Proposed changes in Herndon

A recent post on the Friends web page outlines proposed changes to the trail in Herndon. The Department of Parks and Recreation of the Town of Herndon seeks public comment on its submission of a Recreation and Trails Program (RTP) grant application to the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. At a future date, when the comment period has passed (after 9/25/12), a public hearing concerning the matter will be held. Through the installation of lighting, this project, identified in the Town’s Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2013-2017, seeks to facilitate the nighttime use of segments of the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail in the Town of Herndon. Approximately 50 light posts, in addition to the number of above-ground transformers needed to power them, are to be installed along the Trail in order to illuminate 3,800 feet of a 2.4 mile section in the Town of Herndon -- that portion which extends from Ferndale Avenue to Van Buren Street. All required wiring will be placed underground, and the lights will be equipped with timing devices in order to regulate their hours of operation. During a second phase of the project, approximately 30 more lights will be installed along an additional 2,200 feet (from Ferndale Avenue to Crestview Drive). The type of lighting fixture and the locations of the poles will be made available when the engineering design is initiated. The public may submit comments on this proposed project between 8/23/12 and 9/25/12 at 5:00 p.m. The Department of Parks and Recreation will accept these comments by postal mail (Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation, c/o W&OD Trail Lighting, Project PO Box 427, Herndon, VA 20172), fax (703-318-8652), or e-mail. All comments (1) must be made in writing, (2) must be received during the designated period, and (3) must include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of not only the commenter but also (if applicable) of any persons represented by him/her.