HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-09Tentative
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
T E N T A T I V E
DECEMBER 9, 2014
LANE AUDITORIUM
COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
3:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order.
2. Departmental Budget Presentations:
a. Parks and Recreation. (Bob Crickenberger, Director of Parks and Recreation)
b. Community Development. (Mark Graham, Director of Community Development)
Recess
3. 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. - Work Session: CPA-2013-01. Comprehensive Plan Update/
Amendment, to begin with public comments and possible Board direction. (Elaine Echols, Principal
Planner)
· Chapter Ten, Transportation
· Chapter Eleven, Parks, Recreation, etc.
Recess: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
4. 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Continuation of Work Session to include public comments and
possible Board direction.
5. From the Board: Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
6. From the County Executive: Report on Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
7. Adjourn.
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BOS – CPA 2013-01
December 9, 2014
Page 1 of 4
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AGENDA TITLE:
CPA-2013-01 Comprehensive Plan Update/Amendment
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Chapter 10 Transportation
Chapter 11 Parks and Recreation, Greenways, Blueways,
and Green Systems
STAFF CONTACT(S):
Cilimberg, Echols
PRESENTER (S): Elaine Echols
LEGAL REVIEW: No
AGENDA DATE:
December 9, 2014
ACTION: X INFORMATION:
CONSENT AGENDA:
ACTION: INFORMATION:
ATTACHMENTS: No
REVIEWED BY:
BACKGROUND:
The Planning Commission’s recommended Comprehensive Plan has been provided in the draft dated January 23, 2014
and previously provided to the Board of Supervisors. The Comprehensive Plan may be found online here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2013/
Comp_Plan_Round_3/Table_of_Contents_Final_1-23-14.pdf.
Recommendations regarding focused topics and information since the Commission’s actions have also been identified for
the Board’s consideration. This work session is the eighth in the series of detailed Comprehensive Plan chapter reviews
based on the Board’s agreed upon review schedule which can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=cdd&relpage=17151
The Board’s direction to date has been recorded in Action Memos from Board meetings at which the topic was discussed.
STRATEGIC PLAN ASPIRATIONS:
Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and
improves the capacity to serve community needs.
Natural Resources: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the
rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations
DISCUSSION:
At this meeting, the Board will begin review of Chapter 10: Transportation and Chapter 12: Parks, Recreation,
Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems.
Transportation
A link to the Transportation Chapter can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2013/
Comp_Plan_Round_3/10_Chapter_Transportation_final_1-23-14.pdf
A link to the appendices can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2013/
Comp_Plan_Round_3/A.10_Transportation_Final_1-23-14.pdf.
AGENDA TITLE: CPA-2013-01 Comprehensive Plan Update/Amendment
October 7, 2014
BOS – CPA 2013-01
December 9, 2014
Page 2 of 4
A link to the reference documents can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2013/
Comp_Plan_Round_3/Reference_10_Transportation_Final_1-23-14.pdf
The Transportation Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Implementation Priorities and Measures of Success are found in a
single document at Attachment A. A comparison of the existing Comprehensive Plan’s Transportation Goals,
Objectives and Strategies to the proposed Draft is provided as Attachment B. A link to staff reports and the Planning
Commission’s discussions on Transportation may be found in Attachment C.
The Transportation Chapter provides information on the importance of:
Planning for improvements in accord with the Growth Management Policy (pages 10.5 – 10-6)
Participation in the State, region, and local transportation efforts (pages 10.6 – 10.11)
Improving, promoting, and providing multimodal and accessible transportation options (pages 10.12 – 10.114)
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities (10.14 -10.16)
Access management (10.16 – 10.18)
Improved urban streets while recognizing multimodal opportunities (page 10.19)
Providing safe and effective transportation options in the Rural Area (pages 10.19 – 10.20)
Public transit provision (10.21 – 10.23)
Implementing travel demand management (pages 10.23 – 10.25)
Air transportation (pages 10.26 – 10.27)
Supporting rail service (pages 10.27 – 10.30)
The proposed Transportation Chapter primarily reflects updates to reflect current local and regional planning efforts.
The Commission did further strengthen text and recommendations related to multimodalism. Only one topic has been
raised for specific discussion with the Transportation Chapter:
Rural Traffic Calming (pages 10.20)
Objective 7 speaks to the need to provide safe and effective transportation while preserving the character of
the Rural Area. This section provides information on the County's rural road design standards. It also
references a study completed by the Piedmont Environmental Council, "The Route 22/231 Corridor:
Concepts for a Rural Traffic Calming Plan." That study can be found on page R.10.15 and at this link:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp
_Plan_2013/Comp_Plan_Round_3/R.10.15_Rural_Traffic_Calming.pdf
This report was presented by the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) to the Planning Commission during
review of the Comprehensive Plan update. It was provided as an example of how traffic calming might be
considered for rural roads and intersections. The Commission asked for the information to be provided as a
reference document, but not as a Comprehensive Plan recommendation. The specificity of the location in
Keswick, however, has created much confusion in the community. Residents have interpreted t his example
to mean that the specific improvements shown in the study for the intersection of Route 22 and Route 231 are
planned for construction.
Staff comment: Typically, the County has shied away from using site specific examples in the
Comprehensive Plan to prevent this type of confusion. When the PEC made its presentation to the
Commission, the Commission believed the document provided useful guidance for the County and VDOT
when considering safety improvements for rural intersections. Having the document in the Reference section
and not the Appendix was to make clear that the Plan was showing a potential example to consider for
improvements to this or other rural intersections. Given the amount of concern and consternation from the
community, however, staff believes that using an Albemarle County example is not the best option. Staff
believes a similar example or examples from other localities can adequately convey the concept so that
confusion is eliminated.
AGENDA TITLE: CPA-2013-01 Comprehensive Plan Update/Amendment
October 7, 2014
BOS – CPA 2013-01
December 9, 2014
Page 3 of 4
Parks, Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems
A link to the Parks, Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems Chapter (Parks) can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2
013/Comp_Plan_Round_3/11_Chapter_ParksRec_Greenways_final_1-23-14.pdf
The Appendix, which contains parks and recreation standards as well as the Greenway Plan can be found here:
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/Comp_Plan_2
013/Comp_Plan_Round_3/11_Chapter_ParksRec_Greenways_final_1-23-14.pdf
There are no reference documents for this Chapter.
The Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Implementation Priorities and Measures of Success are found in a single document
at Attachment D. A comparison of the existing Comprehensive Plan’s Goals, Objectives and Strategies to the
proposed Draft is provided as Attachment E. A link to staff reports and the Planning Commission’s discussions on
may be found in Attachment C.
The Parks Chapter provides information on the importance of:
Preserving and maintaining important County-owned natural areas, parks, and areas jointly owned with the
City (pages 11.9 – 11.10)
Completing the greenway trail system (pages 11.10 – 11.15)
Providing access points to greenways and blueways (page 11.15)
Developing parks for active recreation in both the Rural Area and the Development Areas (pages 11.15 -
11.17)
Providing walking and biking connections between City and County parks and other centers in the
Development Areas (page 11.17)
Working with Charlottesville on joint projects to improve parks, recreation, and greenways
The proposed Parks Chapter primarily reflects formatting changes from the existing Comprehensive Plan Also,
clearer Greenway maps than those provided with the January 23, 2014 Draft are provided as Attachment G.
Attachment H contains a list of Parks and Trails improvements identified in the Plan for the Rural Area and provided to
the Commission in August 2013. This table should be placed in the Appendix.
Staff has identified one area for Board discussion:
Rural Parks for Preservation
The County has identified five types of parks for which standards are provided in the Appendix. The smaller
parks, pocket parks and neighborhood parks, are in the Development Areas and, if not part of a school complex,
are expected to be privately owned. Regional parks (to support larger geographic areas within the County) and
County-wide parks (expected to serve the entire County) are generally Rural Area parks. In 2013, the County
was offered property for the purpose of long term preservation and very limited recreational use. Accepting land
for this purpose is not supported in the existing Community Facilities Plan for Parks and Recreation. However,
land preservation is a specific Rural Area and Natural Resource expectation.
Staff Comment: The Planning Commission's work on the Comprehensive Plan was complete prior to an offer by
the owner of Arrowhead Farm for a "preservation park". With increasing offers for land in the Rural Area, attention
is now needed for developing standards and criteria for acceptance. Attachment F provides additional information
with staff recommendations for developing criteria for accepting land for preservation in the Rural Area.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Recommendations in the Comprehensive Plan Draft include recommendations for future capital improvements and
operations.
AGENDA TITLE: CPA-2013-01 Comprehensive Plan Update/Amendment
October 7, 2014
BOS – CPA 2013-01
December 9, 2014
Page 4 of 4
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board is asked to identify any substantive changes to the recommendations herein presented and concur on
those changes, focusing on content rather than wordsmithing. Staff will then make any necessary changes and bring
them back to the Board for its approval prior to its public hearing.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Priorities, and Indicators of Progress for Transportation
Attachment B: Comparison of Goals, Objectives, and Strategies for Chapter 10
Attachment C: Links to Planning Commission Staff Reports by Topic and Associated PC Minutes
Attachment D: Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Priorities, and Indicators of Progress for Parks, Recreation,
Greenways, Etc.
