January 7, 2025: No pollution reported after coal train derails in Fluvanna County
Plus: Albemarle hires a consultant to conduct a master plan for the Three Notched Trail between Blue Ridge Tunnel and Charlottesville
What is the number edition of this installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement? To answer that question, it is first necessary to give the set-up to a beloved joke.
Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine.
There is no precise format for the opening statement for these newsletter, but the closer they are to a non sequitur, the more satisfying they are to the author. I’m Sean Tubbs, and I guess that’s me.
In today’s installment:
No pollution is reported after a train carrying coal derailed this morning in Fluvanna County at Bremo Bluff
Albemarle County has hired a consultant to begin work on a master plan for the Three Notched Trail to travel between the Blue Tunnel and Charlottesville via Crozet
Charlottesville property owners with public sidewalks have until 6:30 a.m. tomorrow to clear them of snow
Louisa Supervisors meet tonight and those who want to comment at four public hearings are encouraged to do virtually
The Fluvanna County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for tonight is postponed
A bill has been filed to require all localities to allow multi-family residential in commercial areas as a by-right use
A look back at the Albemarle County Planning Commission’s November 19 work session on the Comprehensive Plan update known as AC44
First shout-out: Plant Virginia Natives
The ground is now covered in snow, but that’s not going to last for long. If the winter weather has you down, perhaps you can get ready for spring and what to plant. If so, check out Plant Virginia Natives!
Plant Virginia Natives is part of a partnership with ten regional campaigns for ten different ecosystems across Virginia, from the Northern Piedmont to the Eastern Shore. Take a look at the full map below for the campaign for native species where you are in the Commonwealth. For the Charlottesville area, download a free copy of the handbook: Piedmont Native Plants: A Guide for Landscapes and Gardens.
Coal train derails this morning at Bremo Bluff
A coal train traveling through southeastern Fluvanna County derailed early this morning, according to the Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office.
“Multiple loaded coal cars have been confirmed as having overturned,” reads an information release.
Multiple public safety responders were on hand to assist with the situation and help with assessment.
“There have been no injuries reported and at this time no immediate environmental concerns have been found,” the release continues. “Representatives from CSX are on-scene and evaluating recovery and cleanup plans.”
According to an article on trains.com, the derailment occurred on CSX’s Rivanna Subdivision about 66 miles west of Richmond.
By the afternoon an incident report was published on the website of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The derailment occurred at Mile Post CAB61 in Bremo Bluff and no pollution has been reported so the incident was closed.
“Per CSX, no release of coal or hazmat,” reads a note. “All cars were upright.”
No water bodies were threatened according the DEQ report.
Work to begin on master plan for Three Notched Trail
In the summer of 2022, Albemarle County learned it had been awarded $2 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plan for a shared use path plan from the Blue Ridge Tunnel to Charlottesville through Crozet. The project name is the Three Notched Road.
As 2025 gets underway, Albemarle has selected the firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) to conduct a master plan that will take just under two years to complete.
“This path will connect residents and visitors to education, employment, and recreational opportunities in western Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and Nelson County,” an information release quotes Jessica Hersh-Ballering, a principal planner in Albemarle.
The technical work will identify an alignment for the trail and identify which segments might be built first. There will be public meetings, an online survey, and other ways to get community feedback. To actually build the trail, the county and other stakeholders will need to identify funding.
The idea dates back to a concept developed in the early 1990’s by the Rivanna Trails Foundation.
Snow on Charlottesville sidewalks must be cleared by early Wednesday morning
Charlottesville City Code requires property owners to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks on their sidewalk within 24 hours of the end of a storm.
“The City Manager has declared 6:30 AM on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 to be the official end of snowfall,” reads a press release sent out this morning. “Snow must be removed from sidewalks by 6:30 AM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.”
Under the city code, a warning could be issued for each violation and would give property owners 24 hours to comply. If the snow still isn’t shoveled, the city’s director of Neighborhood Development Services may hire someone to do the work with the payment to be collected from the property owner.
Louisa County encouraging public to use virtual comment for tonight’s public hearings
The Louisa County Board of Supervisors will hold four public hearings tonight and the elected officials are concerned about the weather.
