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 Terra Company Completes 378 Wilson Bridge RelocationsTerra Company Relocation Agents Frank Knapp and Norma Heck congratulate Elizabeth Hofman, the last occupant to vacate the Hunting Towers East Building , making way for the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Alexandria, Virginia. Terra's multi-year, multi-million dollar contract was awarded on May 10, 2000 and this phase involved the relocation of over 366 families and 12 businesses to be displaced by the Bridge Project.Terra's successful Relocation effort was accomplished in a "Fast-Track" mode with a greatly compressed schedule of just nine months. It is equally important to note that the Relocation process was executed in the face of the tightest rental housing market experienced in the past decade. 
Terra's survey of the City of Alexandria apartment market of over 20,000 units reflected a vacancy rate of less than 1% and rents were increasing on a daily basis.
Additionally, 125 of the relocatees were in efficiency type (386 sf) units at a time when there were only 20 units available. The obstacles created by the tight housing market were overcome by the institution of a "Protective Leasing Program" and the creation of an "Early Move Incentive Bonus." Both programs were blessed by both VDOT and FHWA whose wisdom and open minded creativity made it possible to complete this hugh relocation effort. The Wilson Bridge Project is the largest public works project in the mid-Atlantic region. The Project is sponsored by four cooperating agencies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA), and the District of Columbia Department of Public Works (DCDPW). These four Sponsoring Agencies are being assisted by a General Engineering Consultant, (GEC). Potomac Crossing Consultants (PCC) is the manager and coordinater of the Project.  BackTerra Joins Consortium as Right of Way Consultant for Route 28 PPTA ProjectThe Virginia Department Of Transportation (VDOT)selected a PPTA proposal submitted by a consortium, Route 28 Corridor Improvement LLC, which is led by Clark Construction Group, Inc., Shirley Contracting Corp., and Public Private Solutions, Inc. The team proposes to improve Route 28 between I-66 in Fairfax County and Route 7 in Loudoun County. The plan is to upgrade 10 intersections to grade-separated interchanges and to widen Route 28 from 6 to 8 lanes from I-66 to Route 7 by 2006.Other team members include: Dewberry & Davis, Inc., PHR&A, Trans Core, Terra Company, Inc., McGuire Woods Consulting, Inc., UBS Paine Webber, Trident Investment Group, LLC, and Commonwealth Services Company. BackCapital Beltway Row Cost Estimate Completed in Northern VirginiaStuck in traffic on the Beltway again?Although still in the concept stage, design alternatives and a comprehensive Capital Beltway Study is being developed by VDOT in conjunction with Parson's Design Group, of Fairfax, Virginia. 
As part of this study, Terra Company completed a special ROW cost study for VDOT called: Route I-95/I-395/I-495 Interchanges; Project 0495-029-F30, C501, Fairfax County, Virginia.
Right of Way and Utilities Cost Estimates for 3 alternative designs with 35 segments and 10 interchanges with 110 total R/W & Relocation Cost estimates. The ten interchanges included: Braddock Road, Little River Turnpike, Gallows Road, Arlington Boulevard, Interstate 66, Leesburg Pike, Chain Bridge Road, Dulles Access Toll Road, Georgetown Pike and GW Memorial Parkway. The three alternative designs included: Concurrent HOV lanes with 10 through lanes configured 5-5; Barrier-Separated HOV lanes with 12 through lanes configured 4-2-2-4; Express/Local with HOV, 10 & 12 lane concepts, configured 3-3-3-3. Estimates are at the 3.25 billion dollar range and could require taking more than 300 residences and businesses. Back"Early Move Incentive" Program Accelerates Relocation ProcessFHWA and VDOT approved a cash bonus program for the residential relocatees at the Hunting Towers and Hunting Terrace Apartments in Alexandria, VA. displaced by the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project.Terra Company Relocation Agents were authorized to offer displacees on this project an additional $4,000 if they were able to vacate from their apartment within 30 days after issuance of the Notice to Vacate. The bonus dropped to $2,000 if they moved within 60 days of their notice. Called the "Early Move Incentive" the program was needed to help overcome an extremely tight local housing market and clear the right-of-way on a Fast Track schedule. Coupled with a Protective Leasing Program Terra was able to complete 366 residential relocations on this project in just nine months. "It's a Win-Win for everyone! GREAT IDEAS WORK " Back1.3 Million SF Relocation Assistance Study Completed for GSA, NCR, Washington, DCThe General Services Administration (GSA) called upon Terra to help evaluate an offer to purchase their GSA Stores Depot, Parr Warehouse & Storage facility in Franconia, VA. The facility includes 1.3 million sq. ft. of warehouse, administrative & support space in 16 buildings on 70 acres. The facility was occupied by 8 Federal Agencies including: GSA, CIA, PTO, DOD, DOJ & Navy. The Terra study included appraisal and market value components; several highest & best use and alternate use studies; replacement facilities budgets on lease & construction scenarios; and a Relocation Assistance Study for the existing facility occupants in accordance with the Uniform Act. Valuation Estimates exceeded $20 million & Relocation Benefits exceeded $43 million dollars.
BackMassive Relocation Staff Assembled for Wilson BridgeRight of Way Acquisition for phase one of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project in Alexandria, Virginia precipitated the largest relocation effort noted in the Commonwealth's recent history.Buildings slated for demolition include the Hunting Towers (East Building) with 265 residential apartments; 68 units of the Hunting Terrace garden apartments; as well as the two office buildings located at 1100 & 1150 N. Washington Street with 12 business occupants. In total, 375 residents & 12 businesses were displaced and therefore are eligible for Relocation Benefits. 
To handle a relocation program of this scale, Terra assembled a staff of 19 Relocation Agents (in 12 months) from all over the USA. Additionally, an on-site project office was established and open seven days a week with extended business hours. Besides Terra's resident Virginia staff, relocation agents joined the project from Massachusetts, California, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia and the District of Columbia. Welcome to Virginia! BackTerra Selected As Row Consultant for Suitland Rd. Project in PG County, MD.General Engineering Consultant, The Wilson T. Ballard Company, has selected Terra Company as it's Right of Way Consultant for a new project starting August 2002. The Suitland Road highway improvement project is located in rapidly developing, Prince George's County Maryland, a suburban community in the Washington DC metropolitan area.Terra Company will provide title examination coordination, appraisal administration and review, document preparation, property owner negotiations, settlement services and litigation support. The local government agency is Prince George's County, Maryland, Department of Public Works. BackRobey Road in Burtonsville, MD Has 543 Acquisition CasesMontgomery County, Maryland, Department of Public Works & Transportation contracted with Terra for the Right -Of- Way acquisition for improvements to Robey Road, Burtonsville, MD. The project included 543 Acquisition Cases involving several condominium projects, private & common areas and unit owners. The Scope of work included, preliminary title work, preparation of Option Agreements, participation in public meetings, delivery of documents to owners, follow-up correspondence, preparation of Deed and Easement documents and distribution to owners for signature, and obtaining releases from Mortgage holders. BackTerra Projects Across VirgninaAugust 2002 marks Terra's sixth anniversary in the Virginia Department of Transportation's "Turn-Key Right of Way Program." We've participated in over 11 projects including 9 Turn-Key contracts involving appraisal, negotiation and relocation services.Terra has worked in four VDOT Districts: Richmond, Northern Virginia, Lynchburg, and Wilson Bridge. Our projects have been located in the Virginia counties of Chesterfield, Prince William, Fairfax, Campbell and the City of Alexandria. On these projects we have participated in over 600 appraisals, 700 negotiations and 400+ business and residential relocations. We've also done "special projects" for VDOT including several Right of Way, Utility, and Relocation cost estimates for proposed Commonwealth projects. 
Terra is an active supporter and participant at Virginia's ROW Consultant Conferences as well as at ASHTO national & Mid-Atlantic region annual meetings. Terra personnel are active in the International Right of Way Association (IRWA) and the Appraisal Institute. Terra staff hold professional designations from both organizations and have been instructors in their education programs on both the local & national level. Thank you VDOT, we appreciate your business and value our relationship! BackClick here for complete Corporate Highlights Newsletter |
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