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HomeMy WebLinkAboutACSA201300002 Review Comments 2013-10-02 David Benish From: Andrew Sorrell Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 10:10 AM To: David Benish Subject: Meeting Yesterday with Monticello Folks Hey David—wanted to give you the highlights of the meeting yesterday. See the last bullet on timing—when do I need to get you exec. summary for a 11/6 BOS work session? I was thinking 10/14? --andy Notes from ACSA 2013 -02 Monticello Meeting 2-3:30 pm 10/1/13 room C COB McIntire Attendees Andy Sorrell (Albemarle County),Valerie Long (Monticello attorney),Ann Taylor(Monticello VP), Ken Mitchell (Monticello infrastructure guy) Valerie began with reviewing maps from 2011 by W&W Associates on future water and sewer planning at Monticello, Kenwood,Admin site,visitors center and Mon Alto. • Overarching theme is to ensure existing archeological resources in the field are not disturbed "the plantation's historic fabric"—plans go to great length and additional private expense to limit impact on possible resources. Other important theme is fire protection—current supply is inadequate to protection visitors center and Monticello main house in the event of fire at both locations. Water supply for firefighting at Kenwood is about half what it should be (based on their estimates) • Reviewed the history of how Michie Tavern got public water and sewer—in 1975 before there was the water and sewer policy they connected to the lines extending from the blue ridge hospital site. Monticello had the opportunity then to connect but since they had recently repaired their septic systems decided not to—they wished they had in hindsight. • Plan for location of the sewer line from the main house to 1-64 and then under the interstate to Moore Creek is not form yet—would like it to follow the serpentine direction of an existing cleared path. • If permitted, Monticello would look to do a directional bore to put sewer line in along an existing trail that runs north to 1-64 from the main house. Directional bore would mean that the ground above the sewer line would not need to be disturbed to get the line in—thereby preserving an possible archeological resources above the line. • Existing public water line from RWSA comes from RWSA goes under the interstate and then follows a route different then where the sewer line would be proposed.The water line from RWSA was originally installed in the 30s or 40s and was replaced in the 1970s. Due to the potential for disturbing more sensitive archeological features, it is not desired to parallel the sewer line to the existing water line because due to separations needed between water and sewer lines, more land would need to be cleared to get the sewer line in since the location of the existing underground water line is wooded. • Did not discuss or pursue public utilities in 2005 or 2008 rezonings because they didn't want to overreach in the applications i.e.further complicate matters than what was already being requested. • Timeframe discussed : initial work session with the Board to set a PH 1st Wednesday in November, 11/6 potentially set a PH for 1st meeting in December 12/4.This would mean I need to get you the completed staff report to review by about 10/14?And then we need to get it to the county attorney by about 10/21? Please confirm the timing. Andrew V.Sorrell,AICP I Senior Planner, Planning Services Department of Community Development I County of Albemarle,Virginia 401 McIntire Road I Charlottesville,VA 22902-4596 1 Andrew Sorrell From: Alex Morrison [amorrison@serviceauthority.org] Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 10:39 AM To: Andrew Sorrell Subject: ACSA201300002: Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Attachments: ACSA201300002.pdf Andy, Attached is a PDF map showing the approximate distance from each parcel to ACSA water and/or sewer infrastructure. The ACSA is providing this information for informational purposes only and provides no comments or views on the proposed map change. Alexander J. Morrison, EIT Civil Engineer Lmcde(€tL{[15 Service Authirity 168 Spotnap Road Charlottesville,VA 22911 Office: (434)977-4511 EXT: 116 This email may contain confidential information that should not be shared with anyone other than its intended recipient(s). 1 .. I -L ... 7. .e4cf3 / r ----_ — ---•- ---- ili County TMP 12" Clay Sewer 6" CIP Water end • • Service AutEl Medical Priority Site city 78 22 3,500' ssManhole ��-- �� _ i— 78-23 5,750' 20 Ownership J ibr 77 78-24A 4,750' Al 0 Albemarle County Service Authority `� ` 77-31 2,300' 1,550' • Q 0 Private Ownership • COTi 78-25 6,700' 6,100' 0 Unknown Ownership J ��/� ' �l �\�c' 77� 92-1 6,850' 6,250' ssGravityMain Ownership RIDG C•; s .,t Note: The table above shows approximate --Albemarle - ti -ti ,f .Private Ownership �LE' 77-21 distances from ACSA infrastructure to the uvA \w� . nearest property line of each parcel referenced. Unknown Ownership j_ ' Utility Type i. —r -1 , --`"'Potable Water 'rE Raw Water 77-20 , ilijlhgMIIIIIII W •Rivanna_SewerFlowMeters r EN AVE �_64 LIND —J/ RWSA_GIS_DBO_ssForceMain K a LL S 77-20A 4s RWSA_GIS_DBO_ssGravityMain .