How has the Project Team identified the cultural resources that may be affected by the Route 250 Bypass Interchange at McIntire Road Project?
A cultural resources survey (Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation) was conducted by members of the Project Team to identify historic resources, including archaeological sites, landscapes, structures and buildings that are listed in or may be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Elements of the survey include:
- The Team researched the history of the region and the project area to provide an historic context within which historic resources may be identified.
- Known resources were identified by conducting a search of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR). These two sources contain all previously identified resources (both standing structures and archaeological sites) within the project area.
- In addition to known resources, newly-identified standing structures and landscapes were recommended eligibile for listing on the NRHP. A survey team canvassed the Area of Potential Effect (APE) to identify new structures that meet the criteria for eligibility.
- An archaeological survey team investigated the area within the potential limit of ground disturbance for the alternatives to identify potential archaeological sites.
What cultural resources were identified that may be affected by the project?
The project team identified three historic properties that are listed on or eligible for listing in the NRHP that may be affected by the project alternatives. No new potential archaeological sites were identified.
- Charlottesville - Albermarle County Courthouse Historic District. This District has three contributing elements within the APE:
- 807 Park Street (listed in the NRHP)
- 501 Park Hill (determined eligible for the NRHP)
- 502 Park Hill (determined eligible for the NRHP)
- Covenant School - determined eligible for the NRHP
- McIntire Park Golf Course landscape - determined eligible for the NRHP
What are the potential impacts of the alternatives on cultural resources?
Potential impact to historic resources are described in the Environmental Assessment and were presented at the November 1, 2007 Public Hearing. Through continued coordination with VDHR, comments received from the public on the EA and from the Public Hearing, and comments from consulting parties, an effects determination will be prepared for each historic property following identification of a Preferred Alternative.
What is the Section 106 Consultation and Consulting Parties Process?
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires Federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and provide the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment (36 CFR Part 800). The regulations also require coordination with the public and other consulting parties.
The Project Team has been conducting Section 106 Consultation with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources since 2006 with the VDOT State Environmental Review Process. Public input has been requested during two public informational meetings and the NEPA Public Hearing (November 1, 2007). Following the Public Hearing, the Project Team expanded the consultation process to include other Consulting Parties.
Consulting Parties are individuals or organizations who have a legal or economic relation to the undertaking or who have demonstrated interest in the undertaking’s effect on historic properties.
The Consulting Parties Process for this project involves coordination on the Area of Potential Effect (APE), historic properties within the APE, potential historic resource avoidance and minimization alternatives, effects to historic properties and treatment of potential adverse effects. Consulting Parties coordination meetings are being held to review the technical information, answer questions, and receive comments on the Section 106 process.
Products
Phase I Cultural Resources Investigation Route 250 Bypass Interchange at McIntire Road Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia, February 2007
VDHR, April 19, 2007 Letter Response to Phase I Investigation
Additional survey information submitted to VDHR August 2007:
VDHR, September 4, 2007 Letter Response to additional survey
Regulations and Guidelines
National Historic Preservation Act
Section 106 process from the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 800)
US Department of Transportation Act, Section 4(f) |
