BAR favors stone entry wall and larger radius for Bertha Turnpike traffic circle, asks for refined designs

The Board of Architectural Review provided direction on CDA 2601, the town-sponsored design for an entry traffic circle on Bertha Turnpike near Patrick Henry College, signaling a preference for a stone-faced option with a larger radius and a two-stage design review.

Andre Broskowitz, senior director of public works and engineering, told the board the project is about "90% designed" and asked the BAR to narrow aesthetic selections so the engineering team can finalize grades and drainage. Board members discussed brick versus stone veneers, maintenance concerns (mowing access and turning radii for larger trucks), and options for a recessed bronze plaque that could be internally lit with solar uplighting. Board member Mark Rossi urged a stone treatment that connects to local quarry stone used elsewhere in town; others recommended a wider radius and a 2-foot mow strip or hardscape to reduce maintenance demands.

Ultimately the board moved to approve the town project "in general conformance" with option 5 — described on the record as a 12-inch block wall with stone veneer, a precast top to be determined, mirrored entry segments (welcome and exit), recessed bronze signage and a roughly 2-foot mow strip — and to require a two-stage design submission so final materials, exact radius and engineering details can return to the BAR for administrative review and comment. The transcript records the final vote as three in favor and one opposed on the motion to move forward with the stone-leaning option.