Attachment E: Comparison of Goals, Objectives, and Strategies for Chapter 11
Attachment F: Offers of Rural Area Land for Preservation Parks
Attachment G: Updated Maps of Parks and Greenways
Attachment H: Parks and Greenways Implementation Table
Return to agenda
ATTACHMENT A
December 9, 2014
Page 1 of 5
ATTACHMENT A
Transportation
Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Priorities, Indicators of Progress, and
List of Appendices and Reference Documents
GOAL: Albemarle’s transportation network will increasingly be multimodal, environmentally
sound, well maintained, safe and reliable.
Objective 1:
Continue to plan transportation improvements in accordance with the County’s Growth
Management Policy.
Strategy 1a: Continue to implement the transportation planning recommendations in the adopted
Albemarle County Master Plans.
*Strategy 1b: Continue to work closely with State, regional and local partners to ensure that
transportation improvements meet Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan goals and priorities as
annually reflected in VDOT’s Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and Secondary Six Year
Construction Program (SSYP).
*Strategy 1c: Continue to work closely with State, regional and local partners to ensure that
roadway structures (bridges and culverts) with low sufficiency ratings are annually prioritized in
the secondary six year improvement program (SSYP) for funding, repair and/or replacement.
Objective 2:
Continue to fully participate in State, regional, and local transportation planning efforts.
*Strategy 2a: Continue to maintain compliance and ensure coordination of local transportation
objectives and strategies with Statewide transportation plans, such as the State of Virginia’s Long-
Range Multimodal Transportation Plan (VTrans2035) and the 2035 Virginia Surface
Transportation Plan (2035 VSTP).
Strategy 2b: Continue to recognize the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) as the transportation planning body for the region's MPO Area.
Strategy 2c: Continue to recognize the MPO's planning function by taking formal action on MPO
recommendations and reviewing the MPO's adopted studies and, where appropriate, consider
adopting such studies into this Plan.
Strategy 2d: Continue to recognize the TJPDC's rural planning function by taking formal action on
rural transportation planning recommendations and reviewing the TJPDC's adopted studies and,
where appropriate, consider adopting such studies into this Plan.
*Strategy 2e: Reinstate the Transportation Planner position at the County to improve coordination
with State, regional, and local transportation planning efforts.
ATTACHMENT A
December 9, 2014
Page 2 of 5
Objective 3:
Continue to improve, promote and provide regional multimodal and accessible transportation
options.
*Strategy 3a: Coordinate transportation planning between the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle
County, and the University of Virginia through the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning
Organization and Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.
Strategy 3b: Increase and expand transit network efficiency and use throughout the region.
*Strategy 3c: Create dedicated bicycle-pedestrian connections across physical barriers within the
community.
Strategy 3d: Continue to provide community education regarding multimodal transportation
options.
*Strategy 3e: Collaborate to strengthen intrastate and interstate rail and air transportation
opportunities.
Strategy 3f: Coordinate with developers and the City to provide and enhance multimodal
connections between employment centers and areas of high residential density.
Objective 4:
Strengthen efforts to complete a local transportation system that includes access to pedestrian and
bicycle facilities.
Strategy 4a: Continue to include bicycle lanes, bikeways, sidewalk facilitiess, and crosswalks
within new developments in the Development Areas. Provide amenities such as bike racks in
employment and shopping areas.
*Strategy 4b: Improve funding for an ongoing walkway, bicycle, and greenway construction fund
in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Utilize all possible funding sources for the construction
of walkways and bicycle facilities.
Strategy 4c: Utilize and continue to implement recommendations for future bicycle and pedestrian
projects as identified in adopted transportation plans and studies and Development Areas Master
Plans.
*Strategy 4d: Study and evaluate methods to ensure long-term maintenance of street trees within
the tree lawn areas of road right-of-ways.
Strategy 4e: Continue to utilize VDOT and railroad excess and /or abandoned right-of-way for
multi-use trails.
Objective 5:
Continue to plan for and implement access management strategies to preserve the functionality of
the roadway systems in Albemarle County.
*Strategy 5a: As Development Areas Master Plans are updated, address access management
strategies. When transportation studies or projects are planned in the Rural Area, ensure access
management strategies are addressed.
ATTACHMENT A
December 9, 2014
Page 3 of 5
Objective 6:
Continue to provide safe, effective, and improved urban roads in the Development Areas while
recognizing that multimodal opportunities help to improve road functions.
Strategy 6a: Utilize and continue to implement Development Areas transportation planning
recommendations as found in adopted local transportation planning documents and studies.
Strategy 6b: Continue to complete the build-out of the major road network in the Development
Areas, recognizing that progress is incremental but should be continuous.
Objective 7:
Continue to provide safe and effective transportation options while preserving the character of
the Rural Area.
Strategy 7a: Continue to focus road improvements on safety improvements, such as providing
shoulders, guardrails, and straightening curves rather than the paving and widening of rural roads.
Consider rural traffic calming techniques as roadways in the Rural Area are improved for safety.
Adhere to and implement the recommendations as found in the Rural Road Design Standards (see
Appendix for guidelines).
Strategy 7b: Except for agricultural and forestal purposes, limit construction of new roads in the
Rural Area, especially where road building would impact or fragment natural habitats.
Strategy 7c: Continue to pursue the Rural Rustic Roads Program as an alternative to the Pave-In-
Place program for qualified roads that have been designated to be paved by the County.
Strategy 7d: Continue to provide and enhance rural transit opportunities for elderly and disabled
residents. Enhance ridesharing opportunities.
Objective 8:
Continue to improve public transit service.
Strategy 8a: Continue to utilize the recommended improvements for public transit in local
Development Areas Master Plans and regional transportation plans such as the Long Range
Transportation Plan, the Transit Development Plan, and other studies to assist in determining the
location and timing for the provision of transit services.
Strategy 8b: Continue to provide public transit service hours to include nights and weekends on
appropriate routes to improve ridership and service. Continue to provide service (existing Route
11) to the Rio Road area including service to CATEC and residential neighborhoods along Rio
Road.
Strategy 8c: Expand transit service to the Hollymead Development Area, Cedar Hill Mobile Home
Park, south of I-64 on Avon Street Extended, and Route 250 West.
Strategy 8d: Continue to recognize JAUNT, Inc. as the primary public transportation provider for
rural Albemarle County and the County’s transportation disadvantaged.
Strategy 8e: Participate in the formation of a Regional Transit Authority (RTA) that is sufficiently
funded to significantly expand transit service in the region with fast, frequent transit servi ce along
priority transit corridors.
ATTACHMENT A
December 9, 2014
Page 4 of 5
Objective 9:
Continue to implement travel demand management strategies.
Strategy 9a: Participate with MPO and JAUNT to develop a regional system of Park and Ride
lots.
Strategy 9b: Continue to actively contribute to and participate in ride sharing services.
Strategy 9c: Work with area employers through the MPO to encourage developing ridesharing
and vanpooling programs and transportation demand reduction programs. Encourage
development of ridesharing and transportation demand reduction programs in evaluating rezoning
and parking lot requests for major industrial, office, and commercial projects.
Objective 10:
Continue to support air transportation planning and participation in the Charlottesville-Albemarle
Airport Authority.
Strategy 10a: Continue to participate in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority.
Strategy 10b: Continue to participate in updates and revisions to the Charlottesville- Albemarle
Airport Master Plan to ensure land use coordination.
Objective 11:
Continue to support rail service for passengers and freight.
*Strategy 11a: Continue to maintain existing rail passenger service and pursue enhanced service
for the Charlottesville-Albemarle community.
Strategy 11b: Provide support for the Charlottesville passenger train station in order to
accommodate future demand for Albemarle County residents.
Strategy11c: Participate in studying the benefits of increased passenger train frequencies that can
assist with ridership growth in the Albemarle-Charlottesville region, as well as extended service to
the Roanoke area.
Strategy 11d: Participate in a study for a new east-west passenger train route through the
Albemarle-Charlottesville region.
Strategy 11e: Support extending rail service from Charlottesville to Roanoke.
Strategy 11f: Continue to implement railroad intersection improvements with roadways and trails
with adequate safety devices for passage across the tracks using grade-separated intersections
where possible.
Priorities are indicated with *
Indicators of Progress:
1. Reduction in numbers of physical boundaries which prohibit pedestrian and bicycle access between
residences and parks.
2. Increase in residential proximity to sidewalks, trails, and bus stops in the Development Areas.
ATTACHMENT A
December 9, 2014
Page 5 of 5
3. Increase in numbers of residents who walk or bicycle to work.
4. Increase in sidewalk length.
5. Increase in replacement of deficient bridges.
6. Increase in transit ridership and miles travelled.
7. Increase in use of carpools.
Appendices
Roadway Design Standards
Policy on Paving Public Roads with Private Funds
Corridors of Statewide Significance in VTRANS 2035
http://www.vtrans.org/resources/East-West_Corridor_I-64.pdf
http://www.vtrans.org/resources/Seminole_Corridor_U.S._29.pdf
2035 Va. Surface Transportation Plan Recommendations
http://www.vtrans.org/2035_virginia_surface_transportation_plan_update.asp
2035 MPO Long Range Transportation Plan Projects
http://www.tjpdc.org/unjam2035/Report/UnJAM2035_ProjectList_and_map.pdf
http://www.tjpdc.org/pdf/transportation/LRTP%20Amended%20Materials.pdf
2035 TJPDC Rural Long Range Transportation Plan Projects
http://www.tjpdc.org/pdf/transportation/Final%20RLRP%20033111.pdf
Reference Documents
Transportation Acronyms Used in Comprehensive Plan Document
Transportation Terms Used in Comprehensive Plan Document
Key Transportation Planning Documents Used in Albemarle
Federal Functional Classification of Public Roadways
Example of Rural Traffic Calming Demonstration Project
Ivy Road Design Study
http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/uva-sc/viu03671.xml
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 1 of 12
Comparison of Goals, Objectives and Strategies, and other Key Information
Chapter 10 Transportation
January 23, 2014 Draft
The goal, objectives, and strategies for the Proposed 2013 Plan are shown on the right in this table. Goals,
objectives, and strategies shown on the left are taken from different sections of the existing Comprehensive
Plan. The source of information from the existing Plan is shown by existing goal, objective, or stra tegy
number or by page number in the existing Plan.
