March 2009 – The Observer

How is the Rt. 340 Corridor from Harpers Ferry to Charles Town like a Cheat Mountain salamander?
Both are endangered species.
 
Once a scenic, rural entry into Jefferson County, the Rt. 340 Corridor is in danger of becoming an ugly jumble of commercial buildings , unattractive signage and endless traffic lights.
 
Known in the planning trade as “strip commercial”, this pattern of development destroys community identify. Franchise retail brings franchise design; the unqiue character of an area is lost to corporate “one size fits all” landscaping and layout. This pattern of development can be seen at the western end of the corridor, on the outskirts of Charles Town. Grocery stores, gas stations, fast food outlets and dozens of other freestanding buildings welcome motorists to “Anywhere, USA.”
 
Many feel that strip commercial will eventually overtake all 6 miles of the Rt 340 Corridor, from Charles Town to Harpers Ferry. I disagree. There is still time to realize an alternative future. The first step is to prepare a comprehensive plan for the entire corridor.
 
The need for planning in the corridor is not new. Back in 1989, I joined other county residents to express concern about Rt 340 becoming “McHighway” and to encourage a plan for the corridor. In 2002, a planning report funded by the Jefferson County Commission recommended a “Historic Gateway Special Study” to link the historic main street of Charles Town to the historic character of the Harpers Ferry experience. The 2004 County Comprehensive Plan recommended a study of the US 340 Corridor “including land use, viewscape, economic development and traffic design and management in order to create an effective strategy for the long term management of this important mixed use corridor.”
 
We have planned to plan the Route 340 Corridor long enough. Now is the time to take action. This plan is one of the top priorities of the Jefferson County Planning Commission and I support its completion in the next year.
 
What should be part of the plan for the Rt 340 Corridor? First, the plan must include an overall landscaping and design plan that will unify the character and image of the corridor. The proliferation of signage must be addressed. Second, the plan should encourage mixed use development that emphasizes employment and residential uses. We have enough strip commercial; let’s focus on jobs and housing. Third, the plan should identify areas for parkland to provide recreation for future residents of the corridor and the county. Fourth, all the development in the corridor should be linked by sidewalks, trails and greenways. Finally, the plan must be prepared in collaboration with the municipalities of Harpers Ferry, Bolivar, Charles Town and Ranson. A common vision for the Rt. 340 Corridor should guide all development regardless of whether a property is under county or municipal control.
 
Helping the Cheat Mountain Salamander crawl off the threatened and endangered list will require the involvement of concerned citizens and a plan for protecting its habitat.
 
Keeping Route 340 an attractive, vibrant and visually pleasing corridor requires the same care.