To the Massanutten Community:
I want to update you on some plans we have for the roadways for which we’ve assumed responsibility. I’ve shared with you before that our goal in our negotiations was to improve road quality and maintenance on key roads like Massanutten Drive, Del Webb, and Peak. Here is a sketch of our plans so far.
Over the next five years – specific schedules yet to be determined – we expect to invest approximately $1.4 million into roadway improvements – including the re-paving of a major section of Massanutten Drive. Other capital projects include shoulder improvements and culvert replacement and repair. Under the prior relationship, MPOA and its property owners would have been responsible for approximately $791,000 of that total.
Those estimates are limited to capital expenditures for direct improvements to the leased roads over five years; there are significant planned capital expenses further out as well.
As for equipment, we’ve already purchased an additional snowplow truck and blade, and a blade for another truck already in our fleet, along with salt/sand spreaders for both. We’ll use these to improve road management during winter storms. Our intent is for one plow truck to continuously work Massanutten Drive during snow events, with the second truck used on other roads both inside and outside of the Kettle. We will bear all related operating expenses, such as the costs of pre-storm brining ($360 per event); salting ($570 per application – typically, between $3,000 to $8,000 per storm), and plowing. MPOA will only be responsible for its residential streets, and we expect focusing its equipment there without regard to the entry corridor will improve those as well.
We’ve also assumed routine maintenance responsibilities and costs for mowing, trash and leaf pick up, guardrail installation, and maintenance and pothole repair on the leased roads. These are costs that were jointly funded previously; today, we’re funding all of it.
As previously mentioned, we’re installing new radar speed signage in two locations on Massanutten Drive. This is a joint project of Massanutten Resort and MPOA; MPOA suggested the idea and is contributing 20% of the initial cost. We’re funding the balance and all of the maintenance costs going forward.
The new relationship clarifies responsibilities and will ultimately improve road quality for both MPOA and the Resort while reducing costs for MPOA. Between capital and operating costs, the Resort expects to spend far more on the leased roads than under the old “fair share” formula, but we believe Massanutten’s main traffic arteries are worth the expenditure. We’re glad this will save MPOA and its members considerable work and expense.
As always, you’re welcome to contact me at community@massresort.com
Cordially,
Matthias Smith, VP and General Manager, Massanutten Resort
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