ DAM N R NECKI A § R n R RD Y ¨¦ R Centerville N KW R A S O L Þ Þ Þ EN P Þ Þ D E N O N Þ Þ R AV N T D N H Þ D Þ YNN Þ N M N B n L Þ R n Þ P C å n R D C E D Þ School Park 10 Minute WÞ alk Time Þ O ÞD O I N R D ÞR E n P D N Þ Þ O Þ V Þ Þ D N G Þ Þ D N Þ L T D Þ Þ E T I Þ B B Þ Þ
Þ R Þ Þ T Þ P n T Þ E n R R P C Þ C N Þ Þ Þ n ÞD I D E E Þ N Þ D Þ I E E U D Þ Þ G O Þ R D V R Þ HOA Park 10 MinN ute ÞWalk Time N L Þ Þ Þ E B E Þ ÞT Þ Þ Þ V Þ Þ P Þ Þ n T Þ E R P Þ Þ Þ E Cn n Þ R I Þ D Þ n D E N Þ Þ L Þ N E Þ U I D Þ Þ Þ Þ D Þ R L Þ S N Þ I Þ Þ Þ E Þ N Þ Þ W E Þ Þ V Þ P Þ Þ Þ D Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ E n Þ n IA Þ n N City Park 10 MinuI te Walk Time Þ D ÞÞn L T N Þ R I Þ I Þ n Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ V Þ P Þ Þ L S Þ Þ n Þ ER Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ E K Þ Þ R Þ n D NIÞM E Þ Þn M Þ Legend n T Þ Þ Þ ÞÞ Þ O S P Þ Þ n Þ Þ Þ Þ P Þ Military Bases Þ Þ Þ ÞKW K Þ N Y Þ IM E Þ Þ Þ M Þ LegenVirginiad Beach Trail – PhaseÞ I Þ Þ Þ O P n Þ Þ D K Þ W W Þ R Y Þ Strategic Growth Areas Þ n L E E S n Virginia Beach Trail – Phase I Þ Þ N D n T Þ Þ Neighborhood Need ArÞeas N Þ W R Þ N Þ n Þ R A n D Þ E E n E S C S N 2010 Urban Census Area T Þ Neighborhood Need Areas D K S N T n R Þ Urban Need Areas Þ ING N R E A n R Þ Þ Þ ND E C 64 A D S S H L C Þ N RT I A NO RD K Þ S Urban Need Areas NG R E N A DI n R P Þ Neåighborhood Need Area: stable medium to high density residential neigN hborhoods that were establisC hed before 1980 D School Park 10 Minute Walk Time §A D S ¨¦ L Þ E TH N P NOR Þ I A Z R I OCEANA NAS Þ Þ N P n P å D without park spaces. These neighborhoods are in need of small parks that are within a walkable distance from homes. E n School Park 10 Minute Walk Time1 L HOA Park 10 Minute Walk Time Þ P R A I D Þ D Þ P R E Þ R L n D Þ D nÞ HOA Park 10 Minute Walk Time IND CE I Þ R L Þ Þ IA City Park 10 Minute Walk Time N N V Þ R E RI Þ D V Figure 16: Phase I of the Virginia Beach Trail R Urban Need Area: areas of the city that contain a mix of uses and hVouIsing typEeRs where the average ratio of parks to Þ D P O IND RD V Þ City Park 10 Minute Walk Time PR IAN L RI peopleM ilsit aornyl yB a.5s eascres (21,780 sq. ft.) per 1,000 residents. There are approximVaEtRely 28,000 residents currently living in E n RD S 0 is within an9 ,identified000 Urban18,00 0NeedFee tArea S Þ Þ nB Þ the ideSMntirltaiitftaiergydi cBU aGrsbreoaswn tNh eAereda Asreas. Þ Þ G Þ Þ P Þ H D I I H 2S0tr1a0t eUgribca Gnr Cowenths uAsr eAarsea N Þ n Þ DAM NECK Þ M O 200 West Apartments is currently RenaissanceD Apartments, locatedÞ provide open space within the City. CIty R T 2010 Urban Census Area IA E L Neighborhood Need Area: stable medium to high density residential neighborhoods that were established before 1980 Þ B under construction. This community nearby,N has an expected completion of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation L O Þ K Nweithigohubto prahroko sdp Naceeesd. A Trheeas: e s ntaebigleh bmoerhdoiuomds t oa rhei ginh ndeeends oityf srmesaidll epnatriaksl ntheaigt habroer whoitohdins R ath waat lwkaebrÞele edsistatabnlicshe efrdo