Committee discusses scenic byway

VERNON — Members of the Corridor Management Committee, the Vernon Township Historical Society, Cindy Bloom of the NJDOT, consultants of WSP Pam Lebeaux and Debbie Hartman, Alice Brees, Sussex County planner and other interested parties on July 27 discussed the advancement of Route 515 becoming New Jersey’s new eighth scenic byway. Nominated by the historical society, Route 515 will be known as the Western Highlands Scenic Byway and will join the already established seven scenic byways throughout the state. Beginning at the turnoff from Route 23 in Hardyston Township, the byway extends into Vernon to the New York state line then creates a loop near Sand Hill Road.
The group delved into assessment and management citing extremely relevant topics concerning Route 515’s many turns and curves, road sign placement and accessibility for all modes of transportation. Back in the spring, the Corridor Management Committee executed their visual survey. They rated the 18 scenic, historic and recreational segments of the byway for vividness (wow factor), intactness (nothing infringes on the segment) and unity of scene. The committee brought up both positives and negatives of Route 515 saying that the positives were stream and mountain views, intricate old stone walls, wetlands, wildflowers and sites of historic importance. Negative aspects were mostly visibility of the modern landscape such as billboards, cell phone towers, power lines, commercial use and messy residential properties. Everyone at the meeting agreed that seasonal variation like fall foliage on Route 515 is a high mark plus.
“There should be a view from the road,” commented consultant Lebeaux. “There needs to be side pull-offs where the traveler can pull over for a sharper view.”
Lebeaux also reinforced recreation in Vernon, saying Route 515 or Western Highlands Scenic Byway will become a “Gateway to Recreation.”
Former mayor and historical society member Vic Marotta seemed excited about the new scenic byway and said, ”as the byway evolves so will the town center.”
The committee hopes to wrap up and have all approvals by June 2018. A meeting where the general public can observe plans and maps will take place this October.