“With impacted road conditions, the Board encourages citizens to consider virtual participation options rather than traveling to the county’s Public Meeting Room,” reads an alert sent out this afternoon.
All meetings are live-streamed in Louisa County.
There are four public hearings, as written up in this week’s Week Ahead.
The first is on proposed amendments to the Land Development Regulations including one that would remove the Virginia Department of Transportation’s involvement in review of county site plans. There’s a story here I have on a long list of ones to pursue. (read the memo)
The second is for a rezoning application for LA Resort LLC to seek an increase from 96 units to 124 units for a planned unit development at Lake Anna. (read the memo)
The third is related to abandonment of public right of way for public use that was dedicated as part of the Cutalong Consolidated. (read the memo)
The fourth is related to a proffer amendment requested by the owner of Cutalong Consolidated. (read the memo)
Virtual public comment can be made in two ways. First, people can send an email to info@louisacounty.com and those received by 5 p.m. will be acknowledged and read into the record.
Second, at a certain point, “citizens may call 929-777-2491 and enter 563246080#. A Microsoft Teams link will also be available at that time. Individual Speakers are given up to 3 minutes to address their remarks.”
Fluvanna County Planning Commission meeting postponed
The Chairman of the Fluvanna County Planning Commission has opted to cancel tonight’s meeting due to the aftermath of the late weekend winter storm. A special meeting will be called for January 14 but Barry Bibb said some items will be continued to next month.
“All public hearings advertised to be heard on January 7, 2025 will be readvertised for a public hearing on February 11, 2025,” Bibb wrote in a message sent out this afternoon.
Next week the Commission will hold their organizational meeting, hold a work session on subdivisions and special events, and discuss further amendments to the zoning code.
Bill filed in General Assembly to require multifamily housing in commercial areas
In Virginia, the power of a locality to regulate where buildings go is influenced by legislation that passes through the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
For instance: in the last decade, Fluvanna County was required to allow something called rural cluster developments because of a law that required counties to have that policy in place if they grew between ten percent in between Census counts. In December, Fluvanna Supervisors eliminated rural clusters because they did not grow was much between 2010 and 2020.
On January 21, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a provision “to remove new residential uses from permitted and conditional uses in the commercial zoning districts” according to a public notice in the January 6 Richmond Times-Dispatch.
That would be in the opposite direction of a bill filed by Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D-16) that would require every locality to allow residential as a by-right use in any commercial district. SB839 bill would also require a locality to create a fast-track program if certain criteria are met.
“Any residential development pursuant to the authority granted in this section that dedicates a minimum of 10 percent of the total number of housing units to households with a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income shall be granted an accelerated plan review and permit approval process by the locality's staff,” reads a portion of the bill.
Definitely one to track this year.
Another subject area to track this year is legislation related to data centers. For instance, HB1601 from Delegate Joshua Cole (D-65) would require a locality to conduct a site assessment for the sound profile of any “high energy usage facility” as well as the proposal’s effects on water, agricultural resources, parks, registered historic sites, or forestland.
Here are some other bills that are pending:
HB1598 from Delegate Joshua Cole (D-65) would create a one-time income tax deduction of up to $10,000 for expenses related to a household’s first purchase of a home between 2025 and 2029.
HB1585 from Delegate N. Baxter Ennis (R-89) would make it illegal to sell or distribute weight loss and muscle building products to people under the age of 18.
HB1589 from Delegate Wren Williams (R-47) would increase the number of people on the Parole Board from five to ten members.
SB835 from Senator Scott Surovell (D-34) would create the Virginia College Opportunity Endowment and Fund with an initial deposit of $500 million.
SB836 from Senator Danny Diggs (R-24) would amend the charter for the City of Poquoson would give the city council the authority to expel a member of an appointed board or commission if four out of seven councilors agree.
SB837 from Senator Glen Sturtevant Jr. (R-12) would lower the minimum age to obtain a concealed handgun permit from 21 to 18.
However, SB848 from Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) would prevent anyone under the age of 21 from buying a handgun or assault firearm.