mbe hfoorme e1s9.80 A N will have 264 units consisting of 1, 2, date of 2020/2021IV and will consist of standards identify phaseÞ I as within O without park spaces. These neighborhoods are in need of smÞall parks that are within a walkEable distance from homes. N O n B Urban Need Area: areas of the city that contain a mix of uses and housing types where theR averageÞ ratio of parks to D and 3-bedroom apartments; 20n of the a total of 240 units. There will be 192 an Urban Needs Area, meaning the n D pUerboapnle Nise oend lyA r.e5a a: c raerse a(2s1 o,7f 8th0e s qc.it yft .t)h paet rc 1o,n0t0a0in rae smidiexn otsf . u sTehse raen adr eh oaupspinrogx itmypaetes lyw 2h8e,r0e0 t0h ere asvideRerangtse cruartrioe notlfy pliavriknsg tion Þ D 0 9,000 18,000 Feet N L unitsptheeo pidle will nisti fioendl yUbe .r5b aa nreservedc rNese e(2d 1A,7re8a0s .s qfor. ft.) personsper 1,000 re swithidents. There are aaffordablepproximately 28, 00housing0 residents cuunits,rrently li vincludinging in 10 average ratio of parks to people is only R Þ O 0 9,000 18,000 Feet Þ A intellectualthe identified Urb oran N developmentaleed Areas. disabilities units supported by project-based Section 0.5 acres per 1,000 residents (Figure 16). n D L Þ R and will also have project-based Section 8 Vouchers and set aside for persons By providingFEnR theRE newLL PactiveKW Ymobility, n Þ n Þ E 8 Vouchers attached to them. These with an intellectual or developmental adjacent neighborhoods will have accessS P N apartments were developed on a site that disability, and 48 units will be market- to shortened walk times to the linear Apark R E L I N G Þ contained an unused vacant commercial rate rental units, making this a mixed- E C S as well as Central Park located withinÞ E Þ M S RÞ structure, converting to a use that better income community. Town Center.Þ Providing open space is key S O DAM Centerville Y n NECK RD serves the community by providing KW R A S L Improved Walkability and Open Space. to enhancingAV EqualityN P of life, and access to N E O much-needed affordable housing. YNNH D N M N n The limits of Phase I of the Virginia themL influencesÞ Þwhere people choose to E D Þ live. R O O Beach Trail will improve walkability and N R Þ Þ Þ Þ D T N Þ Þ Þ Þ D B n Þ R R Þ C Þ ÞD ID ÞN E D V Þ G O N Þ L E T Þ B Þ Þ n T Þ E R P Þ Þ C 23 Þ n D E N Þ Þ E Þ U Þ R D EN Þ Þ Þ Þ V Þ Þ Þ Þ EP n n ÞÞ Þ I D Þ L IN Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ L S Þ Þ E Þ Þ n Þ Þ Þn n T Þ Þ Þ P Þ Þ Þ n Þ Þ Þ Þ K NIM Legend E ÞÞ Þ Þ MO Þ Þ Þ PK Þ Þ WY Virginia Beach Trail – Phase I Þ Þ D Þ W n R Þ E n E S N T Þ Neighborhood Need Areas N Þ N A n E Þ C S RD K S Urban Need Areas ING R E Þ ND C LA D S TH Þ N NOR Þ I A R N n P å School Park 10 Minute Walk Time D P I Þ P E HOA Park 10 Minute Walk Time Þ R
R
D IND Þ IAN City Park 10 Minute Walk Time RI VER RD Military Bases Strategic Growth Areas Þ 2010 Urban Census Area
Neighborhood Need Area: stable medium to high density residential neighborhoods that were established before 1980 without park spaces. These neighborhoods are in need of small parks that are within a walkable distance from homes.