• /— City_Road_Centerlines 77-22A 411 —Road_edges_FeatureToLine 1 I acsagis.DBO.NFRPS SR NorthZone `�r-- 77-38C 77_36 77-38 MI acsagis.DBO NFRPS_SR_SouthZone *.k. ��%Ply r t77-36A 64 ''�� 77-34 • �m ' 77-23 • 77-33 JEFFERSON LAKE 77-35 ti CO \ 77-24A 77-22 . 77 1✓ --.q BEAUCHAMPS 77-32 Q�w s �� 77-24A777-26C 7-26A 7 _ 6E f4 J77-32A 77-32B 78-22 22 •* nil FORMER BLUE RIDGE HOSPITAL 77-25 77-27*77-30 77-31 A 77-25B 0-' , ,� 2 ,c�� 78-24A i C.V. C. 77-25A 78-23 la 0 78-23A1 78-26 MOUNT ALTO 77-31 77 31 B et 78-25A� 4Q . / 00 I.°1 * 78-25 } .30 ,W2 91-30 r KENWOOD 92-1 THE HILL 92-3 GOBBLER RIDGE 92-5A ` •TUFTON 92-16 92-5 SECLUDED 91-29 LOCUST MOUNTAIN FARM 92-2 92-6 / ., /92-7B BAGATELLE 92-15 l DISCLAIMER Utilities,structures,lot lines,and all appurtenances indicated on this map 92-7A 92-9 92-14 92-12 are intended for general layout and reference location ony This printout 92_7A I l� is not intended for any other use than for preliminary planning and general ` 92-8 92-10�92-11 92-14A location purposes. The utilities shown on this map are believed to be SUNNYFIELDS 92-2C 91 accurate,however,recent utility improvements and/or system changes \/ '. I may have been updated in our mapping since the time of this printout. SUNNYFIELDS 92-28 V ST LUKE'S CHA cre-"5A • Contact ACSA directly for specific utility locations. 92-2E \ .I Aerial Imagery©2007 Commonwealth of Virginia THE RECTORY 92-46 Ol, 2-45 Parcel Information Property of County of Albemarle J W N E I ., JJEFFERSON VINEYARDS 92-2 .�i.�IJ \ �� Andrew Sorrellc 2— From: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) [Joshua.Kirtley@vdh.virginia.gov] Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 5:15 PM To: Andrew Sorrell Cc: McClelland, John (VDH); Rice, Gary(VDH) Subject: RE: Monticello Request for Public Sewer(and water) Good afternoon, Andy. It was good talking to you earlier. I have reviewed the request from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation to connect to public water and public sewer and offer the following comments: • For the Monticello main house along with the Kenwood and Jefferson Library, the packet states that the existing "system has exceeded its useful life and must be replaced within the next 2-4 years". Please note that is nearly impossible to determine the life span for an existing system and that a lifespan for a septic system is determined by many factors such as wastewater flow, wastewater strength, site and soil conditions, natural weather variations, regular maintenance over the lifetime of the system, etc. With all of the variables that go into the longevity of a septic system, I do not know how the Foundation or it's consultants arrived at their conclusion. For the visitor center, the request states that the "system has a 10-year life, and requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring of performance". Please note that I am not aware of documentation from the manufacturer that suggests that the septic system serving the visitor center has a predetermined lifespan. Again, there are many variables involved. • Without a thorough evaluation by a licensed Professional Engineer, it is not possible to say with 100% certainty that onsite sewage disposal systems would not serve the proposed use. There may be additional requirements associated with larger and more complex systems, but without an evaluation, these options can't be ruled out. Given the amount of property that the Foundation owns, there may be an onsite solution. Please note that other County restrictions such as critical slope, stream setback, etc may come into play so the property may not be as useful as you would think. If you factor that along with the historical areas that would be off limits, then the chances of finding suitable drainfield areas are smaller. Again, a thorough evaluation would need to be completed for this determination. • Given the proposed use of the site, then public water and sewer would be the best long term solution, if they are granted permission to connect. I say this because all onsite septic system have a limited lifetime and will malfunction eventually. If the Foundation were to invest their money and resources into infrastructure related to public water and sewer, then that to me is a permanent solution to their water and wastewater needs. I understand their point of view, but I wanted to let you, the Planning Commission, and the Board know that there may be other options available. To the best of my knowledge,there are no leaking septic systems on the property and that the basis for the request is for 1) planning purposes and 2)aesthetic complaints involved with having a septic system or the possibility of installing a new one. If you have any questions or if I can clarify anything, please let me know. Have a good evening, 1 Josh Josh Kirtley Environmental Health Technical Consultant Onsite Sewage and Water Programs Thomas Jefferson Health District 1138 Rose Hill Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Office (434) 972-6288 From: Andrew Sorrell [mailto:asorrell@albemarle.org] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2013 8:56 AM To: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) Subject: RE: Monticello Request for Public Sewer (and water) Josh, Thanks for the quick acknowledgement.Comments by next Friday(9/27)would be great.--Andy Andrew V.Sorrell,AICP I Senior Planner 434.296.5832 ext.3272(o) I asorrell@albemarle.org From: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) [mailto:Joshua.Kirtleyc vdh.virginia.gov] Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 4:34 PM To: Andrew Sorrell Subject: RE: Monticello Request for Public Sewer (and water) Good afternoon, Andy. Thanks for your email. I will review the applicant's request and will be forwarding comments to your office. Do you have a deadline that you're working under? Josh Kirtley Environmental Health Technical Consultant Onsite Sewage and Water Programs Thomas Jefferson Health District 1138 Rose Hill Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Office (434) 972-6288 From: Andrew Sorrell [mailto:asorrell@albemarle.orq] Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 1:35 PM To: Kirtley, Joshua (VDH) Subject: re: Monticello Request for Public Sewer(and water) Hi Josh, 2 .. - We are reviewing a request by from Monticello for them to be added to the jurisdictional area allowing them to connect to public sewer. Monticello is doing some long-term facility planning and are evaluating if they should replace existing infrastructure systems or go different routes. Right how the Monticello main house and visitor center have public water but not public sewer. The have also requested that the Mon Alto site,the Kenwood House (where the Jefferson Library is), and the site of their future administrative campus be served by both public water and sewer-these sites are currently served by private well and septic. Currently all of the aforementioned sites are not in our ACSA jurisdictional area and are in our Rural Area of our Comp. Plan. As you can see on page 6 of the application material, Monticello has stated that"new Health Dept. regulations would likely require the construction of a sewage treatment plant on site in connection with a conventional [septic] system." I am assuming this means that if they were to replace their current outdated septic system for the Monticello main house that given the number of visitors to the site (they quote 440,000 annually) that they would need to do a central sewage system for a package treatment plant and not the mass drainfield type system? The County is evaluating the policy implications of the jurisdictional request, but from the Heath Dept.'s standpoint can you provide comment on what may be required if they were to replace existing systems with drainfields vs. connecting to a public system?Would they be require to have a package treatment sewage system? I have attached their application material and a map (parcels requesting public sewer and water connection are outlined in orange).Thanks ahead of time for your review and comment. --Andy Andrew V.Sorrell,AICP I Senior Planner, Planning Services Department of Community Development I County of Albemarle,Virginia 401 McIntire Road I Charlottesville,VA 22902-4596 434.296.5832 ext.3272(o) I asorrell@albemarle.org I www.albemarle.org 3 otly M O NTICELLO Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. Request to Amend Jurisdictional Area Maps for Water and Sewer Service Request: The Thomas Jefferson Foundation (the "Foundation") requests that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors amend the Albemarle County Service Authority(the "ACSA")jurisdictional area maps to permit the Foundation to use its own funds to make infrastructure upgrades and improvements and to connect€rtair oundation properties to the public water and sewer system. These infrastructure upgrades will enable the Foundation to safely and adequately accommodate the needs of its visitors and operations, protect a UNESCO World Heritage Site (including the artifacts and grounds), and ensure the safety of its employees and the public. The Foundation would bear the expense of all infrastructure upgrades associated with such connections and improvements. This proposal is environmentally responsible, consistent with the purpose and intent of the Monticello Historic District zoning district and the Comprehensive Plan, and in the best interest of public health and safety. Introduction: The Foundation is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with a dual mission of preservation and education. As the owner of over 2,500 acres of land in Albemarle County,the Foundation is one of the County's largest landowners. A summary of the Foundation's contributions to our community is attached to this application. In the last 18 years,the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has built$70 million dollars worth of publically accessible infrastructure and regional educational facilities in our community. These facilities were built at no cost to the local government, but with significant financial benefit to the local government and community in the form of tourism revenues.The Foundation recently engaged the services of consultants to provide guidance on infrastructure improvements necessary to adequately carry out its mission by accommodating its visitors, protecting the Foundation property, and ensuring the safety of the public and its employees. These consults studied the existing infrastructure,the particular needs of each of the various properties, and tailored solutions for each property. onticello (which includes the Visitor Center and the future Administrative Campus),and Montalto are both zoned Monticello Historic District, a zoning district that was specifically created by the Board of Supervisors in 2005 for Monticello and other Foundation properties. 1 The Monticello Historic District zoning regulations specifically recognize the unique heritage, significance, and uses of the Foundation properties. According to the ordinance,the intent and purpose of the Monticello Historic District is: - To permit restoration, preservation, conservation, education,programs, research, business and support activities, including fundraising activities for the public and/or contributors, all of which are related to the operation of a historic house museum and historic site at Monticello; - To promote the preservation, interpretation and enhancement of a unique historical site; - To preserve significant tracts of agricultural and forestal land; - To be a district that is unique to those parcels which both belonged to Thomas Jefferson and contain uses related to the operation of the historic site, in recognition of: -the importance of Thomas Jefferson to the history of Albemarle County; -the importance of Monticello to the reputation, education and economy of Albemarle County; -Monticello as a unique element of the historical and architectural legacy of Albemarle County, the nation, and the world, as recognized by its inclusion on the World Heritage List administered by the United Nations Educational,Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Permitting the Foundation to utilize the public water and sewer systems in Albemarle County at the award-winning Rivanna Treatment Plant is fully consistent with, and will significantly further the purpose and intent of the Monticello Historic District regulations. The Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center opened in April of 2009 and now serves as the 21st-century gateway to Monticello. The center has transformed the visitor experience, offering distinctive opportunities to learn more about Jefferson and Monticello. Since the center opened,visitors are staying longer at Monticello, enjoying the Café at Monticello, interpretive galleries,the Monticello Museum Shop and other amenities. Such extended visits, in addition to increasing the chances that such visitors will extend their entire stay in our community longer(thus generating additional tourism revenue for Albemarle County in the form of lodging and meals taxes),.,atsa.-. means that the existing water and sewer systems experience more wear and tear, and must accommodate larger crowds than ever before. � _ Connecting to the public system will avoid the need for the Foundation to excavate historically significant property, which is consistent with the intent of"preserving significant tracts of eKv. agricultural and forestal property." Having water and sewer systems appropriately sized and - 2 designed to accommodate the approximately 440,000 average annual visitors to Monticello and its surrounding properties each year will also further the goal of"promoting the preservation, interpretation and enhancement of a unique historical site," for these goals cannot be achieved with inadequate systems. In addition, the use of the public water and sewer systems will enable the Foundation to carry out the Monticello Historic District's intent to "permit restoration, preservation, conservation, education, programs, research, business and support activities, including fundraising activities for the public and/or contributors, all of which are related to the operation of a historic house museum and historic site at Monticello." None of these goals can be responsibly achieved in an environmentally sensitive manner without the ability to connect to a modern and appropriate system for water and sewer service that is capable of accommodating the unique uses of the property and the particular challenges of the property. The unique needs of the Foundation properties involve accommodating over 440,000 annual visitors, in a way that is sensitive to the properties' historical, archaeological