Also on the topic of firearms, SB849 would require the Department of State Police to issue a nonresident concealed handgun permit 90 days after an application has been made if action has not yet been taken. The bill also requires the permit to be revoked if it turns out the holder isn’t eligible. Diggs is the chief patron
HB1622 from Delegate Amy Laufer (D-55) would make it a civil penalty to leave a firearm unattended in a motor vehicle.
HB1607 from Delegate Dan Helmer (D-10) would prohibit the sale of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices. Helmer also filed HB1608 that would establish a code of conduct for people in the business of selling firearms.
HB1594 introduced by Delegate Nadarius E. Clark (D-84) would require the next budget bills of the next governor to include funding to bring teacher salaries up to the national average.
Clark also filed HB1618 which would require the Commissioner of Health to convene a working group to study microplastics in drinking water.
HB1621 from Delegate Amy Laufer (D-55) would require the State Board of Community Colleges as well as the boards of all higher education facilities to appoint a non-voting member who represents the faculty.
Second shout out: Camp Albemarle
Today’s second subscriber-supported public service announcement goes out to Camp Albemarle, which has for over sixty years been a “wholesome rural, rustic and restful site for youth activities, church groups, civic events and occasional private programs.”
Located on 14 acres on the banks of the Moorman’s River near Free Union, Camp Albemarle continues as a legacy of being a Civilian Conservation Corps project that sought to promote the importance of rural activities. Are you looking to escape and reconnect with nature? Consider holding an event where the natural beauty of the grounds will provide a venue to suit your needs. Visit their website to view the gallery and learn more!
Albemarle Planning Commissioners request different designations of for different kinds of rural land
The Albemarle Board of Supervisors officially kicked off the review of the county’s Comprehensive Plan on November 3, 2021. Just over three years later, the creation of what’s being called AC44 continues slowly. The second of four phases of the state mandated update wrapped up last spring and the third got underway last summer after staff made a few changes to the format but not the content.
On Wednesday, the Board of Supervisors will hold a work session on the draft chapter of the rural area land use chapter. Since 1980, Albemarle has had a growth management policy in place that only allows for intense development on around five percent of the county’s 726 square miles.
Before the Board’s discussion this week, it is worth revisiting the November 19, 2024 work session at which the Albemarle Planning Commission had their review of the draft chapter of the rural area use land chapter.
At the start, Commission Chair Fred Missel pointed out two decisions on the rural area made by consensus so far.
For instance, further study will be required before any zoning changes are suggested for the areas identified in the Comprehensive Plan as Crossroad Communities. However, the Board agreed that small-scale uses such as doctor’s offices and other professional offices would be acceptable.
The two bodies have also agreed that there should be small area plans conducted for two of the four rural area interstate interchanges. These would be at Shadwell and Yancey Mills, with Yancey Mills prioritized first.
The process is slow because each work session is only seeking input on specific areas of each chapter, extending broad conversations against multiple work sessions.
“We'll be focusing on just policy and tools, not getting into the goals, actions, objectives,” said Tanya Swartzendruber, the county’s long-range planning manager.
The Planning Commission got into the goals, actions, and objectives on December 10. At the beginning of the November 19 meeting, Swartzendruber listed some of the reasons the county has sought to protect the rural area.
“Forty-six percent of the land is within our water supply watershed and over 65 percent of the rural area has important soil for agriculture,” Swartzendruber said. “Thirteen percent of the rural area has already been converted to other uses other to residential and other non-rural uses.”
Swartzendruber said farms in Albemarle County brought in $43.2 million in 2022, a figure that comes from the 2022 Agricultural Census conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (take a look at the data for Virginia)
One future planning effort that will take place whenever AC44 concludes is to conduct a rural area use land plan. The phrase “crossroads communities” will be discarded from AC44 document in favor of the term “rural communities.”
Swartzendruber noted that a large number of people live in Albemarle’s rural area.
“Forty-three percent of our population lives in the rural area and while we don't necessarily want to encourage new non-residential uses, we do want to support our residents that already live there,” Swartzendruber said.
The current direction is to require special use permits for non-residential and non-agricultural uses in the rural area.