Urban Need Area: areas of the city that contain a mix of uses and housing types where the average ratio of parks to people is only .5 acres (21,780 sq. ft.) per 1,000 residents. There are approximately 28,000 residents currently living in 0 9,000 18,000 Feet the identified Urban Need Areas. Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
INNOVATION Innovative Technologies infrastructure. This corridor runs parallel for CAVs. Fiber-optic lines and 5G to the proposed Virginia Beach Trail and capabilities have the potential to send Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). the advancement of this technology electronic warnings to vehicles about The City of Virginia Beach continues will benefit cyclist and pedestrians alike hazards ahead and other information to grow its existing infrastructure and while also being integrated along the considered critical to making drivers, to enhance its Traffic Management path itself. Much of the infrastructure and eventually self-driving cars, aware Center (TMC) by creating a connected mentioned above is in place along this of nearby surroundings. V2X solutions community preparing for the deployment corridor and features some of the most will lead to vehicle-to-person (V2P) of connected and automated vehicles advanced measures taken by the City. technology. By having LTE-V2X (PC5) (CAVs). The Virginia Beach Trail is one Intelligent Transportation System interface integrated into smartphones, of the corridors identified to continue (ITS) components are an integral part the corridor will effectively integrate growth of this infrastructure. The effort of the City transportation network. those road users into the overall includes the Next-Generation Network The traffic signal network is dedicated cooperative Intelligent Transport project in 2016 implementing high speed short-range communications (DSRC)- Systems (C-ITS) solution. V2P includes communications connectivity into the ready and capable of handling the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) scenarios to City’s transportation infrastructure. deployment of vehicle-to-everything detect pedestrians and cyclists to avoid The base fiber-optic network currently (V2X) infrastructure. Future phases of crashes and injuries involving those road exceeds 100 miles and expanded by the Virginia Beach Trail will include traffic users. User test cases and pilots along the 20 percent in 2017. The city’s TMC signals at major intersections that will be connected corridor intend to include V2P spans 5,000-square feet and features a integrated into this technology. In 2019, applications. This will improve safety for video wall, 54 closed-circuit television the Virginia Beach Boulevard corridor users of the Virginia Beach Trail as they (CCTV) cameras, and four video was recognized nationally by the National cross streets. operator workstations. Networks of Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) in-ground sensors at 33 intersections on its Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) Innovative Project Delivery wirelessly relay real-time vehicle volume, Map for the planning efforts underway occupancy, and speed data back to the to create a connected corridor of more Approval Process. The City of Virginia TMC which uses technology to manage than 20 intersections equipped with 5G/ Beach has established an innovative traffic and to disseminate traffic-related DSRC roadside units (RSUs) capable of approach to the stormwater management information via dynamic messaging supporting V2X applications. approval process. Through an agreement signs to drivers throughout the city. The with the Virginia Department of Virginia Beach Trail construction will The connected corridor allows for Environmental Quality (VA DEQ), the build upon this infrastructure to expand communication and information state has transferred approval authority on the city’s investment in innovative technology to provide solutions to to the City of Virginia Beach. This technologies. congestion as well as other traffic control means that the City has been entrusted issues. This technology will play a key to approve projects in their locality for The Virginia Beach Boulevard role in connecting signals between built surface water regulation compliance corridor is part of the City’s smart grid environments and lay the foundation internally without going through the
24 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I extra step of VA DEQ approval. This Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & to fund the future sections of the Virginia has streamlined the approval process. Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings), such processes Beach Trail to create a consistent system. Furthermore, the City internally formed are cumbersome compared to the a Surface Water Regulatory Compliance material and financial gain. Partnership Division whose primary purpose is to In consideration of innovative bonds, The City recognizes that partnership review and approve all proposed projects note that the City of Virginia Beach does and support for the project is vital to its in the City for compliance with surface not have the ability to confer tax credits. success. There is a diverse support group water regulations. Having this dedicated Another typical type of innovative that has demonstrated partnership in group of technically capable staff has bond would be private activity bonds. the design to date, as well