May 15, 2024: Charlottesville Area Transit seeking input on transit strategic plan
Plus: More information about a home demolished in late April without city permission
When in the course of human affairs it becomes necessary to travel to witness the sharing of information about a specific topic pertaining to climate action, Charlottesville Community Engagement stands ready to break format to head out on a trip to Illinois to follow a group of city and county officials. A delegation is off to visit the community around the University of Illinois to learn about how they’re making changes to their fleet. I’m Sean Tubbs, preparing you for a small break in the space time continuum. After all, they’re an hour behind.
In this edition:
There’s more time to take a survey on potential transportation project in the Ivy Road / Old Ivy Road areas
Charlottesville Area Transit is seeking input on a draft strategic plan for the next ten years
Charlottesville’s transportation planning manager gives Council an update on various projects under development
The city is awaiting an updated building permit from the property owner who tore down a house in the North Downtown neighborhood without permission
Albemarle County has $100,000 in grants for projects that lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
First shout-out: League of Women Voters seek entries for poster contest
In today’s first Patreon-fueled shout-out: Every election is important and every vote matters. To get out the word and increase voter registrations, the League of Women Voters of Virginia is holding a poster contest for middle and high school students on one of four themes;
Voting is Important in Our Democracy
Voting Requires Following Specific Laws
Voting and a Vote Should Depend on True Not False Information
Every Vote will be Handled Legally, Carefully and Counted Correctly
The deadline is June 30, 2024.
Entries must be non-partisan and support no campaigns or political parties. Entries must also look visible when blown up to 22 by 28 inches. For more detailed information on the themes and how to submit, visit the League of Women Voters website at lwv.org.
Ivy Road pipeline survey extended until May 17
Before this edition starts, the Virginia Department of Transportation has been conducting a “pipeline study” in the Ivy Road / Old Ivy Road corridors. A survey to get public feedback has been extended through May 17. For more information, here are a stories I’ve written about the area and the study: (take the survey)
UVa making plans for Ivy Garden redevelopment, June 9, 2021
Albemarle Supervisors approve 525 units on Old Ivy Road, March 2, 2023
Albemarle Supervisors briefed on transportation planning including Old Ivy pipeline study, April 12, 2023
“Pipeline” studies continue for future projects for Barracks Road, Old Ivy Road, February 5, 2024
VDOT seeks input on Ivy Road projects, May 9, 2024
Transportation planning manager updates Charlottesville City Council on existing projects
As Charlottesville seeks a future with more residential density with fewer places for people to park their personal vehicles, the city must first build the capacity to build transportation projects to give people options on how to get around.
On May 6, city officials briefed the City Council on a recent past where too many projects worth dozens of millions of dollars were taken on with very little sign of progress.
“The point of the matter is that we’re trying to turn this around in a way that one, we can deliver the projects that we’ve already committed to, but two, we can handle the projects that we know everybody wants us to be able to take on,” said City Manager Sam Sanders.
Sanders said the city will be more selective in what projects it takes on and he’s less interested in finding someone to blame.
“There are so many different ways and places I could point but it’s just not important at this time,” Sanders said.
The first half of the presentation talked about the structure. In the second half, transportation planning manager Ben Chambers talked about specific projects. These can be divided into streetscapes, trails, intersections, and bridges.
The city has six current streetscape projects, four of which are in the design and right of way phase. The other two are projected out into the future. Three of the four that are in design date back to the first Smart Scale round with funding awarded by the Commonwealth Transportation Board in 2016.
“We started these projects back in the mid-2010’s,” Chambers said. “These are larger scale efforts looking at corridors, our major corridors in the city, and looking at turning them into a place. Making bike/ped improvements. Upgrading traffic patterns. Basically beautifying these corridors and making them welcoming to everyone.”
One of these is the Emmet Street Streetscape, which means the city’s funding assists the University of Virginia with their massive redevelopment of the Emmet / Ivy Corridor. The Fontaine Avenue Streetscape will also help provide better connectivity between UVA’s central campus and the new $300 million Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
Chambers began his list of updates with the East High Streetscape, which is one of those projects that dates back to 2016. It has been delayed in part due to the need to finish the Belmont Bridge first.
“It goes from Market Street down to Locust Avenue,” Chambers said. “This will give us new multimodal improvements along that corridor and make it safer for bikes and pedestrians. We’re looking at a winter completion in 2026 for this project. Currently it’s in the right of way phase.”
Fontaine Avenue is at the 60 percent design phase and negotiations to acquire right of way have not begun. There will be sidewalks on both sides of the road, bike lanes, and dedicated parking spaces. Chambers said this is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026.
There are two phases for Emmet Street. The first goes from Ivy Road to Arlington Boulevard and Chambers said the right of way phase is underway now. He anticipates a completion in the spring of 2026.
“The second phase, the funds come online this year so we’ll begin design work on that,” Chambers said. “Overall we’re looking at a corridor between Barracks and Ivy that will have improved bus stops, a shared use path, landscaping, pedestrian improvements at crossings, and a tunnel that goes underneath the railroad tracks there between Ivy and Barracks Road.”
Loosely connected is a shared-use path that will climb halfway up Barracks Road from Emmet Street. Chambers said this is also in the right of way phase with an anticipated completion in fall of 2026.
Another streetscape is on Ridge Street with Smart Scale funding being awarded in 2020. This project combines two other into a single project and design work will begin this year.
In 2021, City Council canceled the West Main Streetscape and committed local money to the work going on at the moment to expand Buford Middle School.
Council also canceled a funded Smart Scale project at the intersection of 10th and Grady and the Commonwealth Transportation Board discussed the matter in September 2022. Even without the $6.1 million, Charlottesville is proceeding with an improvement at this location anyway.
“This is a much simpler version where we’re just trying to make sure that there are pedestrian crossings that are available, there are [Americans with Disabilities Act] ramps that are available,” Chambers said. “A much smaller project, a much smaller footprint, but should make things a little bit more accessible for everyone.”
The project is currently in the right of way phase and Chambers said he anticipates completion next spring. Further to the east on Preston Avenue, there’s a project to make similar upgrades at the intersection of Preston and Harris Street.
Other projects:
There’s another intersection project underway at Monticello Avenue and 2nd Street SE that will reduce the lengths of the crosswalks. Chambers said he anticipates that will be completed by the fall
A shared use path on Rugby Avenue is anticipated to be completed in early fall of this year.
A pathway between Washington Park and Madison Avenue is expected to be completed in early fall of this year
The Meadowcreek Valley Trail is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025
A traffic signal is going back to the intersection of Rose Hill and Rugby Avenue but this time with better signals for pedestrians on their way to school. You may remember this was converted to a four-way stop in late summer 2022. (archived press release)
A bridge that crosses the U.S. 250 bypass at Dairy Road will be replaced by the summer of 2027
Total completion of the Belmont Bridge is expected in June but the final blacktop can’t be done until it is warm enough overnight for it to settle
Charlottesville’s bus system seeks input on transit strategic plan
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation requires transit systems in the Commonwealth to come up with a strategic plan to guide progress over the next ten years.
“This presents [Charlottesville Area Transit] with an opportunity to evaluate and update our services and network to respond to changes in our community,” reads the website for the transit strategic plan.
This is the first such plan completed by CAT as a new process replaces an earlier one that required a transit development plan. The agency hired Kimley Horn to produce the new strategic plan.
Public input is being taken at a time when CAT is awaiting new drivers and buses to be able to begin to implement route changes that were tacitly approved by Council in May 2021. These are known to CAT as the “System Optimization Plan.”
Now there’s an initial draft of the transit strategic plan out for public feedback through May 31.
To recap, CAT has been on “extended lifeline service” since the pandemic with no Sunday service. The draft strategic plan explains that the System Optimization Plan will be implemented in phases dependent on staff and funding.
The first phase of short-term improvements would:
Split the current route 2 into two legs which would have the effect of bringing two-way service to Avon Street Extended and extend service to Mill Creek. The service would also pass by Monticello High School.
Route 11 would be realigned to stop at the Center at Belvedere. Bus service was originally a condition for capital support from City Council but the extension has been delayed.
Route 6 service along Prospect Avenue and Ridge Street is to be improved to two buses an hour to provide 30-minute service. It’s important to note this route’s connection to the University of Virginia hospital is slated to eventually will be removed in phase 3 which could be many years away.
Sunday service would be restored on the free trolley-style bus, Route 2A, and the version of Route 7 that goes by Route 12
Take a look at page 8 of the draft plan for more details. Scroll down through the document to get a look at all of the system revisions that are planned.
Some other elements in the plan:
Fare-free service is expected to last until at least June 30, 2026. That’s when current grants will run out. Fun fact: The seventh story I wrote for Charlottesville Tomorrow in May 2007 was on the desire for fare-free service. (go read it)
The strategic plan explains how the Regional Transit Vision Plan is implemented by what Charlottesville plans to do.
A public survey conducted in the early days of the transit strategic plan only yielded 523 responses and the document states this is not enough for the results to have any statistical significance. I’ll note here I only found about this survey via a reddit post despite being a regular CAT rider, a reporter who covers transit, and a journalist who writes about meetings. A virtual presentation on the plan held last night was not listed one of the city’s meeting calendars nor is the one scheduled for May 21. The second city calendar does list the item here.
The study lists Venable and Ivy Road as potential places for expansion and notes that these areas are exclusively covered by the University Transit System. Greenbrier is identified as an area with little potential for expansion due to the low residential density.
CAT’s operating expenses increased 24 percent from 2017 to 2021, partially driven by a 21.3 percent increase in pay for people who operate the vehicles. That’s before collective bargaining.
Ridership dropped 72 percent between 2017 and 2021. The pandemic began in 2020.
It costs $5.77 per rider to operate the trolley route. It costs $36.18 to operate Route 9.
Specifics on how each route will change can be found beginning on page 94. The additional costs for each change can be found beginning on page 124
A chart on page 145 shows that CAT’s budget will have to increase from the current $15 million to just under around $37 million to implement all of the service improvements. Details are in a table on page 148 that shows a draft budget for the next ten years.
The appendix on page 156 states that there is Charlottesville Area Transit advisory board. However, the city’s website does not list such a body on its website.
The plan also calls for an eventual replacement of the Downtown Transit Station, a site that is only accessible in one direction.
“Capacity at the Downtown Transit Station is limited by the number of bus bays,” reads page 127.”Long-term investments in a new downtown transfer location or significant restructuring of operations so that layovers occur off-site will be required to fully implement TSP service recommendations.”
The station opened in 2008 and had a cost estimate of just over $6 million. The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau used to operate in the offices but vacated in September 2020 during the pandemic.
Kimley Horn is also working with CAT on the feasibility study for the transition to zero-emissions vehicles.
“Starting in FY 2027, CAT is no longer expected to purchase diesel buses,” reads page 137. “ZEBs will be solely implemented for replacement and expansion revenue vehicles beginning in FY 2029.”
The plan also states there will need to be capital funding to build infrastructure to handle whatever fuel alternative is eventually selected.
“CAT will pilot two battery electric buses beginning in 2025, two additional battery electric buses beginning in 2026, and three hydrogen fuel cell buses beginning in 2028,” the study continues. “Charging and hydrogen fueling for these buses will take place at the current Main Administration, Maintenance and Operations Facility.
A delegation of Albemarle and Charlottesville officials will travel to Champaign-Urbana this week to see how the bus fleet there is experimenting with different fuel types. I’m heading out with them and will have more information in future editions of the newsletter.
Second shout-out: Community Bikes begins a series of mobile repair clinics this week
In today’s second subscriber-supported shout-out: Mark your calendars for May 29 when Charlottesville Community Bikes will be in the Hearthwood Community from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for one of their mobile repair clinics. It’s a great way to finish Bike Month! There will be representatives from Greenbrier Elementary School as well as the Free Book Bus!
The series of mobile repair clinics offered by Charlottesville Community Bikes is just one of the many ways the organization is doing its part to help people who want to get around using pedal power. Earlier this spring, Charlottesville Community Bikes posted their first quarter report and in those three months they handed out 213 free bikes to kids and 61 to teens and adults!
Want to help volunteer for a future clinic? Have a suggestion for where one should be held? Visit communitybikes.org to learn more and to find out where future clinics will be!
Update on demolished house on 521 Park Plaza
Charlottesville’s Department of Neighborhood Development Services (NDS) continues to work with a contractor who demolished a house in late April at 521 Park Plaza in the city’s North Downtown neighborhood without specific permission.
“Building Inspections put a stop to the work, explained to the contractor what needed to be done, and we are now waiting for the building permit amendment documents which will change the scope of the original work that was to be done,” said Afton Schneider, the city’s director of communications and public engagement.
In August, a couple from Charlotte, North Carolina, purchased the 1,434 square foot house for $705,000. Benjamin Yorker works in real estate development and is a graduate of the University of Virginia. Yorker has not returned requests for comment.
On March 19, NDS issued a building permit for a remodel at 521 Park Plaza, a two bedroom house listed as being 1.5 stories tall. The cost of construction was valued at $550,000.
On April 25, NDS issued a residential plumbing permit with the work valued at $6,000. The description of work is listed as “new plumbing for total remodel of existing structure.”
On April 26, NDS issued a stop work order after an inspector arrived on the side to find the house in the midst of demolition. Photos in the city’s land use application portal clearly show work was underway to remove the walls, floors, insulation, and everything that made up the house.
Schneider said electricity was disconnected before the house was torn down.
“Stop Work Orders are common to be issued by the department when construction is found to be happening without permits or outside of the scope for issued permits,” Schneider said. “This Stop Work Order was a simple case where the contractor went beyond the description of the issued building permit.”
The inspector wrote on the Stop Work Order form that the demolition violated Section 108.1 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. (read the code)
On April 29, a representative of the property owner filed a partial residential demolition permit at an estimated cost of $8,500. A demolition fee of $134.50 was charged as well $12.69 in fees and surcharges.
A description of the work states “demolition to the first floor system”
Schneider said the property owner has complied with NDS and paid the appropriate fine and the situation is no longer considered to be in a state of violation.
“Once the amendment documents have been submitted, reviewed, and approved by us, the Contractor will be in complete compliance and can continue with what was on the building permit,” Schneider said.
NDS continues to review demolition permits filed for 1105 Grove Street, 705 Druid Avenue, and 612 Harris Road.
(this story updates a previous one written for C-Ville Weekly)
Albemarle offering new round of climate action grants
Albemarle, Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia have all set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, an effort that can be made in almost any field of human activity. As part of their campaign to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 2050, Albemarle County has an initiative that funds community projects.
“We know that many community members take action on a daily basis to reduce their carbon footprint,” reads a request for proposals sent out by Albemarle on May 8. “The purpose of this grant fund is to tap into community creativity and knowledge to help advance our county's climate action goals.”
Applications are due on June 7, 2024. Apply at the bottom of this web page.
This is the second round of the program and another $100,000 is available to organizations or groups that are physically located in Albemarle County. A community-based non-profit must either make the application or serve as the fiscal sponsor. Learn more on the county’s website.
The first round of grants went to a variety of programs:
The Autism Sanctuary received $25,0000 for Community-Based Vermicomposting
Community Bikes received $25,000 toward their programs on Bicycle Recycling, Refurbishment, & Redistribution
The International Rescue Committee received $20,020 for Equipment Electrification, Regenerative Agricultural Education, and Self-Governance Methods at New Roots Farm
FLIPP Inc. received $18,600 for a workforce development program with the title “Solar Technician Training and Accreditation with FLIPP Accelerated Clean Energy Project (FACE)”
The Peabody School received $11,380 for a project called Piedmont Prairie Restoration, Conservation, and Education at Darden Towe Park
Reading material:
Liv Quintero is proof that the future of filmmaking is here at U.Va, Madigan Lounsbery, Cavalier Daily, May 14, 2024
5 things to know about Virginia’s newly revealed budget deal, Graham Moomaw, Virginia Mercury, May 13, 2024
Charlottesville home demolished without city’s permission, Bria Stith, 29NBC, May 13, 2024
Virginia lawmakers pass bipartisan budget that leaves tax policy unchanged, Graham Moomaw and Nathaniel Cline and Charlie Paullin, Virginia Mercury, May 13, 2024
New schools in Albemarle County set to open in 2026, Maggie Glass, 29NBC, May 13, 2024
Single use foam phase out to start in 2025, Environment Virginia, May 13, 2024
Virginia’s skill game debate could stretch into the summer, Graham Moomaw, Virginia Mercury, May 13, 2024
Local housing market still strained, CBS19, May 13, 2024
New CAAR report shows an increase in home prices, 29NBC, May 13, 2024
Away with #678
What should the length of one of these be? Good question. Probably less than the 3,600 words in this one, but there were items I wanted to make sure got in here. I’m about to head off on that trip I mentioned, which means there may be some atypical items in the next week or so. I’m going to three places that also begin with CH. Can you guess them?
Anyway, I’m eleven minutes away from the time I said I wanted to leave. There will be a newsletter on Friday, possibly one tomorrow, and there will be a Week Ahead. There will only be one podcast this week. I do the work I do because I want to know things and share them with people.
And it all works because many people want to read what I’m writing, and I’m building this into something more than me. Town Crier Productions will one day have another employee. I’m taking baby steps with a regular copy-editor as well as an intern who started yesterday.
If you’d like to help contribute, consider paying through Substack. While paid subscriptions aren’t mandatory for people to read the material, the material can’t be written if there aren’t enough paid subscribers. So, maybe today’s the day to support detailed information what’s happening?
And if you join those paid subscribers, Ting will match your initial subscription. That can be at the $5 a month level, the $50 a year level, or the $200 a year level. If you have any questions, drop me a line.
Ting can help you with your high speed Internet needs. If service is available in your area and you sign up for service, enter the promo code COMMUNITY and you will get:
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A $75 gift card to the Downtown Mall
It's shocking that NDS let the contractor/owner off with "a fine", as you report, Sean. It should be large enough to represent a significant % of $1.2 million ( purchase price + remodel estimate) to disuade future violations. BTW, what is the fine assessed? This is 2nd instance where NDS could have/should have caught this illegal demo or construction (ADU behind Lexington Ave home) before it was a fait accompli, and then applied a slap on the wrist. This is a mockery of our ordinances and the willingness or ability to enforce them.