Gloucester supervisors, meeting Tuesday evening in the colonial courthouse, approved a resolution related to several SMART SCALE projects from the Virginia Department of Transportation, as well as another resolution supporting participation in the proposed settlement of an opioid-related claim.
Board members considered four SMART SCALE projects: Route 17 widening and a shared-use path from Tidemill and Guinea Road; Route 17 Court House shared-use path; Route 17 and Belroi Road intersection improvements and Providence Road and Route 17 intersection improvements.
Applications for SMART SCALE projects are due Aug. 1 and a resolution of support is needed for the application process with VDOT. SMART SCALE evaluates potential transportation projects based on factors such as improving safety, reducing congestion, increasing accessibility, contributing to economic development, promoting efficient land use, and having a positive effect on the environment.
The board was in agreement with all of the projects except the Route 17 Court House shared-use path. The proposed pedestrian crossing would link those who are coming from Court House to safely cross Route 17 to get to establishments along Route 17. There would be a pedestrian hybrid beacon to let drivers know that a pedestrian is in the crosswalk. Board members were concerned about the safety of pedestrians crossing through this area and did not think it was the right solution.
There was a resolution of support for all of the projects except the Route 17 Court House shared-use path. Supervisors approved that resolution by a 6-1 margin, with Phillip Bazzani casting the lone nay vote.
Board members also voted 6-1, with Bazzani again voting no, on a resolution for the county’s participation in the proposed settlement of opioid related claims against Kroger. This would direct the county attorney to execute the documents necessary for participation in the settlement. Virginia elected to participate and the county must opt in to participate. The amount received from the settlement would be used to address the opioid epidemic through education, treatment or counseling, etc.
The Gloucester Board of Supervisors will meet next month on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. in the T.C. Walker Education Center.