as support further expedited project approvals This would involve a private company for progressing this project through and provides consistency to all projects taking on construction and issuing the construction. The City has been within the City. City a bond on their behalf to confer the proactive in getting support for this Project Delivery. The City of Virginia City’s tax-exempt status. The City would project from many diverse stakeholders Beach is open to alternative contracting consider this type of financing method and the outpouring of support has methods as described in FHWA’s Special for a smaller project, but it is not practical been tremendous. Supporting entities Experiment Project 14 (SEP-14). The for the Virginia Beach Trail. range from citizens, to public entities, City has used alternative procurement Although the ability to innovatively to private industry. There is private methods in the past and is equipped with finance this project within the regional support from the President & appropriate staff to execute this project constraints of the local market and City CEO of Towne Bank; additional private under an alternative platform. makeup are limited, the City is well entity support from Sentara Hospital The City is also amenable to using prepared to commit to the local cost Health Center; regional support from a streamlined approach to improve share of funding to successfully finance local planning organizations like the efficiency and effectiveness of the and construct this project. In addition, Hampton Roads Transportation Planning environmental permitting and review to the City has secured numerous letters of Organization and Virginia Tourism accelerate project delivery. support from public and private entities Corporation; political support from alike. This indicates a potential for future Senator Tim Kaine, Virginian delegates, The City is open to additional and former long-time City mayor; local discussion if desired upon award. partnerships to continue the Virginia Beach Trail corridor development. The entity support from the Virginia Beach Financing. The City of Virginia Beach proposed phasing plan was specifically Planning Commission and the Central has thoughtfully considered innovative developed to generate excitement and Business District Association; individual financing options, but with its status as a public support for the Trail; this will residents that have reached out with City with means to fund a robust program further encourage private contributions personal letters of support for the (noted by its perfect AAA ratings for project – the extensive list of support is the ninth straight year, as affirmed by overwhelming.
25 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
Refer to Appendix A for more than 40 Historic Kempsville Citizen Non-federal Revenue Letters of Support from partners and Action Committee (HK-CAC) for Transportation stakeholders including: Hampton Roads Housing Company Infrastructure Investment 360 IT Partners J&A Racing The total project cost for Phase I Bike Norfolk Judeo-Christian Outreach Center is estimated to be $12.0 million. The Bikeways and Trails Committee (BTAC) Lynnhaven River Now project currently has $2.4 million in City of Norfolk Parks and Recreation local funding. It is requested that the Open space Advisory Committee remaining $9.6 million of the total Checkered Flag REI Virginia Beach project cost be federally funded by this Central Business District BUILD grant. Representative Elaine Luria Association (CBDA) SMART SCALE is Virginia’s primary Rubin Communications Group Young Professionals Central Business method of awarding transportation District Association (CBDX) Senator Tim Kaine funding. The program evaluates safety, congestion, accessibility, environmental Senator Mark Warner Chesapeake Bay Foundation quality, economic development, and City Councilwoman Barbara Henley Sentara Virginia Beach General land use coordination measures. These Hospital President measures are evaluated based on factor Delegate Glenn Davis Tidewater Trails Alliance weighting which differs based on a map of Elizabeth River Trail Foundation delineated zones. In the Hampton Roads Towne Bank Headquarters Emmanuel Episcopal Church area, safety comprises only 5 percent of a CEO and President project’s SMART SCALE score. Similarly, EWR Management Group Town Center Advisory Board economic development only accounts for Former City Council Member 5 percent of the score. Virginia Beach Trail John Uhrin on behalf of Burlage Virginia Department of Conservation Phase I is primarily a safety improvement Management Corporation and Recreation (DCR) and economic development project with many added benefits. This project Former Delegate Honorable Virginia Beach Fire Department scores well in four of the five categories, Rocky Holcomb Virginia Beach Planning Commission including the land use category due to the Former Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Parks and accessibility the trail provides. However, Mayor William Sessoms Recreation Foundation the overall project does not score well in Franklin Johnston Group Virginia Beach Residents the weighted SMART SCALE system that heavily favors congestion mitigation— Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Virginia Capital Trail Foundation weighting that factor at 45 percent. Hampton Roads Transportation Virginia Supportive Housing Since this is the Commonwealth’s main resource for allocating transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) Virginia Tourism Corporation funds, it makes securing state funding a challenge. For this reason, the BUILD
