BSA Informational Meeting
Meeting Notes
December 9, 2009

The introduction/welcome was presented by Judy Radford, Executive Director of 4-C EDA.

Background and brief history of project and selection process by Isaac Manning with TrinityWorks, the real estate developer working for the Boy Scouts of America (hereinafter referred to as “BSA”).

The site is 10, 600 acres, referred to as “Garden Ground Mountain”, which the BSA plans to utilize as:

Site of the National Jamboree (beginning in 2013 and held every four years)

High-Adventure Base Camp

Leadership Center

National Summer Camp

Manning explained that the development of the property will take place in phases with most of the infrastructure concentrated on the lower part of the site.  They plan on working with local contractors and dividing the project into an appropriate number of contracts as opposed to contracting all construction as one package. They are planning to use off-site regional parking areas and bus people to the site.  This will cut down on the impact to local traffic patterns and alleviate any congestion issues.  Parking areas have not been identified.

The physical attributes of the site, including proximity to whitewater rafting, endless possibilities for mountain bike trails, rock climbing and other outdoor activities all tie in with the BSA brand.  Manning explained that the BSA’s “Order of the Arrow” is anxious to get here to make this site their home and start building trails, etc.

Questions from the Audience:

Q1.  Will the facility target non-scouting youth audiences with programs?

A1.  The infrastructure will be able to support over 40,000 campers.  The site will have the ability to expand and contract fairly easily to accommodate groups of all sizes.  BSA has historically allowed some non-scouting use of its property but that has not yet been determined for this site.

Q2.  What do you not want us to do or not see happen?

A2.  We don’t want anyone coming to the facility to not know who to call to get reservations or other tourist or travel information. We have to focus on the tourism piece.  We need a seamless web-based way to get all this done and make it easy for the visitors to make their plans.

We don’t want anyone to over-build for this project.  (Example: You may need 4,000 hotel rooms and end up building 10,000).  Planning is vital.  The growth must be sustainable.

We do not want any misunderstandings based upon misinformation or assumptions.  The impact of this project has a lot of unknown for all of us. We will provide as much information as we can based upon what we know, but everyone needs to understand that projections may not always be accurate.

Q3.  Will the potential dates for the Jamboree conflict with the PGA dates at the Greenbrier?

A3.  We have asked that it be considered in setting the dates for the 2013 Jamboree.

Q4.  What is the level of off-site lodging demand year round?

A4.  We don’t know yet.

Q5.  How many parents come with their scouts and how long do they stay?

A5. Our best estimate is 20%.  We will certainly help to encourage families to come and stay longer.

BSA and West Virginia will work on co-branding to promote West Virginia and the New River Gorge Region and WV and NRG will co-brand BSA.  This is a new model; it’s not like Cimarron, NM (home of Philmont High Adventure Base Camp).  The West Virginia site will be much easier to drive to and is closer to the nation’s population center.

Philmont has 82 permanent employees and hires about 1200 additional employees during the summer season.  Philmont employees live on campus.  Our West Virginia employees will live in the community, not on-site.

Q6. Where do we tell people to send their resumes?

A6. The 4-C website will be used as a central clearinghouse for contracting information.  Requests for proposals in connection with on-site construction work will be available through the 4-C website.  The BSA hopes to hire from the local and regional markets wherever possible.  Individuals will need to seek employment from those companies who will bid on the work.  4-C will also provide links to local workforce groups who can help individuals get their resumes into the hands of prospective employers.  The BSA will have no direct employment opportunities until the facility nears completion.

Q7.  Talk about security.

A6.  BSA plans to secure and post non-trespassing signs on the site in early January.  This is because of construction equipment and activities and the potential risk to any visitors who may be unfamiliar with the area.

BSA will work closely with local authorities to ensure the site is secured as Scouts arrive, especially during the Jamboree and other periods of high usage.

BSA also has very clear rules to protect our youth, including a requirement for your protection training, background checks for leaders and a comprehensive “Guide to Safe Scouting”.  Information on these can be found on the BSA website.

Q8. Are any road infrastructure improvements for Rt. 19 and I-77 being considered?

A8. The WV DOH is conducting traffic studies to determine what improvements may be required.

Q9.  Where are you planning the regional parking areas to be located?  How many will there be and what is the size of each?

A9.  Off-site parking will be used but no detailed plans have been made.

Q10.  Can you tell us how program planning is handled?

A10.  BSA has not begun that process yet, but it will be handled separately from construction.

Q11.  What do the Boy Scouts need from our county to support the campers and their families while they are here at camp?

A11.  Visitors will need food, lodging and hospitality.

Q12.  What considerations and steps are already being made for Green thinking?  Energy generation, recycling, environmental stewardship and carbon footprint reduction from such a large group of transient/impermanent residents?

A12.  Isaac Manning stated:  From day one we have had the best experts working on planning and design concepts.  This will include such ideas as solar panels that will generate power to charge cell phones.  The Boy Scouts have always been about teaching good stewardship of natural resources and this project will be no different.  The organic trash will be composted and dumped back on the grass after the campers leave.

Q13.  Utility providers want to know when there will be meetings?

A13.  Plans to start meeting in January 2010.  Judy Radford will coordinate those meetings. Check with 4-C for more information.

Q14.  Can we have copies of the economic impact statement?

A14.  The Economic Impact Statement, done by a consultant, will be posted on the 4-C website.