Existing Comprehensive Plan –
Transportation
Adopted 6/5/1996
Amended 12/7/05 by CPA 2005-001 to
address UNJam 2025 recommendations
Amended 7/20/07 by CPA 2005-09 to
address connector road recommendations from
the southern urban area B study.
Proposed Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended by the Planning Commission
7/30/2013
No existing goal – new goal generalized from
principles listed on page 169:
General Principles: (p. 169)
2) Establish a transportation system that
supports the preservation and enhancement of
land use and environmental preservation goals,
and that facilities are developed and built in a
manner sensitive to the environment.
3) Encourage (1) the reduction of traffic
congestion, pollution and energy consumption,
vehicular miles traveled and (2) increased
mobility of the general public, especially,
handicapped and the disadvantaged, through
the increased use of public transportation,
car/vanpooling and park and ride lots.
4) Support regional transportation planning
efforts by utilizing the policies of the CHART
Plan as the transportation principles for the
County. They are as follows:
The over-arching goal of the UnJam 2025 is to
create a balanced, multi-modal transportation
network, by A) Improving connections
throughout the region; B) Improving mobility
within neighborhoods, towns, and counties; and
C) Making transportation choices which help
foster livable communities. Several major
factors are required to achieve these goals:
GOAL: Albemarle’s transportation network will
be increasingly multimodal, environmentally
sound, well maintained, safe and reliable. (p.
10.1)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 2 of 12
Completion of a well-connected network of
roadways parallel to major highways, with
better connections within and between
neighborhoods.
Re-engineered intersection and corridor
design, along with added lanes and
capacity improvements, to improve
operational efficiency and safety.
Fast, frequent, dependable transit service
with seamless connections throughout the
region.
A terrain-modified grid of smaller streets
serving more compact development forms in
the suburban and rural developments.
Well-executed design details for
pedestrian-friendly streets, bike lanes and
trails, transit stops, safer intersections and
pedestrian crossings.
Improve connection and travel throughout
the region.
Improve mobility within neighborhoods.
Make transportation choices which help foster
livable communities.
The following principles provide guidance for
transportation related decisions. The principles
establish the overall focus and vision for
transportation in the County. These principles:
(p. 169)
1) reflect the need for transportation related
decisions to be consistent with and support
the County’s growth management policy;
and,
General Principles: (p. 169)
1) Plan, establish, and maintain a
comprehensive County transportation system
which supports the growth management
policy and provides for necessary public
safety.
Objective 1: Continue to Plan transportation
improvements in accordance with the
County’s Growth Management Policy. (p.10.5)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 3 of 12
Adhere to and implement Neighborhood
Model Principles in transportation planning.
(p. 175)
Implement the recommendations of the
29H250 Study and implement the
transportation recommendations of the
Places29 Study, when adopted. (p.183)
Maintain existing cross-section of Route 250
West from Route 29/250 Bypass to the I-
64 interchange. (p.183)
Implement improvements to Route 250 East
consistent with Neighborhood Plan, when
adopted. (p.183)
Construct the Meadow Creek Parkway,
including an interchange at the Route 250
Bypass. (p.183)
Construct the Hillsdale Drive extension as
recommended in the Hillsdale Drive Extension
Study. (p.183)
Complete construction of the Southern
Parkway by extending the road to connect
to 5th Street. Consider the
recommendations of the PACC Southern
Urban Area Study for possible alignment
alternatives and/or other neighborhood
street connections to the Parkway. (p.183)
Construct the Fontaine Avenue-Sunset
Avenue connector road and upgrade Sunset
Avenue from the connector road to Fifth
Street consistent with the recommendations
of the PACC Southern Urban Area B Study.
(p.183)
Consider a possible extension of a multi-
modal connection of Stadium Road to the
Fontaine Avenue in the area of the Fontaine
Research. Study various methods of
providing a multi-modal connection,
including the provision of various
combinations of pedestrian, bicycle, transit,
and/or vehicle access and the impacts of
this connection on the neighborhood and
Strategy 1a: Continue to implement the
transportation planning recommendations in the
adopted Albemarle County Master Plans.
(p.10.5)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 4 of 12
road network. (p.183)
Maintain and regularly update a County
Priority List of Secondary and Primary
Road Improvements. (p.184)
Strategy 1b: Continue to work closely with
State, regional and local partners to ensure
that transportation improvements meet
Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan goals
and priorities as annually reflected in VDOT’s
Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP) and
Secondary Six Year Construction Program
(SSYP). (p.10.5)
Continue to implement improvements to
railroad crossings and bridges through the
six year road planning process or other
necessary means. (p.191.5)
Strategy 1c: Continue to work closely with
State, regional and local partners to ensure
that roadway structures (bridges and culverts)
with low sufficiency ratings are annually
prioritized in the secondary six year
improvement program (SSYP) for funding,
repair and/or replacement. (p.10.6)
The following principles provide guidance for
transportation related decisions. The principles
establish the overall focus and vision for
transportation in the County. These principles:
(p. 169)
2) recognize the regional efforts in
transportation planning established by the
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
and Thomas Jefferson Planning District
Commission(p. 169)
Objective 2: Continue to fully participate in
State, regional, and local transportation
planning efforts. (p.10.6)
Follows from General Principle No. 4 on page
169. (See Goal on page 1 of this document.)
Strategy 2a: Continue to maintain compliance
and ensure coordination of local transportation
objectives and strategies with Statewide
transportation plans, such as the State of
Virginia’s Long-Range Multimodal
Transportation Plan (VTrans2035) and the
2035 Virginia Surface Transportation Plan
(2035 VSTP). (p.10.6)
Recognize the Charlottesville-Albemarle
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
as the transportation planning body for the
region. The MPO, with the assistance of
designated staff, should take the lead role
in (p. 174):
o Planning for the coordinated
Strategy 2b: Continue to recognize the
Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) as the
transportation planning body for the region's
MPO Area. (p.10.9)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 5 of 12
delivery of transportation services
by public and private providers.
o Identifying and recommending to
Charlottesville, Albemarle County,
and the University of Virginia,
administrative and operational
activities which can be
appropriately coordinated or
centralized among service
providers.
o Continuing the implementation and
monitoring of its “Charlottesville-
Albemarle MPO Private Sector
Participation Policy Process.”
Adopted May, 1986; Revision
Approved March, 2002. This
document is available at Albemarle
County Department of Community
Development and the Thomas
Jefferson Planning District
Commission. The Planning District
Commission updates this document
on an as needed basis.
o Reviewing all service proposals and
developing a procedure for
identifying public transportation
service demand and-identifying
appropriate service providers.
Support the MPO’s planning function
through the following efforts: (p. 175)
o Take formal action on MPO
recommendations.
o Review its adopted studies and,
where appropriate, consider them
for adoption into the Comp Plan.
Implement the recommendations of the
UnJAM 2025 Plan, including but not limited
to the following: (p.183)
o The recommendation for the
Western Bypass. Amended
7/20/07(p.183)
Strategy 2c: Continue to recognize the MPO's
planning function by taking formal action on
MPO recommendations and reviewing the
MPO's adopted studies and, where
appropriate, consider adopting such studies
into this Plan. (p.10.10)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 6 of 12
o To undertake a traffic impact and
location study for the Eastern
Connector.
Follows from recommendation in existing plan
on p. 174 (see strategy 2B in this document, p.
4).
Strategy 2d: Continue to recognize the TJPDC's
rural planning function by taking formal action
on rural transportation planning
recommendations and reviewing the TJPDC's
adopted studies and, where appropriate,
consider adopting such studies into this Plan.
(p.10.11)
Strategy 2d: Reinstate the Transportation
Planner position at the County to improve
coordination with State, regional, and local
transportation planning efforts. (p.10.11)
Follows from General Principle No. 4 on page
169. (See Goal on page 1 of this document.)
Objective 3: Continue to improve, promote,
and provide regional multimodal and
accessible transportation options. (p.10.12)
Strategy 3a: Continue to coordinate
transportation planning between the City of
Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the
University of Virginia through the
Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan
Planning Organization and Thomas Jefferson
Planning District Commission. (p.10.13)
Follows from General Principle No. 4 on page
169. (See Goal on page 1 of this document.)
