Category Archives: News

CSPDC Initiates Rural EV Charging Infrastructure Study

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has begun a Rural EV Charging Infrastructure Study as part of its Rural Transportation Program. The study aims to assess and plan for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure needs in the region’s rural areas. According to Virginia EV Driving data, there are currently 865 EV-driving residents in the non-MPO, rural parts of the CSPDC Region. These drivers collectively travel an average of 25,000 miles on a typical weekday and studies indicate this number is likely to increase significantly over the next decade.

This study will help strategically plan for infrastructure development by identifying optimal locations for EV charging stations, assessing grid capacity, and developing implementation strategies tailored to the unique needs of the PDC’s rural areas. The study will also involve collaborating with Virginia Clean Cities, VDOT Office for Transportation Sustainability, and localities for gathering local data and perspectives.

The study is expected to conclude in March 2025, with regular updates provided to the Rural Transportation Technical Advisory Committee. For more information, please email Garreth Bartholomew, Transportation Planner (garreth@cspdc.org).

Goodloe Joins CSPDC Staff

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Elizabeth Goodloe joined the CSPDC as our newest Regional Planner on October 1. She recently transitioned to the PDC from Albemarle County where she did site plan review and drafted ordinances. Elizabeth previously worked as Planner for Augusta County working closely with Augusta County’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance and affiliated agencies to make land use recommendations for rezonings, evaluated request for solar projects, researched and drafted ordinance amendment to the zoning code.  Elizabeth did her undergraduate work at the University of Mary Washington in Historic Preservation with an emphasis in Planning. Elizabeth is originally from Staunton, VA and now resides in Churchville, VA. In her free time, she enjoys going to coffee shops, seeking out new hiking trails, and running through Staunton. She is looking forward to assisting the PDC and the region to create healthy environments and opportunities.

CSPDC Hosts Graduate Assistant for 2024-2025 Year

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The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is excited to announce the addition of Hardi Kamali as a Graduate Assistant. Hardi brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to his role at the CSPDC.

Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at James Madison University (JMU), Hardi has an impressive background in humanitarian work, particularly in post-conflict regions of the Middle East and Africa. His certifications and training in conflict resolution, emergency response, operational information management, and livelihood projects have equipped him with the tools to navigate complex challenges in global development and public policy. In addition to his humanitarian work, Hardi has experience as a political news correspondent, where he focused on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The CSPDC has hosted undergraduate and graduate interns in the past, but this is the first time partnering with JMU to serve as a host agency for a full-year assistantship. Through this partnership the student gets an opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings while providing support to CSPDC staff on a variety of programs and projects. The collaboration between CSPDC and JMU strengthens ties between academia and local government, creating opportunities for mutual learning and community collaboration.

Hardi lives in Rockingham County with his wife and three children. Upon graduation, he hopes to use his MPA degree to engage local communities, address public issues, and develop effective solutions that enhance public policy and administration.

Please join us in welcoming Hardi to the CSPDC. We look forward to his contributions to the commission’s work in supporting the communities of the Central Shenandoah region.

45th Annual Rural Planning Caucus Conference

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From October 16-18, 2024, the Rural Planning Caucus (RPC) of Virginia will hold its 45th annual conference at the historic Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA. This year’s event will spotlight the Town of Vinton and delve into topics such as rural transportation, recreation, zoning enforcement, artificial intelligence, and legislative challenges.

In addition to engaging in discussions on rural resiliency, attendees can look forward to an annual hike and live music during the three-day gathering.

Founded in 1978 in Blacksburg, VA, the Rural Planning Caucus serves as a vital resource for planning professionals in rural and small-town settings. The organization promotes the exchange of ideas and information on planning issues that impact Virginia’s rural communities and landscapes. The RPC celebrates its 46th anniversary in 2024.

For more information and registration, visit https://rpcva.org/.

 

 

UVA Partners with CSPDC to make Afton Express Free for Employees and Students

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Beginning September 23, riders affiliated with the University of Virginia (UVA) will be able to ride the Afton Express fare-free. This benefit is provided by UVA Parking and Transportation’s new program WHAOO COMMUTE! Riders with UVA identification will simply show the driver their ID when boarding and will not need to pay a fare.

UVA has been a funding partner and proud supporter of the Afton Express since its launch in 2021. In 2020, UVA released their 2030 Sustainability Plan, which outlines the University’s goals to be carbon neutral by 2030, and fossil fuel free by 2050. Working toward those goals, Parking and Transportation is actively looking for ways to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on and around Grounds. The Afton Express plays a key role in these efforts by providing employees and students with an alternative mode of commuting to work and school.