and environmental resources. For many years the Foundation has worked with outdated infrastructure, but now realizes that to fully and safely achieve its vision for a restored mountaintop,to preserve and protect its unique and treasured buildings and land for future generations, and to fully protect the health and safety of the visiting public and its employees,that it must invest in modern, appropriately designed infrastructure. Among other improvements, it must update its water and sewer systems. The most appropriate, environmentally and historically sensitive way to update its system is to invest in equipment and improvements to connect the Foundation properties to the public water and sewer system. These systems are designed to accommodate the scale and nature of the uses that are carried out at Monticello, and given h SiP ificance of Monticello to our community,the Nation, and the world, its properties deserve to have access to appropriate infrastructure. When the Board of Supervisors created the Monticello Historic District and approved the rezoning of Monticello and Montalto to Monticello Historic District, it recognized the unique aspects of Monticello and the Foundation's activities. The Board realized that Monticello and the Foundation's unique uses did not fit into the typical commercial zoning districts. Nor did ,©�S, they fit into the regulations governing the Rural Area zoning districts that are nearly always applicable to properties outside the designated development area. But the Board recognized tr that Monticello and its uses were so unique, that it needed a zoning district that specifically V'" recognized and supported such uses and history. Therefore, Monticello and surrounding properties, even though they are located outside the designated development areas, are rm.:\> intentionally zoned Monticello Historic District instead of Rural Areas. * j,jr,g), The basis of the Comprehensive Plan's limit on the use of land outside the development areas Q being permitted to utilize and connect to the public water and sewer system is guided by the idea that services to the Rural Area should be limited, because development of the Rural Areas is not encouraged. However, that concept is not relevant with regard to Foundation properties. 3 By contrast to most properties outside the development areas,Albemarle County actually encourages and supports the uses_ and visitation at Monticello, and is not trying to limit the use of those properties. This support is balanced by restrictions imposed on the Foundation properties in the form of detailed zoning Application Plans that regulate and govern the use and j development of the Foundation properties, and that were put in place when the properties C gyp` were rezoned to Monticello Historic District. The zoning regulations and these Application Plans govern the use and development of the properties and limit additional structures on the properties, and any changes to those plans would require the County's consent and approval. Thus, this request will not encourage development b onsl what_the Board of Supervisors have already supporter for these Foundation properties. As such,the limiting properties of the water and sewer policies of the Comprehensive Plan are as inapplicable to Monticello and its unique— `uses as were the Rural Areas zoning district regulations that regulated the property. Similarly,the Comprehensive Plan provisions on public water and sewer generally discourage the utilization of the public water and sewer systems in the Rural Areas, except in the cases where public health and safety are at issue. We contend that just as the Board recognized the unique aspects of the Monticello property with regard to zoning districts, that it also should recognize the unique aspects of the Monticello property and its uses with regard to utilization of the public water and sewer system and the preservation of public health and safety. In addition to the unique aspects of the Monticello properties that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to its historic house museum, the sensitive historical,archaeological and environmental resources of the property make it difficult to appropriately upgrade its existing private systems without damaging such resources. Ensuring the safety and security of its visitors and staff is also a challenge with regard to fire safety. Therefore,to adequately accommodate the needs of its visitors, protect the priceless house museum and grounds, and ensure the safety of its employees and the public, the Foundation requests the ability to connect to the public water and sewer system to allow for the recommended fire protection capacities. Just as other commercial and institutional entities pay connection fees and monthly service fees as part of utilizing the public system,the Foundation would also pay such fees. The Foundation would also fund all infrastructure expenses associated with such connections at its expense just as it funded other infrastructure improvements to further its mission. Similarly, the Foundation will invest in its own water and sewer infrastructure to protect its buildings, land,employees, and visitors. The Foundation asks the County to support its efforts to responsibly manage its historic and sacred resources. 4 Challenges and Plans for Individual Foundation Properties: Each of the Foundation's properties has different needs, uses and challenges with regard to its existing and future water and sewer infrastructure. MontiCello's Main House (including the House, Foundation staff offices, original gift shop, and public restrooms) (the "House") r. Cy• Mir f !+ , a ` 11riI7rm - • ,,..^ ioNalir 4 AIR, ' .. Water Service: The House is already served b public wate and has been since before the Comprehensive Plan policy was enacted. The public system provides water to an existing 100,000 gallon underground storage tank that was constructed prior to 1948, and uses a pumping system and pressure tanks that were constructed in 1957. This system has exceeded its useful life and must be replaced. In addition, the capacity of the water storage tank needs to be significantly increased to meet current water needs and for fire suppression safety. These infrastructure improvements are permitted since the House property is within the ACSA jurisdictional area for water, and will enable the Foundation to accommodate current water demands and to protect the House and the visiting public. As the House is one of only 21 properties in the United States on the World Heritage List (and the only Presidential house on the list), it is imperative that it be protected with adequate fire suppression safety. In addition, with over 440,000 annual visitors, public health and safety is paramount. Sewer Service: The House is served by a conventional on-site septic tank and drain field that were installed in the 1930s and most recently repaired in 1976. The system has exceeded its useful life and must be replaced within the next 2-4 years. Replacement of the current system with a new conventional system will require locating a new on-site drain field. The septic re enie fi Id is currently an apple orchard,and installing a new drain field there will require the destruction of the orchard and excavation of historical and archaeologically sensitive land. This orchard would become the new main drain field, and then a nevrfgerve drain field.- �niould need to be establishe The Foundation's long-standing policy is to use and repurpose only those areas of Foundation property that are already disturbed, and to avoid new (1 VN , ,tip j214:' " : d t 16"j 01--Y 4"`o aA . tea °tea a is disturbance whenever possible. In addition, new Virginia Department of Health regulations • would likely require the construction of a sewage treatment plant on site in connection with a conventional system. Rather than destroy the orchard and excavate historical and archaeologically significant land to construct a new primary and reserve drain field for a conventional system,the Foundation proposes instead to construct a Low Pressure Sewer System with discharge to the public Moore's Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition to providing an appropriate sewage disposal option for the Foundation that adequately supports the uses approved for the Monticello Historic District, it is noteworthy that the land upon which the Moore's Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is located was once owned by the Foundation. When the community needed land for a sewage treatment plant,the Foundation provided the land. It is only appropriate that the Foundation now be permitted to utilize the facilities located on that land. Furthermore, the close proximity of the Moore's Creek Plant, at the base of Monticello Mountain, means that the necessary sewer lines can be installed 2�j- with minimal extensions, and along existing cleared trails nce used by Jefferson himsel ,rather I—No 11,4 than in undisturbed areas,as would be required for a conventional system. This propose • _7 system provides a long-term solution for the House's sewer needs and minimizes the impact on historic land by using smaller pipes than would be required with a conventional system. When considered with the public health and safety benefits of a modern, appropriate,and adequate system to support the activities of a historic house museum, and the environmental impacts that can be avoided with the use of such a system, it is clear the purpose and intent of the Monticello Historic District regulations are met in a way that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. . I o FcketAH\112'1;421 turz_s .4091,q,..,_e_ Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center: • a p S' • C' ; • ; J� f Water Service: The same 100,000 gallon water tank(now at least 65 years old)that provides water to The House also provides public water to the new Visitor Center that was completed in 2007. Just as the old tank needs