Project Task:
93.01
Grantee:
Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission
Project Title:
York River Use Conflicts - Issue Framing and Policy Need Identification (Phase 3)
Project Description as Proposed:
As the Middle <st1:placetype w:st='on'>Peninsula continues to evolve from less rural to more suburban, conflicts between landside and waterside uses will continue to increase. This project builds off of the recently completed work of the York River Use Conflict Roundtable. A GIS analysis of study reach was completed for Phase I of the project (VA Sea Grant-funded). During Phase 2, or “the learning phase,” the MPPDC established the stakeholder committee and prepared educational materials for the Roundtable to discuss during 4-5 meetings (FY06 Task 93.01, $10,000). This project, or Phase 3, will entail Use Conflict Issue Framing and a Policy Need Identification.
Phase 3 will ensure that a comprehensive public dialog occurs to properly frame the issues and conflicts that are affecting local government’s ability to make the most of their waterfront. A York River Use Conflict Policy Recommendation Committee will be established, comprised of Roundtable members and state or federal agency representatives that will be added as needed to develop appropriate tools and policies. The Committee will address known issues and conflicts affecting the study area to ensure that a comprehensive analysis of the issues has been achieved. A comprehensive report on the recommended tools needed to manage use conflict will be produced.
The Committee will use the analysis and report to present the best enforceable policy recommendations to the Gloucester Board of Supervisors.
Federal Funding:
$30,000.00
Project Contact:
Lewie Lawrence; (804) 758-2311; llawrence@mppdc.com
Project Status:
10/1/2007 - 12/31/2008; Project Completed
Final Product Received:
Final Project Summary constitutes Final Product.
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The York River Use Conflict Committee has completed the final report and offers seven recommendations for consideration by the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors. Use conflict management will become more complex as Gloucester County transitions from a rural to a more suburban community. Using political will, courage, and consistency Gloucester County can successfully manage this transition. The York River Use Conflict Committee (“Use Conflict Committee”) recommends that the Gloucester Board of Supervisors demonstrate leadership and enact seven recommendations.
Recommendation 1 –Develop and adopt a Coastal Living Policy to educate and inform County residents. Recommendation 2 –Denote the County’s Land, Air and Water territorial boundaries in the County’s Comprehensive Plan and supporting maps. Recommendation 3 –Take no action for now regarding aquaculture within the County’s jurisdiction. Recommendation 4 –Develop and adopt a policy for the protection of working waterfronts. Recommendation 5 –Develop and adopt a Waterfront Outdoor Lighting Ordinance. Recommendation 6 –Develop and adopt a policy restricting floating homes within the County. Recommendation 7 –Develop and implement a master plan for public access infrastructure to ensure safe and equal water access for all user groups to the waterways within the County. PDC staff presented the report and recommendations to the Gloucester Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009 Mr. Woodard moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, that the seven recommendations be adopted. The motion was approved by the following vote: Mr. Allen, yes; Ms. Altemus, yes; Mr. Crewe, yes; Mr. Rilee, yes; Ms. Theberge, yes; Mr. Woodard, yes; Mrs. Ressler, yes.
Project next step- Gloucester administrative staff is developing local policy tools with an implementation schedule.
Recommendation 1 – Department of Community Education draft by June 2009.
Recommendation 2 – To be addressed in the current 2011 Comprehensive plan update by the Planning Department.
Recommendation 3 –Take no action for now regarding aquaculture within the County’s jurisdiction.
Recommendation 4 – Economic Development Department 12 months
Recommendation 5 – (Codes Compliance department August 1, 2009
Recommendation 6 – 12 months- need to establish a study committee for further study of policy alternatives.
Recommendation 7– 6 months to develop a strategy. Department of Parks and Recreation and Tourism, working with the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority.
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email:Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy toVirginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov