HomeMy WebLinkAboutVA199800028 Correspondence 1998-11-04 Piedmont Environmental Council
Statement to the Board of Zoning Appeals
VA-98-28: Cismont Market
November 4, 1998
Very little has changed since we appeared before you two months ago and sought your
help in protecting one of the most scenic and historic areas of Albemarle County. The
applicant has returned to you for permission to build another contemporary, trademark-
style canopy which will undermine the character of this important rural historic district.
We would like to remind you how much this request differs from others you have reviewed
and approved.
1 ) None of the properties given variances lie in a nationally significant
Rural Historic District listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and
the National Register of Historic Places.
This site does. Thanks to the dedication and support of area residents, the Southwest
Mountains Rural Historic District was listed on both state and national registers in 1991.
2) None of the properties granted variances are as large as this one.
Most of the variances approved were granted to properties less than two acres in size with
limited area for new development. This site has space enough to the north to move the
tanks, dispensers and canopy without bending the ordinance.
3) None of the properties granted variances are located near thousands
of acres permanently dedicated to farming, forestry and open space.
This one is. Over 6000 acres have been placed under permanent conservation easement
in the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District, including about 500 acres adjoining
the applicant. More easements are in the pipeline.
This protected landscape has been and will continue to be one of Albemarle's chief
economic assets. Monticello, Montpelier and the 65,000-acre Rural Historic District
linking them is becoming an international tourist attraction. That means more business for
the Cismont Market.
The residents of the Southwest Mountains Rural Historic District are doing their best to
conserve one of the most beautiful and historic landscapes in the Commonwealth. Their
efforts are creating a place that is very different from much of suburbanizing Albemarle
County. This canopy would change the character of that place.
For this reason, we ask that you deny this variance.
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