Strategy 3b: Increase and expand transit
network efficiency and use throughout the
region. (p.10.13)
Strategy 3c: Create dedicated bicycle-
pedestrian connections across physical barriers
within the community. (p.10.13)
Strategy 3d: Continue to provide community
education regarding multimodal transportation
options. (p.10.14)
Strategy 3e: Collaborate to strengthen
intrastate and interstate rail and air
transportation opportunities. (p.10.14)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 7 of 12
Work with area employers through MPO to
encourage development of
ridesharing/vanpooling programs and travel
demand reduction programs. Encourage
development of ridesharing and travel demand
reduction programs in evaluating rezoning and
parking lot requests for major industrial, office,
and commercial projects. (p.190)
Strategy 3f: Coordinate with developers and
the City to provide and enhance multimodal
connections between employment centers and
areas of high residential density. (p.10.14)
Follows from General Principle No. 4 on page
169. (See Goal on page 1 of this document.)
Objective 4: Strengthen efforts to complete a
local transportation system that includes access
to pedestrian and bicycle facilities. (p.10.14)
Include bicycle and sidewalk facilities within
new major developments depending on
their location. Provide amenities such as
bike racks and shower facilities. (p.191.2)
Strategy 4a: Continue to include bicycle lanes,
bikeways, sidewalk facilitiess, and crosswalks
within new developments in the Development
Areas. Provide amenities such as bike racks in
employment and shopping areas. (p.10.15)
Maintain an on-going walkway, bicycle,
and greenway construction fund in the
Capital Improvements Program. Utilize all
possible funding sources for the construction
of walkways and bicycle facilities.
(p.191.2)
Strategy 4b: Improve funding for an ongoing
walkway, bicycle, and greenway construction
fund in the Capital Improvements Program
(CIP). Utilize all possible funding sources for the
construction of walkways and bicycle facilities.
(p.10.15)
Implement the recommendations of the
existing Bicycle Plan for the City of
Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Regularly review and update Plan.
(p.191.2)
Utilize the existing Neighborhood and
Master Plans for identifying potential
walkway, bicycle, greenway, and
streetlight projects. (p.191.2)
Implement the recommendations of the
Jefferson Area Bicycle, Pedestrian and
Greenway Plan. (p.191.2)
Evaluate existing Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance requirements and enabling
legislation to ensure pedestrian facilities
are being provided as called for in this
Plan. (p.191.2)
Utilize Development Standards for Roads
Strategy 4c: Utilize and continue to
implement recommendations for future bicycle
and pedestrian projects as identified in
adopted transportation plans and studies and
Development Areas Master Plans. (p.10.16)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 8 of 12
and Land Use Standards for Development
as guidelines for pedestrian facility
development. (p.191.2)
Evaluate the need (and method) for the County
to supplement VDOT’s walkway maintenance,
grassy strips, and tree lawn areas. (p.191.2)
Strategy 4d: Study and evaluate methods to
ensure long-term maintenance of street trees
within the tree lawn areas of road
right-of-ways. (p.10.16)
Consider using VDOT and railroad excess right-
of-way for multi-use trails. (p.191.2)
Strategy 4e: Continue to utilize VDOT and
railroad excess and /or abandoned right-of-
way for multi-use trails. (p.10.16)
Objective 5: Continue to plan for and
implement access management strategies to
preserve the functionality of the roadway
systems in Albemarle County. (p.10.16)
Strategy 5a: As Development Areas Master
Plans are updated, address access
management strategies. When transportation
studies or projects are planned in the Rural
Area, ensure access management strategies
are addressed. (p.10.18)
Objective 6: Continue to provide safe,
effective and improved urban roads in the
Development Areas while recognizing that
multimodal opportunities help to improve road
functions. (p.10.19)
Strategy 6a: Utilize and continue to
implement Development Areas transportation
planning recommendations as found in adopted
local transportation planning documents and
studies. (p.10.19)
Strategy 6b: Continue to complete the build-
out of the major road network in the
Development Areas, recognizing that progress
is incremental but should be continuous.
(p.10.19)
GOAL: Provide safe, effective transportation
options while preserving the character of the
Rural Areas. (from RA Chapter p. 41)
Objective 7: Continue to provide safe and
effective transportation options while
preserving the character of the Rural Area.
(p.10.19)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 9 of 12
Objective: Provide a balance between the
safety of rural roads and maintaining the rural
character. (from RA Chapter p. 43)
From Rural Road Design Standards (RA
Chapter p. 42)
Objective: Evaluate the need to establish rural
road design standards to help articulate
expectations for road design that meet this
balance. (from RA Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 1: Focus road improvements on safety
improvements such as providing shoulders,
guardrails, and spot improvements such as
straightening curves rather than the paving and
widening of rural roads. (from RA Chap. p. 43)
Strategy 7: Identify roads that would provide
for connections/destination routes to serve the
rural population and to provide farm-to-market
routes. It should be clearly noted that these
secondary roads should not be designated or
designed to become the impetus for growth
corridors. (from RA Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 7a: Continue to focus road
improvements on safety improvements, such as
providing shoulders, guardrails, and
straightening curves rather than the paving and
widening of rural roads. Consider rural traffic
calming techniques as roadways in the Rural
Area are improved for safety. Adhere to and
implement the recommendations as found in the
Rural Road Design Standards (see Appendix
for guidelines). (p.10.19)
Strategy 5: Except for agricultural and forestal
purposes, limit construction of new roads in the
Rural Areas, especially where road building
would impact or fragment natural habitats.
(from RA Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 6: Require that new-road projects
and road improvement projects include
measures that avoid degrading habitats or
actively improve them (for example, wildlife
tunnels where roads cross migration corridors,
stream crossing designs that consider habitat
connectivity as well as flood level impacts, etc.).
(from RA Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 7b: Except for agricultural and
forestal purposes, continue to limit construction
of new roads in the Rural Area, especially
where road building would impact or fragment
natural habitats. (p.10.20)
Strategy 2: Pursue the Rural Rustic Roads
Program as an alternative to the Pave-In-Place
program for qualified roads that have been
designated to be paved by the County. The
Rural Rustic Roads Program is a more
environmentally friendly and less costly way
than the Pave-In-Place Program. Chapter p.
Strategy 7c: Continue to pursue the Rural
Rustic Roads Program as an alternative to the
Pave-In-Place program for qualified roads that
have been designated to be paved by the
County. (p.10.20)
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 10 of 12
43)
Strategy 3: Consider expanding transportation
alternatives, such as JAUNT, to provide and
enhance rural transit opportunities. (from RA
Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 4: Explore new transportation
alternatives such as park and ride lots and
traffic calming in crossroad communities. (from
RA Chapter p. 43)
Strategy 7d: Continue to provide and
enhance rural transit opportunities for elderly
and disabled residents. Enhance ridesharing
opportunities. (p.10.20)
Make all residential and commercial
development as transit –ready and transit-
worthy as possible. (p. 175)
Objective 8: Continue to improve public transit
service. (p.10.21)
Implement County related recommendations
of the Charlottesville Transit Development
Plan, and participate in its update which
occurs every five years. (p.187)
Utilize the Transit Development Plan and
other studies (including MPO/UnJAM
studies, Master Plans, and PACC Area B
Studies) to assist in determining the location
and timing for the provision of transit
services. (p.190)
Strategy 8a: Continue to utilize the
recommended improvements for public transit
in local Development Areas Master Plans and
regional transportation plans such as the Long
Range Transportation Plan, the Transit
Development Plan, and other studies to assist in
determining the location and timing for the
provision of transit services. (p.10.22)
Consider expansion of service hours to
include nights and weekends on
appropriate routes to improve ridership
and service. (p.190)
Strategy 8b: Continue to provide public transit
service hours to include nights and weekends on
appropriate routes to improve ridership and
service. Continue to provide service (existing
Route 11) to the Rio Road area including
service to CATEC and residential
neighborhoods along Rio Road. (p.10.22)
Expand transit service in the Urban Area,
and to the Hollymead, Cedar Hill Mobile
Estates and Piney Mountain Communities.
(p.190)
Strategy 8c: Expand transit service to the
Hollymead Development Area, Cedar Hill
Mobile Home Park, south of I-64 on Avon
Street Extended, and Route 250 West.
(p.10.22)
Continue to recognize and support JAUNT
as the primary public transportation
provider for rural Albemarle County and
the County’s transportation disadvantaged.
(p.190)
Strategy 8d: Continue to recognize JAUNT,
Inc. as the primary public transportation
provider for rural Albemarle County and the
County’s transportation disadvantaged.
(p.10.23)
Identify methods of funding transit services Strategy 8e: Participate in the formation of a
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) that is
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 11 of 12
and develop a funding structure/program
to support transit in the County. (p.190)
sufficiently funded to significantly expand
transit service in the region with fast, frequent
transit service along priority transit corridors.
(p.10.23)
Work with area employers through MPO to
encourage development of
ridesharing/vanpooling programs and travel
demand reduction programs. Encourage
development of ridesharing and travel demand
reduction programs in evaluating rezoning and
parking lot requests for major industrial, office,
and commercial projects. (p.190)
Objective 9: Continue to implement travel
demand management strategies (p.10.23)
Participate with TJPDC, MPO, and Rural
Area Transportation Long Range Plan to
develop regional plan for park and ride
lots. (p.188)
Participate with MPO and JAUNT to
develop a regional system of park and ride
lots. (p.190)
Strategy 9a: Participate with MPO and
JAUNT to develop a regional system of Park
and Ride lots. (p.10.23)
Continue to support Thomas Jefferson
Planning District Commission (TJPDC)
Rideshares services and the Commuter
Information Team (CIT). (p.188)
Continue to support MPO and JAUNT ride-
sharing services. (p.190)
Strategy 9b: Continue to actively contribute
to and participate in ride sharing services.
(p.10.24)
Continue to work with area employees to
reduce single occupancy commuter vehicles.
(p.188)
Strategy 9c: Work with area employers
through the MPO to encourage developing
ridesharing and vanpooling programs and
transportation demand reduction programs.
Encourage development of ridesharing and
transportation demand reduction programs in
evaluating rezoning and parking lot requests
for major industrial, office, and commercial
projects. (p.10.24)
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
Master Plan of August 18, 2004 is
recognized as a guide for the development
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. Continue
to recognize the Airport Authority as
responsible for the management, planning,
Objective 10: Continue to support air
transportation planning and participation in the
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority.
(p.10.26)
Strategy 10a: Continue to participate in the
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority.
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 12 of 12
and expansion of the Charlottesville-
Albemarle Airport facilities. The County and
the Airport Authority should coordinate
long-term land use and development plans
for the airport area. (p.191.5)
(p.10.26)
Strategy 10b: Continue to participate in
updates and revisions to the Charlottesville-
Albemarle Airport Master Plan to ensure land
use coordination. (p.10.26)
Maintain existing rail passenger service and
pursue enhanced service for the
Charlottesville/Albemarle Community.
Monitor all potential railroad abandonment
efforts to determine the impact on the
County and region. If abandonment takes
place, evaluate possible alternative uses
such as a linear park with pedestrian,
equestrian or bicycle trails. (p.191.5)
Maintain support of the funding of the
TransDominion Express and support that it
be seriously considered as a multi-modal
means to address congestion on Route 29.
(p.191.5)
Objective 11: Continue to support rail service
for passengers and freight. (p.10.27)
Strategy 11a: Continue to maintain existing
rail passenger service and pursue enhanced
service for the Charlottesville-Albemarle
community. (p.10.28)
Strategy 11b: Provide support for the
Charlottesville passenger train station in order
to accommodate future demand for Albemarle
County residents. (p.10.28)
Strategy11c: Participate in studying the
benefits of increased passenger train
frequencies that can assist with ridership growth
in the Albemarle-Charlottesville region, as well
as extended service to the Roanoke area.
(p.10.29)
Strategy 11d: Participate in a study for a new
east-west passenger train route through the
Albemarle-Charlottesville region. (p.10.29)
Strategy 11e: Support extending rail service
from Charlottesville to Roanoke. (p.10.29)
Strategy 11f: Continue to implement railroad
intersection improvements with roadways and
trails with adequate safety devices for
passage across the tracks using grade-
separated intersections where possible.
BOS 12-9-15
ATTACHMENT B
Page 13 of 12
(p.10.30)
1 of 2
Attachment C
BOS 12-9-14
ATTACHMENT C
Links to Planning Commission Staff Reports and Associated PC Minutes
Transportation
January 22, 2013: Review of Transportation Section of Plan Draft January 15, 2013
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/Com
prehensive_Plan_Update/transportation_1-22-2013.pdf
Minutes: January 22, 2013
____________________
May 14, 2013: Review of Transportation Chapter of Plan Draft April 2, 2013
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/Com
p_Plan_2013/Chapter_5.7_Transportation.pdf
Minutes: May 14, 2013
____________________
July 30, 2013: Review of Transportation Chapter of Plan Draft July 23, 2013
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/P
C_Action_Memos/2013/FINAL_action_memo_PC_07_30_2013.pdf
Minutes: July 30, 2013
____________________
Parks, Recreation, Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems
November 27, 2012: Parks and Recreation
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/PC_
Reports/CPA-13-1_Parks_November_27_PC.pdf
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/PC_
Reports/Notes_Section_Parks_and_Rec_11-26-12.pdf
Minutes: November 27, 2012
_____________________
December 18, 2012: Southern and Western Neighborhoods Parks and Green Systems
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/PC_
Reports/CPA-13-1_December_18,%202012_Attachment_F.pdf
Minutes: December 18, 2012
____________________
2 of 2
Attachment C
BOS 12-9-14
May 14, 2013: Comprehensive Plan Draft – Parks and Green Systems
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/forms_center/departments/community_development/forms/Com
p_Plan_2013/Chapter_5.8_Parks_Greensystems.pdf
Minutes: May 14, 2013
____________________
July 23, 2013: Comprehensive Plan Draft: Parks and Recreation; Greenways, Blueways, and
Green Systems Appendix
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/C
omp_Plan_Round_2/11_Parks.pdf
http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Community_Development/Forms/C
omprehensive_Plan_Update/July_16_2013_Memo.pdf
Minutes: July 30, 2013
Return to exec summary
ATTACHMENT D
December 9, 2014
Page 1 of 4
ATTACHMENT D
Parks and Recreation,
Greenways, Blueways, and Green Systems
Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Priorities, and Indicators of Progress
GOAL: Albemarle will have a system of high quality parks and recreational facilities throughout
the County that is interconnected by greenways and paths and is available to all residents.
Objective 1:
Preserve and maintain important natural areas, rivers, and lakes in parks County-owned, parks
owned jointly with the City, and in City-owned parks in the County.
Strategy 1a: Continue to preserve and maintain Beaver Creek Lake Park, Chris Greene Lake Park,
Mint Springs Valley Park, Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve, Preddy Creek Trail Park, Totier
Park, and Walnut Creek Park.
Strategy 1b: Continue to maintain and enhance existing smaller parks and recreational facilities in
the County.
Strategy 1c: Work with the City to assist with providing access to City-owned park land in the
County’s Rural Area to allow for greater public enjoyment of these natural areas.
*Strategy 1d: Preserve important natural areas shown on Master Plans for the Development Areas
and acquire areas planned for public parks.
Strategy 1e: Develop criteria for reviewing offers of rural park land and accept donations that
help to achieve the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.
Objective 2:
Complete the greenway trail system and provide access to blueways.
Strategy 2a: Enhance, protect, and maintain stream and river corridor vegetation, water quality,
and the viability of wildlife habitats by obtaining greenways and blueways and, in some instances
improve designated greenways with trails.
*Strategy 2b: Continue to develop the County’s greenway system as shown on the Master Plans
and on the Greenway Plan.
Strategy 2c: Continue to upgrade and maintain parks and greenway trails using the resources of
public and private entities.
Strategy 2d: Secure funding for greenways, greenway trails, blueways, and blueway
improvements.
*Strategy 2e: Set up a Greenway Trail Advisory Committee to assist the County in designing,
implementing, promoting, and maintaining a greenway system.
ATTACHMENT D
December 9, 2014
Page 2 of 4
Strategy 2f: Work with volunteers and greenway partners from the State to the local level to
complete the greenway system.
Strategy 2g: Continue to encourage developers to contribute to the greenway system by
dedicating land, donating easements or funds, or constructing portions of trails identified on the
Greenway Plan.
Strategy 2h: Continue to demonstrate the benefits and values of greenways to individual
landowners whose land, or parts thereof, could be part of the greenway system shown on the
Greenway Plan by donating land or easements.
Strategy 2i: Increase public awareness of greenways and provide for educational opportunities,
such as nature hikes, species and plant identification, and interpretation of historic, architectural,
and natural resources.
*Strategy 2j: Coordinate adjacent land development with consideration of the greenway, so that
existing and future development can be integrated and harmonious with the greenway system.
Objective 3:
Provide access points for greenways and blueways.
*Strategy 3a: Provide access to public greenways at locations shown on Master Plans and in
places listed in the Greenway Plan Details provided in the Appendix to this Plan.
*Strategy 3b: Provide boat access at appropriate locations along the Rivanna River, Rivanna
Reservoir and the James River. Target access or improvements to access points at the locations
listed in the Greenway Plan Details provided in the Appendix to this Plan.
Objective 4:
Develop parks for active recreation in both the Rural Area and the Development Areas.
Strategy 4a: Obtain and develop public parks and recreational facilities shown on Master Plans
for the Development Areas.
*Strategy 4b: Obtain and develop additional multi-purpose athletic field facilities and/or park
land that can accommodate athletic fields in the Rural Area to ensure a proper balance of athletic
fields throughout the County.
Strategy 4c: Provide a full range of recreational opportunities within specific service areas in a
complementary and non-duplicative fashion.
Strategy 4d: Ensure that all park and recreational facilities improvements and upgrades meet the
standards provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and permit individuals with
mobility disabilities to use other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs).
*Strategy 4e: Continue to use County school facilities as an integral part of providing recreational
opportunities for County residents.
ATTACHMENT D
December 9, 2014
Page 3 of 4
Objective 5:
Provide bicycle and pedestrian connections to City and County parks and schools in the
Development Areas from neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping areas, public parks and
public schools.
Strategy 5a: Continue to coordinate with the City of Charlottesville to connect City and County
parks with sidewalks, multi-purpose paths along roads, and greenway trails.
*Strategy 5b: Coordinate with the Albemarle County School Board to connect multipurpose paths
and greenway trails to public school sites throughout the County. In the Development Areas,
sidewalks should provide access to school sites and connections to schools should be made.
Strategy 5c: Coordinate transportation improvements identified in the Transportation Plan with
greenway trails to further develop a pedestrian and bicycle network in the Development Areas
Objective 6:
Connect Rural Area parks to each other and other nearby parks.
Strategy 6a: Develop a detailed plan and strategy for interconnecting public parks in the Rural
Area.
Objective 7:
Work with the City of Charlottesville on joint projects to improve parks and recreation services,
greenways, and green systems.
*Strategy 7a: Create a plan that incorporates a unified vision for land adjacent to the Rivanna
River.
*Strategy 7b: With the City of Charlottesville, continue to develop ways in which residents may
more easily use the parks and recreational facilities and programs of the other locality.
Strategy 7c: Pursue joint partnerships for ownership and maintenance of regional resources.
Strategy 7d: Work with the City in preparing and applying for grants for the funding of the
greenway system.
Strategy 7e: Encourage the maintenance and enhancement of existing public access points to the
Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Provide for public trail connections to Biscuit
Run State Park.
Priorities are indicated with *
Indicators of Progress:
1. Increase in access to City-owned parks in the Rural Area.
2. Increase in amount of acreage in public land for parks for each category: proffered, dedicated,
and accepted.
3. Increase in miles of trails constructed. (Information on trails can be found in the Greenway Plan
Details in the Appendix of the Plan.)
ATTACHMENT D
December 9, 2014
Page 4 of 4
4. Increase in amount of acreage in greenways for each category of: proffered, dedicated, and
accepted.
5. Increase in the number of built boat access points to the Rivanna River and the James River.
6. Increase in residential proximity to parks and trails in the Development Areas.
7. Meet or exceed service delivery standards for parks.
8. Increase in miles of trails that connect parks.
Appendices
Location and Facility Standards
Greenway Plan Details
Reference Documents
There are no reference documents associated with this Chapter.
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 1 of 12
ATTACHMENT E
Comparison of Goals, Objectives and Strategies, and other Key Information
Chapter 11 Parks, Recreation, Greenways, Blueways and Green Systems
January 23, 2014 Draft
The goal, objectives, and strategies for the Proposed 2013 Plan are shown on the right in this table. Goals,
objectives, and strategies shown on the left are taken from different sections of the existing Comprehensive
Plan. The source of information from the existing Plan is shown by existing goal, objective, or strategy
number or by page number in the existing Plan.
Existing Comprehensive Plan –
Natural Resources and Cultural Assets
Adopted 3/3/1999
Open Space Resources
Agricultural and Forestry Resources
Open Space Planning
Urban Open Spaces
Greenways
Appendix A: Greenways Plan
Rural Area Chapter
Amended 7-11-2007
Land Use Plan
Adopted
6/5/1996
Community Facilities: Parks and Recreation
Proposed Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended by the Planning Commission
7/30/2013
GOAL: Albemarle will have a system of high
quality parks and recreational facilities
throughout that is interconnected by
greenways and paths and is available to all
residents. (p.11.1)
GOAL: Protect the County’s natural, scenic, and
historic resources in the Rural Area and
Development Areas. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open
Space Resources: p. 7)
OBJECTIVE: Protect the County’s open space
for its environmental, aesthetic, cultural,
agricultural/forestal and recreational value.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p.
174)
Strategy: Implement a geographic information
system (GIS) to facilitate identification of
significant resources on a County-wide basis,
and to generate overlay maps which would
allow a more accurate assessment of these
resources. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space
Objective 1: Preserve and maintain important
natural areas, rivers, and lakes in parks owned
by the County, parks owned jointly with the
City, and in City-owned parks in the County.
(p.11.9)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 2 of 12
Planning: p. 178)
Service Objective
6. Emphasize maintenance and enhancement of
existing facilities. (LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p.
150)
Strategy 1a: Continue to preserve and maintain
Beaver Creek Lake Park, Chris Greene Lake
Park, Mint Springs Valley Park, Patricia Ann
Byrom Forest Preserve, Preddy Creek Trail
Park, Totier Park, and Walnut Creek Park.
(p.11.9)
Strategy: Due to the regional nature of the
proposed greenway corridors and the regional
use of certain existing parks, evaluate a
regional approach to parks/open space
management. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space
Planning: p. 179)
Strategy 1b: Continue to maintain and enhance
existing smaller parks and recreational
facilities in the County. (p.11.9)
Service Objective
1. Provide recreational opportunities in those
areas not effectively served, especially in or
near Development Preserve and provide access
to and within areas identified in the Albemarle
County Open Space Plan for public use. (LUP,
Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
OBJECTIVE: Recognize the value of urban
open spaces (including among others:
greenways, greens, squares, courts, plazas,
urban parks
and playgrounds, street medians, and tree
lawns between street and sidewalk) as a
structuring element in emerging urban areas,
and as a part of a larger network of urban
open space which may be linked to the rural
open space system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Urban
Open Spaces: p. 181)
Strategy: Evaluate all Development Area
proposals for their contribution to the urban
open space network. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Urban Open Spaces: p. 182)
Strategy: Seize opportunities for urban parks.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Urban Open Spaces: p.
182)
Strategy 1c: Work with the City to assist with
providing access to City-owned park land in
the County’s Rural Area to allow for greater
public enjoyment of these natural areas.
(p.11.9)
Strategy 1d: Preserve important natural areas
shown on Master Plans for the Development
Areas and acquire areas planned for public
parks. (p.11.9)
Strategy 1e: Develop criteria for reviewing
offers of rural park land, and accept donations
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 3 of 12
that help to achieve the goals of the
Comprehensive Plan. (p.11.10)
OBJECTIVE: Establish a Countywide network of
greenway trails for conservation, recreation,
transportation and education throughout
Albemarle County, and linked to trails in the
City of Charlottesville. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 183)
Objective 2: Complete the greenway trail
system and provide access to blueways.
(p.11.10)
General Principles [greenway]
1. Establish a greenway system in Albemarle
County that provides: (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 185)
• Protection of river corridor vegetation, water
quality and the viability of wildlife habitats;
• Recreational opportunities such as hiking,
bicycling and fishing close to residential areas;
• An alternative transportation link of the
County’s and City’s communities, parks, activity
centers, schools, and commercial and office
areas, thus reducing traffic congestion; and
• Educational opportunities such as nature hikes,
species and plant identification, and
interpretation of historic, architectural and
natural resources.
Strategy 2a: Enhance, protect, and maintain
stream and river corridor vegetation, water
quality, and the viability of wildlife habitats by
obtaining greenways and blueways and, in
some instances, improving designated green-
ways with trails. (p.11.11)
Strategy: Develop guidelines to identify
appropriate greenway trail types and
locations, design features for the various
greenways, trail access points and trail
facilities. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p.
187)
Strategy: Utilize the Comprehensive Plan
greenway maps (in the Appendix) as a
conceptual plan for implementing the
greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 188)
Recommendation:
• The County’s Parks and Recreation
Department will be primarily responsible for
maintaining the greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 191)
Strategy 2b: Continue to develop the County’s
greenway system as shown on the Master Plans
and on the Greenway Plan.
(p.11.11)
General Principles [greenway]
3. Provide a cost-efficient trail system while
meeting the principles outlined. Provide long-
Strategy 2c: Continue to upgrade and maintain
parks and greenway trails using the resources
of public and private entities. (p.11.12)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 4 of 12
term funding, maintenance, and administration
for the implementation of the greenway system
through a public-private partnership. (Nat’l &
Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 185)
Recommendation:
• Attempt to obtain private, federal and State
funds for construction of the greenway system.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 190)
Recommendation:
• Attempt to initiate a fundraising campaign for
implementation of the greenway system. (Nat’l
& Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 190)
Recommendation:
• Continue annual funding in the County’s
Capital Improvement Program to be used for
land acquisition and development of the
greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 190)
Strategy 2d: Secure funding for greenways,
greenway trails, blueways, and blueway
improvements. (p.11.13)
Strategy: Establish a Greenway Advisory
Committee to assist the County in designing,
implementing, promoting, and maintaining a
greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 187)
Recommendation:
• The Greenways Advisory Committee should
propose two pilot greenways. The greenway
segments selected should be easily accessible
and relatively easy to implement. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 189)
Recommendation:
• Utilize the Greenway Advisory Committee to
solicit private donations of land for the
greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 190)
Recommendation:
• Utilize the proposed Greenway Advisory
Committee as an outreach group to build
community support and coordinate volunteer
programs to maintain segments of the
greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 191)
Strategy 2e: Set up a Greenway Trail Advisory
Committee to assist the County in designing,
implementing, promoting, and maintaining a
greenway system. (p.11.13)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 5 of 12
Recommendation:
• Encourage public involvement in the planning
and development of the greenway system.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 191)
Recommendation:
• Utilize the Greenway Advisory Committee to
promote the greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 191)
Recommendation:
Work with private and government agencies at
the local, state, regional and national levels to
implement a greenway system in Albemarle
County. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p.
189)
Strategy 2f: Work with volunteers and
greenway partners from the State to the local
level to complete the greenway system.
(p.11.14)
Recommendation:
• Encourage developers to contribute to the
greenway network by dedicating land,
donating easements or funds, or constructing a
portion of the greenway trail. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 189)
Strategy 2g: Continue to encourage developers
to contribute to the greenway system by
dedicating land, donating easements or funds,
or constructing portions of trails identified on
the Greenway Plan. (p.11.14)
Recommendation:
• Encourage individual landowners whose land,
or parts thereof, could be part of the
greenway network to donate land or
easements. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p.
190)
Strategy 2h: Continue to demonstrate the
benefits and values of greenways to individual
landowners whose land, or parts thereof, could
be part of the greenway system shown on the
Greenway Map by donating land or
easements. (p.11.14)
General Principles [greenway]
4. Develop community pride in the greenway
system by increasing people’s awareness and
appreciation of the greenway system through
promotions and special events. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 185)
Recommendation:
• Support the establishment of methods to
address safety and maintenance concerns of
adjacent property owners. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 190)
Recommendation:
• Inform and educate the public about
opportunities generated by the greenway
system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p.
Strategy 2i: Increase public awareness of
greenways and provide for educational
opportunities, such as nature hikes, species and
plant identification, and interpretation of
historic, architectural, and natural resources.
(p.11.14)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 6 of 12
191)
General Principles [greenway]
2. Coordinate adjacent land development with
consideration of the greenway, so that existing
and future development will be integrated and
harmonious with the greenway system.
Integrate existing off-river/stream trails into
the greenway system. Encourage public
involvement in the planning and development
of the greenway system. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 185)
Strategy 2j: Coordinate adjacent land
development with consideration of the
greenway, so that existing and future
development can be integrated and
harmonious with the greenway system.
(p.11.15)
OBJECTIVE: Identify open space areas suitable
for public access or recreation. Promote the use
of significant natural or man-made corridors as
linear parks to provide a unique recreational
opportunity. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space
Planning: p. 178)
Objective 3: Provide access points for
greenways and blueways. (p.11.15)
P&R Recommendation
• Construct public access facilities around and
within sites indicated in the Open Space Plan
for public use and ensure safe and efficient use
of the area. (LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p.
150)
Strategy 3a: Provide access to public
greenways at locations shown on Master Plans
and listed in the Greenway Plan Details
provided in the Appendix to this Plan.
(p.11.15)
Greenway Plan – text on pages 209 – 213.
Strategy 3b: Provide boat access at
appropriate locations along the Rivanna River,
Rivanna Reservoir and the James River. Target
access or improvements to access points at the
locations listed in the Greenway Plan Details
provided in the Appendix to this Plan.
(p.11.15)
P&R Recommendation
• Conduct an evaluation on the indoor
recreational needs of the County. Consider
providing indoor recreational facilities based
on the results of the needs assessment
conducted by the County. (LUP, Comm.
Facilities: P&R p. 150)
Strategy: Use the Open Space Maps to guide
open space planning decisions and to identify
and protect significant resources as
development occurs in the Development Areas
and Rural Area. (See Open Space Plan
Objective 4: Develop parks for active
recreation in both the Rural Area and the
Development Areas. (p.11.15)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 7 of 12
Implementation Section for procedure.) (Nat’l &
Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p. 175)
Service Objective
3. Provide recreational facilities County-wide,
based on the standards recommended in this
Plan. (LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
P&R Recommendation
• Provide Community-level park service to the
eastern portion of Neighborhood 3 by
upgrading facilities at Darden Towe Park.
(LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
Strategy: Further study the following areas for
open space/recreation potential: (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Open Space Planning: p. 179)
Urban Area: Potential park In
Neighborhoods 4 and 5, possibly along
Biscuit Run or opposite Azalea Park;
Hollymead: Potential park in the area
northeast of the Route 29/Route 643
intersection;
Crozet: Potential park in the area northwest
of the proposed Lickinghole Creek basin
and the area along Powell's Creek and
adjacent to Orchard Acres;
Earlysville: Potential park in the area within
Earlysville Forest designated for recreation;
Greenway System Network
The following areas below have been
identified by the County as the general
location for the greenway network along river
and streams. These areas should be viewed as
providing the main components of an overall
greenway system. The maps in Appendix A:
Greenways Plan, showing the location and
type of trails, are intended to be conceptual in
nature and do not address details. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 187-188)
Urban Area (Neighborhoods 1-7 ) and
Rivanna Village
• Rivanna River and South Fork Rivanna River
from the Ivy Creek Natural Area
to Rivanna Village/Milton Airport.
• Moore's Creek and tributary from the Rivanna
Strategy 4a: Obtain parks and recreational
facilities shown on Master Plans for the
Development Areas. (p.11.16)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 8 of 12
River to Ragged Mountain
Reservoir.
• Biscuit Run from Moore's Creek to the southern
portion of the Neighborhood 4
& 5 boundary.
• Meadow Creek from the Rivanna River to
Brookmill Subdivision (Portions of
this trail are in the City).
Hollymead/Piney Mountain
• Powell Creek and tributary stream from the
South Fork Rivanna River to the Forest
Lakes/Jefferson Village area.
• Jacob's Run and the North Fork Rivanna River
from Chris Greene Lake to the eastern
boundary of the Hollymead Development
Area.
Crozet
• Powell's Creek from Jarman's Gap
Road/Orchard Acres to Crozet Avenue.
• Lickinghole Creek from the Lickinghole Creek
sedimentation basin to Brookwood
subdivision.
• Slabtown Branch from Crozet Avenue to the
Brownsville/Henley School complex.
• Parrott Branch from the Crozet Elementary
School to the Beaver Creek Reservoir
P&R Recommendation
• Provide District-level park service to the
Scottsville Community by upgrading Totier
Creek Park and/or Scottsville Elementary. (LUP,
Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
P&R Recommendation
• Conduct an evaluation of the Bartholomew
property on State Route 641 and Preddy
Creek to determine the most appropriate uses
for the property. (LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p.
150)
Strategy: Further study the following areas for
open space/recreation potential: (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Open Space Planning: p. 179)
Rural Area: Potential natural area for passive
recreation on the Preddy Creek tract.
Greenway System Network
The following areas below have been
Strategy 4b: Obtain additional multi-purpose
athletic field facilities and/or park land that
can accommodate athletic fields in the Rural
Area to ensure a proper balance of athletic
fields throughout the County. (p.11.16)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 9 of 12
identified by the County as the general
location for the greenway network along river
and streams. These areas should be viewed as
providing the main components of an overall
greenway system. The maps in Appendix A:
Greenways Plan, showing the location and
type of trails, are intended to be conceptual in
nature and do not address details. (Nat’l & Cul.
Assets, Greenways p. 187-188)
Rural Area
• Rivanna River from the eastern portion of the
Rivanna Village to Fluvanna County.
• James River from Fluvanna County to Nelson
County.
• Unnamed tributary of Moore's Creek from the
Ragged Mountain Reservoir to Reservoir Road.
Service Objective
4 & 5. Upgrade facilities in Albemarle County
that do not meet the standards outlined in this
Plan to provide a full range of recreational
opportunities to their service area in a
complementary and non-duplicative fashion.
(LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
Strategy 4c: Provide a full range of
recreational opportunities within specific service
areas in a complementary and non-duplicative
fashion. (p.11.16)
Strategy 4d: Ensure that all park and
recreational facilities improvements and
upgrades meet the standards provided in the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
permit individuals with mobility disabilities to
use other power-driven mobility devices
(OPDMDs). (p.11.16)
Service Objective
2. Utilize County school facilities as an integral
part of providing recreational opportunities to
County residents. (LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p.
150)
P&R Recommendation
• Upgrade and repair existing facilities at the
elementary, middle and high schools to ensure
that the sites are functioning effectively as
Community and District Parks. (LUP, Comm.
Facilities: P&R p. 150)
Strategy 4e: Continue to use County school
facilities as an integral part of providing
recreational opportunities for County residents.
(p.11.17)
Objective 5: Provide bicycle and pedestrian
connections to City and County parks and
schools in the Development Areas from
neighborhoods, employment centers, shopping
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 10 of 12
areas, public parks and public schools.
(p.11.17)
Strategy 5a: Continue to coordinate with the
City of Charlottesville to connect City and
County parks with sidewalks, multi-purpose
paths along roads, and greenway trails.
(p.11.17)
Strategy: Explore biking, jogging and
pedestrian alternatives for railroad rights of-
way if any line is abandoned. Of particular
interest are the sections from the Urban Area to
Crozet and the Blue Ridge Mountains, and from
the Urban Area to Shadwell along the Rivanna
River. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 187)
Strategy 5b: Coordinate with the Albemarle
County School Board to connect multipurpose
paths and greenway trails to public school sites
throughout the County. In the Development
Areas, sidewalks should provide access to
school sites and connections to schools should be
made.
Strategy: Explore a pedestrian trail system
along existing public roads and trails in
Mountain areas. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
Greenways p. 187)
Strategy 5c: Coordinate transportation
improvements identified in the Transportation
Plan with greenway trails to further develop a
pedestrian and bicycle network in the
Development Areas
Strategy: Map existing road traces and trails.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Greenways p. 187)
Objective 6: Connect Rural Area parks to each
other and other nearby parks. (p.11.18)
Strategy 6a: Develop a detailed plan and
strategy for interconnecting public parks in the
Rural Area. (p.11.18)
Objective 7: Work with the City of
Charlottesville on joint projects to improve
parks and recreation services, greenways, and
green systems. (p.11.18)
Strategy 7a: Create a plan that incorporates a
unified vision for land adjacent to the Rivanna
River. (p.11.18)
Strategy 7b: With the City of Charlottesville,
continue to develop ways in which residents
may more easily use the parks and
recreational facilities and programs of the
other locality. (p.11.19)
Strategy 7c: Pursue joint partnerships for
ownership and maintenance of regional
resources. (p.11.19)
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 11 of 12
Strategy 7d: Work with the City in preparing
and applying for grants for the funding of the
greenway system. (p.11.20)
P&R Recommendation
• Encourage the maintenance and
enhancement of existing public access
points to the Shenandoah National Park.