In June 2024, Kendall Howell, Assistant Director for Parking and Transportation, presented at a Policy Board meeting of the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (SAWMPO) on the value of the Afton Express from the UVA perspective. In this presentation, Mr. Howell shared that over 1,300 UVA employees live in the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and the urbanized portion of Augusta County. That number is even greater when including the rural portions of Augusta County and the counties immediately to the north and south. “The Afton Express provides the model to which all other regional [transportation] providers can aspire for their partnership with UVA” remarked Mr. Howell.

The WAHOO Commute! Program provides benefits to UVA affiliates to encourage individuals to choose climate-friendly commute modes like biking, walking, carpooling, or riding public transit. You can learn more about the program by visiting UVA Parking and Transportation’s website at the following link: https://parking.virginia.edu/wahoocommute

CSPDC Holds Lewis Street Hub Ribbon Cutting

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On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC), with their BRITE partners, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Lewis Street Transit Hub Rehabilitation Project. Ann Cundy, CSPDC Executive Director; Zach Trogdon, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) Acting Director/Chief of Transit; and Mayor Stephen Claffey, City of Staunton made remarks.

The newly rehabilitated Lewis Street Hub now features:

  • New pavement & lighting
  • ADA-accessible sidewalks & curb ramps
  • Increased seating for passengers waiting for buses
  • Beautiful landscaping in harmony with Historic Downtown Staunton

BRITE resumed service at the Lewis Street Hub starting on Friday, August 30, and it has been received well by riders and drivers, and passersby.

The CSPDS is grateful for collaboration with the City of Staunton, along with funding and support from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and DRPT. Additional thanks to Kimley-Horn, McDonough Bolyard Peck (MBP), and WSP for their technical expertise, and Virginia Infrastructure for their great work and timely completion of the project.

 

 

Central Shenandoah Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Survey Now Available

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The CSPDC is updating its Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan in collaboration with our local government appointees and community partners. Hazard mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of disasters before they happen. Some examples of hazards and threats to consider include flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and critical infrastructure failure. Mitigation plans allow community leaders to:

  • Assess its risks and vulnerabilities to natural hazards and man-made threats
  • Create strategies to save lives, and reduce damage to properties and infrastructure
  • Become more resilient by creating an environment to bounce back more quickly after an incident
  • Gain access to State and Federal funding opportunities for pre- and post-event efforts

By completing the Public Input Survey, you will help the CSPDC gain a better understanding of the public’s perspective of how we currently manage the potential hazards and threats in our region. Access the survey here through December 15, 2024: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSHMP_Survey, or use the QR code below.

For more information, please contact CSPDC Regional Planner Rachel Kinzer at rachel@cspdc.org or (540) 885-5174 ext. 113.

HRMPO Launches Port Republic Road, Peach Grove, Neff Av Study to Address Growth and Safety

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The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (HRMPO) is set to embark on its Fiscal Year 2025 small area study focusing on the Port Republic Road, Peach Grove Avenue, and Neff Avenue corridor. This comprehensive analysis, scheduled to begin in September 2024, aims to create a forward-thinking framework for managing growth, improving multimodal transportation options, and enhancing safety in this vital area of Harrisonburg. The study area, covering approximately three square miles, centers on the intersection of Port Republic Road, Peach Grove Avenue, and Neff Avenue.

This intersection currently operates at Level of Service D during PM peak hours and has the highest crash total in the HRMPO region, with 88 crashes and 34 injuries reported from 2019 to 2023. Key objectives of the study include streamlining the land use and site plan development process, reducing uncertainty for developers and city staff, and envisioning improvements that benefit the regional transportation system. The study will analyze existing conditions, project traffic demand through 2045, and develop three to four alternative scenarios, including a no-build option.

The study is expected to conclude in spring 2025, with regular updates provided to the HRMPO board and the public throughout the process. The final report will include detailed analyses, recommended improvements, and an implementation plan to guide future development and transportation enhancements in the study area.

For more information on the Port Republic Road, Peach Grove Neff Avenue Study and upcoming opportunities for public input can be found here: https://hrvampo.org/current-studies/port-republic-road-peach-grove-neff-avenue-small-area-study/

CSPDC Celebrates 55 Years of Service to the Region!

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The CSPDC was chartered by the Virginia General Assembly in September 1969 to provide high-quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation services to its five counties, five cities, and eleven towns. For the past 55 years, the CSPDC has assisted its localities with a variety of economic and community development programs that improve the economic vitality of the region and the quality of life of its citizens.

Signature programs and projects over the years include Project Impact, Fields of Gold, BRITE Bus, Afton Express, Bike the Valley, and many, many more.