University of Virginia Library

Board Defends Preston Ave. Project

By Parkes Brittain
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

The Charlottesville-Albemarle
Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors last week released seven reasons
for their endorsement of the proposed
six-lane widening of Preston Avenue.

The board cited the fact that traffic
counts on Preston Avenue confirm a
definite need for a wider and much
improved thoroughfare. Secondly, the
illustrated that both Emmet Street and
U.S. 250 bypass (each four-lane, divided
highways) handle capacity traffic.

Main Street Traffic

The board also went on record as
saying that the six-lane project could help
alleviate the snarling traffic conditions on Main
Street near the University.

Seemingly in answer to criticism of the
proposed project, the board stated as a fourth
reason that Preston would not become a
highway between two cities but that it would
simply be an improved street designed to serve
current and future traffic needs.

The board added that the proposed master
plan includes a four-lane project on Barracks
Road between 10th and Emmet Streets.

Perhaps a more important reason for the
endorsement is that the cost would be much
greater at this point for the city to reduce the
project to four lanes on Preston Avenue
because it would have to pay all the costs on
the original six-lane plans as well as costs on the
revised plans for a reduced project, according to
the highway department.

Detrimental Effects

Finally, the board indicated that they feel
the four-lanes of moving traffic and two on-off
lanes are definitely necessary to insure more
efficient traffic flow.

However, according to some residents in the
area, the proposed project will have
"detrimental" effects on them and other
members of the Charlottesville community. As
a result of this controversy, the Emergency
Association to Preserve Preston Avenue -
Rugby Road - Barracks Road has been formed.
Mr. Richard Crampton, a Rugby Avenue
resident, stated at an earlier Preston Avenue
discussion with state officials that the
association has resolved to discourage arterial
highways "from bisecting our community and
destroying our neighborhoods,'

The group calls for a review of the master
plan "in order to represent best the overall
future needs of the residents of Charlottesville
with special attention given to the thoroughfare
plan."

Room for Compromise

Finally, it calls for "immediate attention
[to] be given to the key issue of the
110-foot-wide, six lane Preston Avenue
project."

Mr. Crampton added that the organization
feels the project should include new sidewalks
a widening of the avenue at the underpass, and
a widening of only four lanes necessary
between McIntire Road and 10th Street.

He said the group opposes the state's six
lane proposal "... because it will have major
detrimental repercussions throughout
Charlottesville."

Mr. Crampton proposed progress "... that
takes into account the overall well being of our
city as a whole. We would like attractive and
safe roads, sidewalks where needed and trees."

The first step in deciding the outcome of
this controversial issue will be the duty of the
Charlottesville Planning Commission. City
Manager Cole Hendrix, informing the City
Council of the decision, noted that as a result
of earlier discussion with state officials, the
issue still had room for compromise.

The Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors actually endorsed the six-lane
project last month.