to be replaced with a new, larger tank and pipe system to support The House for both domestic water and fire suppression, it also needs to be more appropriately sized to support the increased number of guests at the Visitor Center. As noted above,the necessary improvements to the water infrastructure system are permitted since the House and Visitor Center parcel are within the ACSA jurisdictional area for water, and such improvements will enable the Foundation to adequately accommodate and protect the public and its$43 million dollar investment in the Visitor's Center. Sewer Service: The Visitor Center is equipped with a "MicroFast" sewage treatment system and alternative onsite drainage field that were installed in 2006 and brought on line in January, 2007 at the site of a former conventional septic system. This system has a 10-year life, and requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring of performance. New regulations adopted by the Virginia Department of Health make it difficult and expensive to maintain compliance, especially during periods of peak use and visitation at Monticello. In addition, there are negative aspects of the system (noise,odor, visibility)that are inconsistent with the activities at the Visitor Center. The Foundation has determined that the MicroFast system is plainly inappropriate and inadequate for a World Heritage Site historic house museum and must be replaced. Installing a conventional system would require selecting a new drain field location at the historic core clearing, and would require excavation and thus potential impacts on archaeological and historic resources. To avoid these unnecessary negative impacts,the Foundation proposes to replace the MicroFast system and to connect to the Low Pressure Sewer System that is proposed to serve the House, and that would discharge to the Moore's Creek Sewage Treatment Plant. This proposal is the most environmentally sensitive and feasible alternative to provide a long-term solution for adequate sewage treatment and collection for the Visitor Center and the visiting public. For all the same reasons that such a system that connects to the public sewer system is appropriate for The House, it is also appropriate for the Visitor Center. 7 • International Center for Jefferson Studies -(Kenwood House,Jefferson Library) if 4046 iil t I r 1 1ie , Y , ,_ r� ,. ,. .. , , . _ill lig,- 0 The Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies supports a global network of Jefferson scholars. At the base of Monticello Mountain,the Center focuses on the Foundation's research and education efforts on Jefferson and Monticello and disseminates its findings around the globe.The Center is comprised of the Jefferson Library,the only free- standing public library dedicated to the study of a founding father, and the historic Kenwood house.The library contains over 40,000 volumes, including many rare books, and the Foundation's archives.The Jefferson Library is free and open to the public Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Water Service: The Center is served water from groundwater wells and is not connected to the Monticello water system. It is equipped with fire pump equipment and a 30,000 gallon storage tank for fire suppression. The Foundation's consultants have advised that �ipll connecting to the public water system would increase flow rates for fire protection. Additional „jIt, �W' fire protection would help ensure the safety of priceless rare books and archives housed at the ,�r,,v� Jefferson Library. In addition, the Foundation's consultants have advised that connecting to the �A ^public water system will allow for a connection to the Montalto water filtration system to „ tx,- 0 improve drinking water quality. This system would remove iron and manganese from the ' groundwater well servicing the Center. V, Sewer Service: The International Center for Jefferson Studies at Kenwood is served by a 1‘)/ conventional septic system that has reached its useful life and must be replaced. The l Foundation proposes to connect this property to the Low Pressure Sewer System proposed for Yl- The House and the Visitor Center. This system,which would discharge to the Moore's Creek Sewage Treatment Plant, provides a long-term solution for adequate sewage collection and treatment in the most environmentally sensitive manner. Such a system would also be appropriate to support the types of uses that are permitted at the Center, rather than a conventional system. 