(LUP, Comm. Facilities: P&R p. 150)
Strategy 7e: Encourage the maintenance and
enhancement of existing public access points to
the Shenandoah National Park and the
Appalachian Trail. Provide for public trail
connections to Biscuit Run State Park. (p.11.20)
OBJECTIVE: Continue to plan for open space
and significant resource protection by
completing the Critical Resource Inventory.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p.
175)
See Natural Resources Chapter.
OBJECTIVE: Through conservation easement,
purchase or donation of fee simple or
development rights, promote protection of
those important open space lands which cannot
be adequately protected through regulation.
(Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p.
178)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Actively encourage and facilitate the
donation of voluntary conservation easements
consistent with the Open Space Plan.
Conservation easements should be donated to
the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF). If not
acceptable to VOF, the easements should be
donated to the Albemarle County Recreational
Facilities Authority. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open
Space Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Utilizing the Albemarle County
Recreational Facilities Authority, provide
information to the public regarding the benefits
and means of protecting open space through
conservation easements and other voluntary
techniques. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space
Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Pursue a purchase of development
rights (PDR) program as (Nat’l & Cul. Assets,
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
ATTACHMENT E
BOS 12-9-14
Page 12 of 12
Open Space Planning: p. 179)
Strategy: Pursue enabling legislation to permit
a density transfer program or Transfer of
Development Rights (TDR) program. (Nat’l &
Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Utilizing the Albemarle County
Recreational Facilities Authority develop a
County acquisition program. The Authority
should investigate methods of acquisition and
methods of funding acquisitions and long term
management costs. Pursue legislation as
necessary to implement open space funding
measures. (Such as a transfer tax or impact
fees.) (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open Space
Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Use the Composite Maps to guide
acquisition in the Development Areas. When the
Critical Resource Inventory is completed,
expand the program to include important Rural
Area open space. (Nat’l & Cul. Assets, Open
Space Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
Strategy: Coordinate public and private
acquisition programs for open space (Nat’l &
Cul. Assets, Open Space Planning: p. 179)
See Chapter 7, Rural Area, Objective 1 and
following strategies.
ATTACHMENT F
December 9, 2014
Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENT F
Offers of Rural Area Land for Preservation Parks
The County has several programs in place to promote conservation of properties in the Rural Area. The
County promotes conservation easements through its Acquisition of Conserv ation Easements program
(ACE), the Parks and Recreational Facilities Authority (PRFA) and in conjunction with other conservations
easement holders such as the Nature Conservation or Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Increasingly, the
County is being offered gifts of land for County parks or for land preservation in perpetuity. In the last 12
years, the County has been offered approximately 1700 acres of land for rural area parks and
conservation. The County considers acceptance of land if the proposal meets an identified County need.
In addition, it is assessed for:
its suitability for a public recreational use;
presence of a clear title;
legal access to the property or ability to get legal access;
a positive or negative relationship to other nearby County-owned parks which might serve the
same purpose;
adequacy of roads or the ability to improve roads to support the use for which the land is being
offered; and
conformity with the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
At present the County has no policy in place to accept land for permanent conservation or protection
where there is no passive or active recreational use proposed.
Landowners who offer land to the County typically have a specific purpose in mind. The purpose
might be to ensure that the land will always be pristine and undeveloped. The offer might be for
recreational playing fields. Sometimes an expected tax benefit is the reason. Most of the time,
offers are made because an owner wants to pass on land to an entity that can be trusted to
ensure the desired use in perpetuity.
The County has a history of accepting rural area land for parks if recreational purposes are
expected. For example, in 2006, Patricia Ann Byrom offered 600 acres of land for a Forest
Preserve Park in western Albemarle. This land had a history of private recreational uses and was
offered for development of trails and horse paths. A public parking area and restrooms were also
expected. No rare or endangered species were known on the property to interfere with expected
recreational activities.
In 2013, owners of the 410 acre Arrowhead Farm near the Southern and Western Development
Areas offered land for a rural area park. Initially, the Parks and Recreation staff could not
recommend acceptance because of the concerns with redundancy of recreational offerings and
limited resources for management and maintenance. (The County was preparing to accept xx –
getting from Parks -- acres of land for trails, less than 2 miles away.) In addition, it was
discovered that the Arrowhead Farm contained a rare and endangered species, which prevented
the County’s ability to build trails or provide other recreational uses. Ultimately, the Board of
Supervisors accepted the Arrowhead Farm offer and has indicated its willingness to consider land
offers for properties which primarily provide conservation benefits. Evaluating whether to
recommend acceptance of this type of park revealed the need to develop better land acceptance
parameters.
Historically, the County has not accepted land strictly for preservation purposes. The main reason
is that ownership comes with responsibility for maintenance and stewardship. County resources
for monitoring properties with hundreds of acres of natural area are limited. Although the County
might try to fence off a small area to prevent public access, many citizens view publicly owned
property as publicly accessible property. Without regular monitoring, property is prone to illegal or
ATTACHMENT F
December 9, 2014
Page 2 of 2
damaging activities. Secondly, property given to the County removes taxable land from the tax
base, even though property in land use taxation brings in significantly lower taxes. Third, owning
property for which no use other than preservation is expected, removes property that could be
used agriculturally or in timber production. Finally, there are other organizations which could own
property for preservation and take on the responsibility for maintenance and stewardship.
With acceptance of Arrowhead Farms, the Board set a new direction for the County in consid ering
ownership of properties for more of a preservation purpose than for a recreational purpose. If
similar properties are to be considered in the future, expectations for use and criteria for
acceptance need to be established.
Developing these criteria and expectations is not possible with this Comprehensive Plan update;
however, the Comprehensive Plan could contain a strategy to develop criteria for
recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. Text describing expectations for preservation
properties could then be considered as a future amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff
believes that the actions to accomplish this strategy should take a high priority on the work
program so that staff is better prepared to deal with the ever increasing numbers of land offers
being made.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that a new strategy be added to Objective 4 to describe
standards for Rural Park Preserves, develop criteria for acceptance, and provide for ways to fund
maintenance. This strategy should take a high priority on the work program and an amendment to
the Comprehensive Plan with standards for these parks should be expected within 2 years.
ATTACHMENT G – BOS 12-9-14 – Page 1 of 2
ATTACHMENT G – BOS 12-9-14 – Page 2 of 2
Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan Update Attachment H - Page 1
Parks and Recreation Implementation for the Rural Area*
Implementation Strategy
Estimated
Cost/Funding
Responsible
Department/ Division
Timing
Short-term (FY13 to FY17)
Mid-term (FY18 to FY23)
Long-term (FY24 and out)
Greenways/Blueways
Rivanna Greenway South of I-64
James River Greenway
Lego Farm River Front Parcel Acquisition
Clifton Inn River Front Parcel Acquisition
Norfolk Southern Underpass Shelter
$486.400 Parks and Recreation Short-term/Mid-term
Jacobs Run Trail
Acquisition of land or easement to connect Chris Green Park to
proffered Greenway along North Fork of Rivanna
TBD Parks and Recreation Mid-term
James River Heritage Trail
Acquisition of land or easement to connect Totier Creek Park
and Town of Scottsville Corridor to
future James River Heritage Trail (Scottsville to Richmond)
TBD Parks and Recreation Mid-term
Heyward Property Trail Park
Access road, paved parking area, and restroom facility to
serve as trailhead for 340 acre Hedgerow Property.
$479,104
Parks and Recreation
and the Nature
Conservancy
Mid-term
Upgrade to Rivanna River Access Point (Route 729 – Milton) TBD County/private
developer contributions Mid-term
Walnut Creek Park Master Plan to identify future development
needs. Anticipated improvements include additional picnic
shelters, restrooms and playgrounds near the lake, and
additional active recreation opportunities (i.e. multipurpose
fields).
TBD Parks and Recreation
Planning – mid
Implementation – mid
Fishing Accessibility Improvements – Walnut Creek and
Totier Creek Parks $513,944 Parks and Recreation
Walnut Creek Park – Short-
term
Totier Creek Park – Mid-term
Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan Update Attachment H - Page 2
Implementation Strategy
Estimated
Cost/Funding
Responsible
Department/ Division
Timing
Short-term (FY13 to FY17)
Mid-term (FY18 to FY23)
Long-term (FY24 and out)
South Fork Rivanna Reservoir Boat Access
$1,141,836 Parks and Recreation Short-term
Western Park Facilities
Development of park on land proffered as part of the Old
Trail rezoning process.
$4,299,735 Parks and Recreation Short-term
Buck Island Creek Park
Development of access road, parking area, boat ramp, and
trail head for 122 acre Buck Island Creek property.
$293,916
Parks and
Recreation/The Nature
Conservancy
Short-term
William SD Woods Natural Heritage Area
Monitor and maintain the property for future uses TBD
Parks and Recreation/
Rockfish
Wildlife Sanctuary/Ivy
Creek Natural Area
Short-term
* Information does not include operation and maintenance costs