Taberna Homeowners Association

Three Board members (Steve Harman, Suzanne Forsythe and I) attended the meeting Super 70 Corridor Meeting on January 31st. A number of issues were brought up form residents of Taberna and other residents and business owners in the area. I would like to share some of my observations with you.

The near-term proposed change to improve the four traffic lights from Williams Road to Thurman Road should improve the traffic flow in our area.

Expansions of the access roads may no longer be permitted due to DOT highway standards.

The long-term plan allows traffic from Taberna Road to enter Route 70 (east bound) via a slip ramp.

Traffic entering Route 70 westward, from Taberna Road is a concern. The long-term proposal includes the building of an access road that parallels the RR tracks from Gardner Rd. past Taberna Road toward Thurman Road.

Fred Morton, owner of Morton Construction, suggested not to build the by-pass road, mentioned above, but to allow construction of a Construction Grade Separation (basically a short, raised bridge) that allows traffic from Taberna to go under the road and enter the highway going west. The DOT representative indicated that this might not be possible due to the distance between Thurman Rd and Taberna Road. (their measurements indicate the roads are less than a mile away). I believe that they are just over one mile.

Although any significant changes are probably many years away, it probably is in our best interest to be on record with the commission as to what modifications we would prefer.

That a by-pass should be built around New Bern and this section of Rt 70 be retained as a local road. The most disconcerting comment that I heard from one of the staff was that they were only concerned with the access on and off of the highway. Steve Harman made the point to them that their approach only moved the potential problems to other areas. Thus the problem would not be resolved.

It is my opinion that the Commission needs to expand its vision in the area from James City to at least Camp Kiro Road. They should consider the changes that need to be made to the peripheral roads before agreeing on the proposed plans for the “70 Corridor.” At this time it is not apparent that an assessment has been made concerning these roads.

Bob Costanzo, President

Taberna HOA

January 25, 2008

To: President Bob Constanzo

Traffic studies at the 4 lights in James City, Williams, Airport, Taberna, and Thurman roads, have been completed. DOT engineer Dwayne Alligood, has recommended replacing the 4 traffic signals with new state of the art signals and a few other intersection improvements. Estimated costs is for this work is $100,000.00 and I am working with Senator Preston, Representatives Underhill and Wainwright, and DOT representative Cam McCrae to secure the funds. I will keep you posted as we progress on this project.

Steve Tyson