Commissioner Lonnie Murray said the original Comprehensive Plan from 1971 had a future land use map that showed areas for agricultural and ones for conservation. He would like to see that restored because different uses might be allowed in each, similar to what Greene County has in place.
“We need to go back to something like this,” Murray said. “Talking about what we expect in the conservation district, in the agricultural district.”
Commissioner Firehock said she would support such a move.
“That is a useful tool because it then says like in a conservation zone, this is a more sensitive area and it's already enumerated why that is,” Firehock said. “And therefore you're going to be a little more restrictive in how you would zone that or it's an agricultural zone and it therefore needs more services related or whatever.”
Commissioner Luis Carrazana also supported the idea because he said it might help add more detail and nuance to the concept that 95 percent of Albemarle’s land is just “green” on the future land use map.
“I think it's misrepresentative to just say there's 95 percent in green and for, because people take that to think, well, we have all this land that we're not using,” Carrazana said. “Well, a lot of that land you really can't use for, for development. You certainly wouldn't in good conscience. So I do think that is an important step that I'm certainly in full support of.”
At this meeting, the five Commissioners present also discussed what the Comprehensive Plan should say about agritourism in the county and whether many of those uses really support agricultural businesses.
There was another discussion about what changes might be required to encourage some housing in specific locations. Currently Albemarle County requires a minimum of a two acre lot in the rural area. Planner Ben Holt explained why.
“Some of that is for practical purposes because most of these properties will need septic fields,” Holt said. “It requires a certain amount of land specifically with the drain fields and a drain field reserve. The other thing is discouraging public water and sewer within the rural area, both to keep infrastructure costs down and to discourage sprawl.”
Commissioner Firehock said the difficulty of developing in the rural area was partially intended to direct growth into the areas designated for intensity of use. She said there’s a chart in the 2018 Biodiversity Action Plan worth noting.
“It just shows when the county adopted these new policies, you see the trend line and when [the county] started doing a lot to encourage development in the urban ring, the trend line went right up to the urban ring and started going flat for the rural areas,” Firehock said. “So the policy worked.”
Firehock said the Comprehensive Plan should continue to discourage people from moving to the rural area because it will mean the need for more services such as additional school buses. However, she did suggest additional support for programs to rehabilitate existing homes in the rural area to keep them as viable structures.
When Commissioner Clayborne asked about solar uses in the rural area, he was told by Planning Director Michael Barnes that would come up in the Resilient Communities chapter which will come up in April 2025. He also added the Planning Commission will soon review changes to the county’s solar ordinance.
The Planning Commission reviewed the draft Environmental Stewardship chapter on December 10. I hope to get to that one as well.
Reading material:
Charlottesville giving out dozens of e-bike vouchers, Amaya Mitchell, WVIR 29News, January 2, 2025
Morning Digest: Virginia Democrats seek to protect legislative majorities in first special elections of the year, David Nir and Jeff Singer, The Down Ballot, January 7, 2025
Three special elections could tip control of General Assembly, or keep things as they are, Cardinal News, January 7, 2025
Seven Eight Nine is winding down
Another edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement written while performing caretaker duties for my dad as he recovers from something that happened. This is a direct thank you to everyone who contributes financially to this newsletter because that is what has allowed me to help out. It’s been a very humbling experience.
Over the past two years since this chapter of my parents’ lives began, I’ve learned how to build systems to guide whatever time I have available to work. I’ve been able to continue to work, responding to adversity with innovation and learning to push past obstacles. Somehow that’s the spirit I got from my father, and I may be here a while but I continue to push forward with work.
Here are some ways you can help make sure this work continues:
Sign up for a paid subscription through Substack. There is not much premium content because my primary aim is to get information out to as many people as possible.
Contribute through Patreon. A major goal this year is to replace this with a way to make a tax-deductible donation, but that’s not set up yet. If I had more time, I’d make more audio programs through Patreon.
Send in a check made out to Town Crier Productions at PO Box 1754, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902
Ask me about advertising opportunities! Later this month, advertising will begin to appear on Information Charlottesville and I’m hoping it can have the same style as the shout-outs.
Volunteer to design some logos because I’m very bad at graphics!
Tell friends about the work!
And behold part of today’s writing soundtrack: