Week Ahead for June 19, 2023: Public hearing for $58M Rivanna Station Futures purchase; Cost information coming this week for James River water plan
Plus: Charlottesville City Council to consider gun buyback program
Today is Juneteenth, a federal holiday to mark the end of the legal practice of enslaving human beings in the United States of America. This is the third year since this occasion was finally recognized after a long campaign to recognize this crucial step in this country’s long road to living up to its values.
As such, local governments are closed. I took the opportunity to delay the newsletter by one day. We’re a third of the way through the month and the additional day off from new meetings is welcome. There’s always a lot happening, and the goal of this newsletter is to inform you of as much as possible.
Some highlights this week:
Charlottesville City Council will consider a gun buyback program and the purchase of $447,000 of law enforcement equipment with federal funds.
Both the Fluvanna County and Louisa County Board of Supervisors will get more information about the cost to extend water from the James River to Zion Crossroads, as well as the accompanying wastewater infrastructure.
The Albemarle Economic Development Authority will review the $58 million Rivanna Station Futures purchase on Tuesday and the Board of Supervisors will have a required public hearing for the purchase on Wednesday.
Albemarle Supervisors will also discuss potential expansion of funds for human service needs.
The regional Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission will hold two events to kick off the public portion of the federally-required Long-Range Transportation Plan.
Fluvanna County Supervisors will hold a public hearing for a rezoning for a Wawa at U.S. 15/250.
A proposed replacement building for the Salvation Army on Ridge Street goes before the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review.
The Greene County Planning Commission will review a request to expand the geographic scope for a glamping resort.
Special thanks to the Piedmont Environmental Council for their continued sponsorship of this weekly look at what’s coming up in local meetings. The more you know in advance, the more informed your participation might be.
Thanks also to the dozens of Patreon supporters who help keep Town Crier Productions afloat. Consider joining them to assist with expansion efforts!
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Charlottesville City Council to consider gun buyback program
The five-member City Council will meet at 4 p.m. for a closed session with the regular session beginning at 6:30 p.m. Usually there are public presentations at the beginning of the meetings but this time Council will discuss appointments to Boards and Commissions.
This is a very rare meeting that’s being held on an election day. Both Michael Payne and Lloyd Snook are candidates in the Democratic Primary for three seats on City Council. Will the results be known before the end of the meeting? (meeting agenda) (meeting info with Zoom link)
The consent agenda includes a lot of information:
The minutes of the May 23, 2023 joint work session between Council and the Planning Commission are two pages long. Take a look. Unfortunately I have not been able to listen to this meeting yet. You can watch it here if you missed it. Maybe write your own set of minutes?
Council will hold the second reading of the spending of $447,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding passed through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The money will be used for nine separate purchases to help augment patrol abilities. These include a community response vehicle for the new Community Involvement Coordinator, crime analysis software, and an Axon Cradle Point with generator for a logistics trailer for mobile responses. (staff report)
There’s a second reading to appropriate $445,307 in grant funding from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to allow for the purchase of two generators for Charlottesville High School to serve as an emergency shelter. (staff report)
There’s second reading of a resolution to re-appropriate $137,500 in federal housing vouchers to pay for half the cost of Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s purchase of 100 Harris Road. I did get a story out about that one. (staff report).
Second reading of an appropriation to receive $5 million from the University of Virginia for two streetscape projects. More on that in the next installment of this newsletter. (staff report)
Second reading of an appropriation of $5.3 million to allow Charlottesville City Schools to purchase Albemarle County’s share of the soon-to-be-renamed Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center. (staff report)
Second reading of an increase in utility rates. I wrote about the first reading. (staff report)
There’s first reading of a resolution to upgrade the call alerting system at the Fontaine Avenue Fire Station. The system in place is not compatible with new systems run by the Emergency Communications Center. (staff report)
The first item on the agenda is the first reading of an ordinance authorizing Charlottesville to have a gun buy-back program as authorized by Virginia law. This item as well as the above $447,000 grant use the same language.
“As of March 20, 2023, the City of Charlottesville has seen a 150% increase in murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses in 2023 over the entire calendar year of 2022,” reads the staff report for the buyback ordinance. “Since 2019, annual violent crime offenses in the city have increased steadily year over year by a total of 59.3% from 2019 to the end of 2022.”
Next there is an amendment to a previously approved federal grant award that has not been spent. This pertains to $20,000 from the FY2017 to FY2019 Community Development Block Grant. If approved, an existing pathway at Washington Park that is not compliant with federal law will be replaced.
“The proposed program will fully replace these older, difficult to traverse pathways with new wider paved paths that are fully [Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant that will significantly improve access to the park for those who may be mobility challenged,” reads the staff report.
The third regular agenda item would formally transfer an $850,000 loan related to the Dogwood Properties from Woodard Properties to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. I think. Did I get this one right? Double-check me. Here’s my most recent story. (staff report) (resolution)
The fourth item is an approval of the employment contract Jacob Stroman will have as the new city attorney. He’ll make an annual salary of $208,665. (staff report) (employment contract)
Finally Council will adopt an emergency operations plan. (read the plan)
“The City of Charlottesville Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is a multidisciplinary all-hazards plan that establishes a comprehensive framework for the management of major emergencies and disasters within the City,” reads the staff report.
Louisa Supervisors to get update on water and sewer projects
The seven-member Louisa County Board of Supervisors meets for a closed session at 5 p.m. followed by an open meeting at 6 p.m. They meet in the Louisa County Public Meeting Room. (meeting files)
This is a relatively light agenda with two important presentations but no public hearings.
One presentation is from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the other is from the Louisa County Water Authority. For more information, take a look at this week’s entry on Engage Louisa.
One item on the consent agenda is of interest. Supervisors will authorize a pass-through grant to the Louisa Downtown Development Corporation from the Virginia Commission for the Local Government Challenge Grant program. The funding will be used for the Louisa Arts Center.
ARB to review to site plan for 999 Rio Road
The Albemarle Architectural Review Board will meet at 1 p.m. in Lane Auditorium of the county’s office building at 401 McIntire Road. The meeting can be reviewed remotely and public comment can be taken virtually. (meeting info)
There’s one item on the consent agenda and another that will be reviewed by the five members at the meeting. The consent agenda item is an initial site development plan for an event building at Collina Farm. The Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning and special use permit to allow for expansion at Clifton Inn.
The item on the regular agenda is an initial site development plan for a small development at 999 Rio Road. The original rezoning called for commercial space on less than two acres. The Board of Supervisors has since approved an amendment to eliminate that in favor of more residential.
The site plan is for 14 townhouses and ten single-family homes.
Albemarle EDA to review Rivanna Station Futures project
The Albemarle County Economic Development Authority’s Board of Directors will meet in Room 241 of the county office building at 401 McIntire Road. The meeting is available to review online and community members can add their comments remotely at the beginning of the meeting. (meeting info)
This is the first meeting since the departure of Roger Johnson as economic development director. According to his LinkedIn profile, Johnson has started his own company. J.T. Newberry is now the interim director of the county’s economic development efforts.
There will be an introduction to a new member of the EDA. Andrea Johnson will represent the Jack Jouett District. She is the CEO of van der Linde Recycling, Container Rentals, and Pete’s Pickup. Johnson succeeds David Shreve.
Next there will be an overview of the Rivanna Station Futures project wherein the county would spend $58 million to purchase 462 acres around the military base that houses the National Ground Intelligence Center and other defense agencies. The idea is to preserve the land for future expansion. I wrote about the initial announcement and hope to write up the June 7 discussion at the Board of Supervisors before Wednesday. (read the initial story)
After that there will be a discussion of a local match for CvilleBioHub. The EDA had previously supported the research entity’s application for a Regional Innovation Fund grant from the Virginia Innovative Partnership Corporation. The grant has since been awarded and the EDA will officially make the $25,000 match. Among other things, the funding helps cover the cost of the CvilleBioHub speaker series. The next one is on June 27. (resolution)
Under unfinished business, there will be an amendment to a match agreement grant for Potter’s Craft to expand operations into the portion of Albemarle County at 1820 Broadway Street. NBC29 had the story back in August 2022. (read the agreement)
TJPDC kicks off public process for long-range transportation plan
One of the key documents required for a community to build transportation projects is the federally-mandated Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The Federal Highway Administration requires urban localities to have a public process for decisions related to projects that receive funding from the U.S. Government.
Twelve years ago, this document became a key battle point in fate of the Western Bypass. For many years, Albemarle officials used the LRTP and the companion Transportation Improvement Program to block construction dollars from being allocated to the planet. On June 8, 2011, a majority of the Board of Supervisors voted to drop that barrier allowing the project to move forward. The project ended up not getting built, but none of this would have been possible without the document being amended.
The last plan was adopted in 2019 and now transportation at the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission are preparing the next update in a process they’ve called Moving Toward 250. Visit the web page to learn more.
The first official meeting is a webinar at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Register here.
The official open house is Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the TJPDC’s headquarters on Water Street.
There’s also a survey. Will you take it? Share it with others? (link to survey)
This is not the only way transportation decisions are made, but it’s worth knowing about in an era of continued population growth.
In other meetings:
The Albemarle County Department of Social Services Advisory Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. in-person at the county’s office building at 1600 5th Street. Specifically in Room 231. Meet in the lobby of DSS. The agenda on the calendar page links to the May meeting. (meeting info)
The Greene County Emergency Services Advisory Board met at 5 p.m. (meeting info)
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Albemarle Supervisors holding public hearing to reaffirm previous decision to buy 462 acres near Rivanna Station
The six-member Board of Supervisors will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Lane Auditorium in the county’s office building at 401 McIntire Road. The meeting can be reviewed remotely and members of the public can make comments at the designated public comment periods. (meeting info)
The meeting begins with two proclamations. The first recognizes July 4 as “the Beginning of American Independence.” The second marks July 12, 2023 as John Henry James Day, marking the 125th anniversary of his murder at the hands of a lynch mob.
There are two action items related to special exceptions for homestays.
One is to allow a homestay use in an accessory structure at 8688 Little York Heights in the White Hall Magisterial District. (staff report)
The other is to allow a residence manager to be hired to fulfill residency requirements at 638 Rocky Hollow Road in the Rivanna District. (staff report)
There are 205 days until the General Assembly convenes for the 2024 session. Albemarle County seeks to be prepared and will have a work session on what happened in the previous session and what legislation Supervisors might request next time around. This will be the first of three such events. (staff report)
Next there will be a discussion of a review of a needs assessment conducted for Human Services as well as the possibility of expanding the county’s funding of third parties to provide more capacity to help people.
“This initial human services needs assessment presents data and contextual information from the areas of homelessness, housing, criminal justice, food insecurity, behavioral health and financial need,” reads the staff report. “Emerging needs in the areas of family homelessness, adolescent mental health, community safety, and navigation for seniors are identified based on data and analysis of current community capacity and context.”
In the evening there will be a public hearing required as part of the Board’s May 24 decision to acquire 462 acres adjacent to Rivanna Station for $58 million. The public hearing seems to be a box to check, as the staff recommendation is to adopt a resolution reaffirming the previous vote. (staff report)
Some items on the consent agenda are worth reviewing:
Supervisors will approve minutes for: August 18, 2021; September 1; October 6, 2021; October 31, 2021. There is a perennial issue in Albemarle County with approval of minutes delayed for long periods of time. There are no approved minutes for all of 2022 and all of 2023. (staff report)
Supervisors will approve a resolution authorizing the use of 133 Galaxie Farm Lane for an elementary school. (staff report)
Supervisors will approve an amended ordinance for the Old Ivy Residences project to correct clerical errors that omitted one of the parcels of land and misidentified another. Supervisors approved the project on March 1, 2023 as I reported at the time. (staff report)
Supervisors will approve a critical slopes waiver for 2305 Hunters Way for construction of a warehouse building. (staff report)
The above use is not a by-right use in the Highway Commercial zoning district but a special exception for that is also recommended. (staff report)
There’s a third quarter financial report that I’d love to know more about if I had more time. (staff report)
There’s an update on the plan to convert Free Bridge Lane on Pantops to a car-free promenade. Supervisors directed that to proceed in March and now the design is complete with a $2,394,000 cost estimate.
Fluvanna Supervisors to hold public hearing for rezoning for Wawa at U.S. 15/250 intersection
The five-member Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. in the Fluvanna County Library at 214 Commons Boulevard. (meeting package)
The meeting begins with resolutions honoring Cecil L. Cobb and Frederick W. Payne. Cobb served three terms on the Board of Supervisors from 1996. He passed away on January 31, 2023 this year. Payne served as County Attorney from 1985 until earlier this month.