26 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I grant is a necessity for the timely completion of the project. DEMONSTRATED PROJECT READINESS Technical Feasibility Basis for cost estimate. The conceptual The two proposed bridges control the preliminary engineering that was critical path of the construction schedule Basis for design. To date, the conceputal completed for the basis of design was of the project. It is estimated that design of the Virginia Beach Trail is used to develop a cost estimate as construction of these bridges would have complete. Preliminary plans have been presented in this application. A very a duration of approximately 18 months. developed and will continue to progress detailed cost analysis was conducted The construction of the rest of the path toward final design as funding is secured. during the initial phases of development could be completed simultaneously; These preliminary concept plans provide for a design-build delivery, and therefore, the total construction time proof of concept for the engineering knowledge gained through that process is estimated to be 18 to 24 months. See feasibility. In addition, this path was has been applied forward to the current Appendix D for a detailed projected previously designed to a level adequate cost estimate. This, coupled with recent schedule. for a basis of design for a design-build project experience and knowledge of delivery method as part of a bigger light the local bidding environment, gives an Right of Way rail transit (LRT) project. There fore, it is elevated confidence in the estimated cost. anticipated that any design challenges for There are no right-of-way impacts the path only will be minimal and easily Contingency budget. A 20 percent associated with Phase I of the Virginia overcome. contingency has been included in the Beach Trail. This alleviates any right-of- project budget to cover unanticipated cost way negotiations which often threaten The City Council-appointed Bikeways increases or unexpected field conditions. project schedule. The City of Virginia and Trails Advisory Committee has The estimate has been prepared with Beach has made significant efforts and been involved throughout the past an appropriate level of detail and contributed substantial funds to achieve six years and support the design and with engineering judgement, but also this status, with the abandoned rail line Virginia Beach implementation of the conservatively estimated due to recent right-of-way now under local control. The Trail . During this process, the Virginia increases in local construction costs and history of this right-of-way purchase is Beach Police Department and Virginia updates to the most current standards. detailed in Appendix B, and summarized Beach Fire Department have also been below: engaged and provided constructive comments to guide the baseline of Project schedule December 2007: Acquisition design. Involving these stakeholders The anticipated project schedule is: Authorized early has allowed the City to incorporate 60% Engineering Design August 2010: Purchased with their input at an early phase of design Plans: Summer 2020 funds from City, State TPOF Grant, to reduce risk of design feasibility or and Hampton Roads Transit Final Engineering Design schedule impacts in future phases of Plans: December 2020 May 2017: City funds used design. to repay TPOF grant Construction: Spring 2021-End 2022
27 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I
March 2018: City funds used to repay first—and only—locality in Virginia to be permitting requirements are expected Hampton Roads Transit funds approved under the Urban Construction with the proposed work. Maintenance With this series of events, the former Initiative (UCI) Certification Program. of the drainage ditches along the path, railroad corridor purchase price of $40 The Urban Construction Initiative moves including the removal of sediment and million was covered by the City with local administration from the project mowing, may require permitting based entirely local funds. Therefore, the City level to the program level, providing on the jurisdictional determination of the can leverage the corridor for a use that municipalities with the opportunity drainage ditches by USACE and VA DEQ. to manage their entire construction will be most impactful to the residents No Right of Way Acquisition Required. As program. UCI Certification gives the City without restrictions from state or federal discussed previously, the City’s previous funding. of Virginia Beach the most autonomy purchase of the right-of-way corridor from the Virginia Department of greatly mitigates the risk of schedule Transportation (VDOT) and the Federal impacts due to elongated acquisition Required Approvals Highway Administration (FHWA) allowed Environmental Permits. Wetlands negotiations, as well as potential budget in delivering projects, with only minimal impacts due to increases in real estate or Waters of the U.S (WOUS) located oversight required. This provides the within the project corridor may not acquisition costs. In fact, having a City more efficiency and effectiveness in large investment in this corridor that is be jurisdictional to the USACE or VA program and project delivery enabling DEQ. However, based on