HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP201200010 Review Comments Special Use Permit 2012-11-07ACCREDITED LA WENFORCEMENTAGENCY
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Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Phone: (434) 296 -5807 • Fax: (434) 972 -4061
November 8, 2012
Mr. Christopher Perez
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Re: Sieg Special Event Permit
Dear Mr. Perez,
I have reviewed the Special Use Permit for the Sieg Residence on Hammocks Gap Road. The
major concern is an increase in vehicle traffic at the intersection of Hammocks Gap and Stoney
Point Road. Even by the traffic count provided by the applicant, traffic as already very high.
Stoney Point is a major secondary road that has been witness to several fatality crashes and
numerous reportable crashes throughout the past years.
The applicant provided several ideas for mitigating the concern of vehicles entering and exiting
Stoney Point Road. The first was use of "shuttle buses" that would be operated by a private
company that would ferry guests in from a predetermined location. This is a safer and for the
most part efficient plan. This would remove the instance of guests who are unfamiliar with the
area attempting to navigate the County roads and not paying proper attention to the other
vehicles. In instances of foul weather or darkness this problem would be exacerbated by the lack
of familiarity of the area on the part of the guests.
Second was the use of a traffic direction manager who would be assisted by two others. Under
the code of Virginia only Police, Fire and Recue, and employees of the Virginia Department of
Transportation (VDOT) are allowed to stop, alter, or direct traffic. The Albemarle County Police
Department routinely provides traffic direction services for special events in the County. This
service is provided on a contractual basis and is not guaranteed. Having said this, there is a
provision in the code that allows for people to be trained and certified by local law enforcement
for the purpose of directing traffic. I have spoken with the Albemarle County Sheriff's Office
about providing training. They train and certify the crossing guards that are used at some of the
County Schools. They are receptive to the idea of providing the training, for a fee, and certifying
persons for this.
This intersection is dangerous and difficult to navigate even on the best of days. I recently had to
control this intersection for a security detail and it took three Police Officers to accomplish it.
VDOT would almost certainly require trained personnel. I am a little hesitant at the prospect of
the applicant depending on either the Police or Sheriff. Both agencies are already grappling with
reduced staffing levels.
If this permit is granted I would suggest the use of the shuttle buses. This intersection is not set
up for commercial business; however the use of professional drivers may help. If we find that
people can be certified to direct traffic I would recommend that the Applicant is required to
identify and have trained 6 -8 employees that could direct traffic. When an event is being held,
three employees would be required to control the traffic. The training and required equipment
would be at their expense. Further, I would suggest very strong language that the special use
permit would be suspended immediately if it were found that the applicant did not use certified
employees. If a police officer found uncertified person(s) to be directing traffic without a
certification, a traffic summons would be issued instantly on site. I would also concur that a
traffic study needs to be conducted for the intersection. I also concur with the engineering
comments that set standards will have to be adopted, in that this will open the gate for other
permits.
Sincerely,
Sean C. Hackney
Sergeant, Traffic Unit Supervisor
Albemarle County Police Department