There will be a public hearing for Renaud Consulting for a rezoning for the proposed Wawa at the intersection of U.S. Route 250 and U.S. Route 15.
“The requested B-1 zoning with the proffers and plans that have been included with the Application satisfy the Plan’s vision for development in the Zion Crossroads area that promotes the vision and goals of the County’s area plan and the Plan overall,” reads the staff report. “Additional commercial development will be constructed at this same site location.”
There will be three presentations.
One is for a request from the Sheriff’s Office for salary increases for retention and recruitment purchases. There’s no advance information.
The second is a presentation on open meeting requirements from the new county attorney, Dan Whitten. This is related to a recent Virginia Supreme Court case related to a non-noticed meeting of the Prince William Board of Supervisors. (read Gloss v. Wheeler)
“Under the facts of the case, since three or more board members attended a gathering and discussed public business, the board should have sent out proper notice for such meeting,” reads the report from County Attorney Dan Whitten.
The third is one the costs of the Zion Crossroads water and sewer system project. There’s no advance information about this and I hope I can remember to write about this one!
Sojourner Glamping’s request for expanded geographic to go before Greene County PC
The Greene County Planning Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. in the county meeting room in the Administration Building in Stanardsville. The public can view the meeting remotely and participate at the designated public comment periods. (meeting info)
There are two such opportunities at this meeting.
There’s a public hearing for the Dyke Fire Department’s request for an electronic message center. That takes a special use permit.
There’s another public hearing on a request to amend a special use permit for tourist lodging to add 70 acres to the 85 acres already approved for the Sojourner Glamping Retreat for the project. This would decrease the residential density for the project.
Interested in development updates in Greene? Every month there’s a new update from staff.
New Salvation Army building to go before Charlottesville BAR
The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review will meet at 5 p.m. for a pre-meeting with the real thing beginning at 5:30 p.m. in CitySpace. The meeting can be reviewed remotely and community members can make public comments on the Zoom call. (meeting info) (meeting files)
There are two new items on the agenda. The first is a request from Friends of Downtown Charlottesville to rehabilitate former advertisements still visible on the building at 122 East Main Street.
“Under a strict interpretation of the City’s sign ordinance, the commercial origins of these vestige signs would arguably prohibit rehabilitation,” reads the staff report. “However, given the age, condition, and unique and historic character of this wall of vestige signs, a determination was made to treat them as public art—essentially, as murals—and not as commercial signage.”
The application from Friends of Downtown Charlottesville describes the faded images as time capsules from the past.
“Refreshed visibility restores the capacity of these images to trigger smiles and nostalgic connections to the innocent days of a 5-cent soda pop and an America of boundless aspirations,” reads their narrative.
The finished restoration would still retain a faded aesthetic.
The next two items feature the proposed changes that would result when the existing Salvation Army building at 207 Ridge Street is demolished. The BAR previously approved a demolition request in January.
“The planned redevelopment of the site will raze the three existing structures and construct a new building to accommodate expansion of The Salvation Army’s programming,” reads the staff report. “Phasing the demolition will allow continued use of the existing shelter during construction.”
The first item is for a recommendation on the special use permit request for the new structure’s dimensions.
The second item is a preliminary discussion of the application for a certificate of appropriation for the new four-story structure being designed by Mitchell Matthews Architects & Planners.
The BAR will also get updates on the new zoning code and the addition last week of the Downtown Mall to the Virginia Landmark Register.
In other meetings:
The Charlottesville Housing Advisory Committee meets at noon. This appears to be a virtual meeting but there’s also no agenda. (meeting info)
The Fluvanna County Electoral Board will meet to canvass votes at 12:30 p.m. at the registrar’s office at 265 Turkeysag Trail, Suite 115. (meeting info)
Thursday, June 22, 2023
In the sole meeting I know about today:
The Places29-Rio Community Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 235 of the Albemarle County Office Building at 401 McIntire Road. They’ll get the same presentation on meeting norms and broadband research that other CAC’s have gotten. (meeting info)
What did I miss?