jurisdictional currently unused is incentive to push the the City to deliver projects on a schedule Virginia waters confirmed by the USACE in construction schedule for the solely developed and managed by City Beach Trail forward to leverage the February 2016, portions may be subject staff. to permitting requirements. Permitting investment already made. requirements anticipated along the Assessment of Project Risks and Committed Local Match. As evidenced proposed corridor are summarized below: Mitigation Strategies by the letter of support from the City VMRC Permit for bridge crossing of Virginia Beach, the local funds are Preliminary Environmental Assessment. committed for this project. In addition, Nationwide Permit 3 for In 2016, a resources evaluation was the City’s outstanding credit rating ditch maintenance and work completed by WOUS and it includes the makes them a reliable contributor. near water bodies June 22, 2016, Preliminary Jurisdictional Section 4(f) Requirements. Determination for the project as a result NEPA Approval. The City is open to In accordance with Section 4(f) of the February 2, 2016 Jurisdictional a streamlined environmental review requirements, when the Virginia Beach Determination (JD) field review with the process for this project. Since the project Trail is developed in the former rail U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has not had federal funds to date, the corridor, it establishes the land use and VA DEQ. USACE determined NEPA process has not begun. However, it as a park. Therefore, if any future that most areas were not wetlands or is anticipated that a Categorical Exclusion redevelopment came to this corridor regulated waters; however, multiple would be required for the proposed that was not compatible with the areas were identified as WOUS. One area activities. Virginia Beach Trail, the 10-foot trail adjacent to Thalia Creek was identified would be required to be replaced in kind. Local Approvals. The City of Virginia as a tidal wetland. Impacts to wetlands/ The City risks this potential scenario Beach has also distinguished itself as the WOUS and resulting wetland/WOUS
28 Application for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grant Virginia Beach Trail | PHASE I if future plans led to a mass transit traffic flow, it will be unacceptable to adjacent land owners exist. These option or autonomous vehicle corridor impede traffic during daytime hours. Any encroachments are minimal in Phase I of in the future. However, the City is also disruption to Independence Boulevard the Virginia Beach Trail but will need to be committed to providing this pedestrian will need to be minimized, which could considered as future phases progress. It trail and believes that implementation of lead to increased construction costs. To is not uncommon for the City to receive the Virginia Beach Trail is the best route mitigate this risk, the City of Virginia requests from private developers to forward. Beach Traffic Engineer has been engaged establish additional permanent crossings in the design process to date and will over the Virginia Beach Trail corridor. As Maintenance of Traffic at Independence continue to be engaged moving forward. construction commences, the intended Boulevard. It is recognized that temporary In addition, the cost estimate will use of the corridor will become more maintenance of traffic at Independence consider constructability factors that may obvious and will serve as an amenity Boulevard when constructing a grade- be priced-in to a contractor’s bid. to private developments. City officials separated pedestrian crossing will be will need to control the number of Risk of potential encroachments and heavily scrutinized by the Virginia Beach crossings allowed since each crossing Traffic Engineering Department. Since crossings. In its existing condition, the introduces conflict points to the active the Independence Boulevard corridor corridor is perceived as an abandoned transportation users. is of utmost importance to vehicular right-of-way and encroachments from BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS RESULTS The project Benefit-Cost Analysis adds another component of safety by The guidance used for the preparation prepared for this BUILD grant application eliminating the road crossing of the most of the Benefit-Cost Analysis was yielded an approximate 7 percent heavily-traveled corridor in Virginia the Department of Transportation discounted ratio of 1:3.13 over a 20- Beach— Independence Boulevard. In (DOT) Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for year period. The critical element of the addition to safety, other benefits include Discretionary Grant Programs, June 2018, as project’s benefits is the safety component reduction in congestion for adjacent well as the National Cooperative Highway that will take bicyclists and pedestrians roadways, a recreation and health benefit Research Program (NCHRP) Guidelines for off a high-density traffic roadway and for residents in the nearby area of the Analysis of Investments in Bicycle Facilities, route them along an non-vehicular trail, reduction in car emissions, and 2006. Please refer to Appendix C for a pedestrian/bicyclist exclusive trail. an economic competitiveness mobility detailed breakdown of the Benefit Cost With safety being a key benefit of this benefit. Analysis. project, the proposed pedestrian bridge
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