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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201500012 Staff Report 2015-10-06 (3)Rio -29 Interchange Signage Business Outreach Findings Summary From June through August 2015, Community Development and Economic Development staff organized multiple outreach activities to give businesses within the Rio -29 interchange project limits the opportunity to provide feedback on the impacts of construction on their business signage and to discuss their signage needs prior to, during, and after construction. During the three month period, the County canvassed over 200 businesses, distributed over 160 surveys, and hosted four drop -in sessions, two focus groups, and one open house. A detailed summary of the County's outreach activities can be found in Table 1. Business Signage during Construction The majority of project - related concerns shared by area businesses focused on the period prior to and during construction of the Rio -29 interchange. Primary concerns related to business visibility; customer, employee, and delivery truck access; the potential for driver confusion associated with a construction zone and altered traffic circulation patterns; and perceptions that businesses will be closed or go out of business as a result of construction. To address some of these concerns, a majority of businesses favored an extension of the 60 day temporary sign period to allow for additional marketing opportunities leading up to and through construction. Some felt that this should be an additional sign allowance so that the remaining six temporary sign permits could be retained for promotional efforts outside of the construction period. When asked how to address the possible consequence of a proliferation of signage if the temporary sign period were extended for all 200+ businesses within the project limits, several businesses expressed support for group sign solutions that encourage multiple businesses to aggregate their temporary signage, particularly those located within a single shopping center. One business suggested allowing additional sign area for businesses who aggregate their signage, while another proposed a minimum spacing requirement between temporary signs. Other suggestions relating to temporary signage included waiving temporary sign permit fees during the construction period, increasing area and height allowances for all temporary signs, and allowing temporary signage to be posted along detour routes to assist motorists in locating businesses. Business Signage after Construction Far fewer businesses shared concerns about impacts to their permanent signage once construction is complete. Some felt that the visibility of their business would be impaired by the retaining walls separating through traffic from local lanes once the grade- separated interchange is constructed. Other concerns included the introduction of new right -of -way signage and its impact on a customer's ability to locate a business once traffic circulation patterns have changed. Some felt that temporary signage post - construction was equally important in order to let people know that businesses have survived construction and are still open for business. Table 1. Route 29/ Rio Interchange Signage Business Engagement, June —August 2015 Activity Time Location Goals # of Businesses Reached Email/ letter June 18 — N/A One page letter to inform businesses about 280 to Tier 2 mailing what we are doing with regards to signage, businesses June 19 — upcoming opportunities to be involved & email contacts for signage questions Direct people to website for info on signage & business assistance Canvassing June 24 Tier 2 area Publicize drop -in sessions 280 Sign Survey N/A N/A Gather feedback about concerns related to 160 impacts of interchange construction on business signage Gather input related to business signage needs during & after construction Drop -in June 25 Hardee's Educate businesses about current sign 14 hours 10 -11:30 allowances & plans for VDOT signage Gather feedback about concerns related to June 26 2- Sultan Kabob impacts of interchange construction on 3 business signage Jimmy John's Gather input related to business signage June 29 3- needs during & after construction 4 Kirt's Ice Recruit for focus groups Cream Promote/ answer questions about Business June 30 4- Assistance Plan 5:30 Focus July 30 & Northside Engage businesses in affected corridor 3 group(s) 31 library Gather feedback about concerns related to impacts of interchange construction on business signage Gather input related to business signage needs during & after construction Canvassing August 6 Tier 2 area Publicize open house 280 Open house August 12 Northside Share information on County sign 30 library regulations Showcase County Business Assistance Plan Showcase GSI project design & construction schedule & right -of -way signage plan Gather input related to business signage needs during & after construction