8 Future Administrative Campus: /A",,*.t; li s p.' r st . v? Water Service: The future Administrative Campus is served by groundwater wells and is not connected to the public water system at Monticello. The Foundation's consultants have advised that connecting to the public water system will allow for a connection to the Montalto water filtration system. This system would remove iron and manganese from the groundwater well servicing the future Administrative Campus. Since the property is zoned Monticello Historic District, end is shown on the approved Application Plan for Monticello for an Administrative Office Building, it is appropriate that the property have a service area designation that is adequate to support the future use of the property. Just as the Board of Supervisors approved this parcel for an Administrative Office Building even though it is located outside of the designated development area in recognition of the unique administrative and office needs of a Foundation that owns and operates a historic house museum,the Board should similarly permit such a use to connect to a water system that can adequately support it. The existing groundwater wells will not support the future Administrative Campus, so connection to the public water system is necessary and appropriate. , / J Sewer Service: The future Administrative Campus parcel is served by a conventional septic system that has reached its useful life and must be replaced. The Foundation proposes to connect this property to the Low Pressure Sewer System proposed for The House and the Visitor Center. This system, which would discharge to the Moore's Creek Sewage Treatment Plant, provides a long-term solution for adequate sewage collection and treatment in the most environmentally sensitive manner. As with the sewer service, given that the property is zoned Monticello Historic District, and is shown on the approved Application Plan for Monticello for an Administrative Office Building, it is appropriate that the property have a sewer service designation that is adequate to support the future use of the property. Just as the Board of Supervisors approved this parcel for an Administrative Office Building even though it is located outside of the designated development area in recognition of the unique administrative and office needs of a Foundation that owns and operates a historic house museum, the Board should similarly permit such a use to connect to a sewer collection and treatment system that can adequately support it. The existing onsite septic tank and drain field system will not support the future use that is approved for this property. I , 9 Robert H. Smith Center at Montalto: Sri^Y _i i,:w i. i�ir o, . ;�' ,t a. ..•+ I iiimmilikN4itr Lin t-r Y V..n[ff1. /— ; —I-- ...,, 1 1 t...,Ar14 r I /0........_ 0,1 ) Water Service: As part of its,,ebmprehensive infrastructur nalysis,the Foundation's consultants recommend that theirte water storage tank be positioned above the House, at Montalto. The tank would have a 250,000 gallon storage capacity, and would serve the water needs (both domestic water and fire suppression)for Montalto,the House,the Visitor Center, the International Center for Jefferson Studies (Kenwood House,Jefferson Library) and the future Administrative Campus. This location would provide the optimal flow based on gravity. Given that Montalto is in the Monticello Historic District, and is thus approved for a variety of uses in support of a historic house museum, it is appropriate that it be permitted to have appropriate infrastructure to support those uses in a manner that is environmentally sensitive and protective of public health and safety. Sewer Service: Montalto is served by a conventional septic tank and drain field that were updated when Montalto was renovated. Although this conventional system is working adequately at this time,the Foundation requests a change to the jurisdictional service area to permit the property to connect to the public system,for appropriate support for the uses that are permitted at the property. The uses are strictly governed by the Monticello Historic District regulations, and the Application Plan for Montalto that was approved when Montalto was rezoned. The Application Plan strictly limits future development, but the permitted uses would be more efficiently provided by connection to the public system. 10 Summary: For all these reasons, amending the ACSA jurisdictional maps to permit the Foundation to connect its properties to the public water and sewer system is logical and consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan and the purpose and intent of the Monticello Historic District. • When the Board of Supervisors rezoned these properties to Monticello Historic District, it recognized that although these properties are located in the Rural Areas for purposes of the Comprehensive Plan, that the history and uses are unique and distinguishable from other properties in Rural Areas,thus warranting the unique Monticello Historic District zoning regulations. • The Monticello Historic District zoning permits Monticello to operate as an historic house museum and scholarly center, and these uses require an appropriately designed and modern infrastructure system to protect the unique resources and the public health and safety that are distinguishable from systems that would otherwise be sufficient for typical Rural Area uses. • Permitting the Foundation to invest its own funds in its water and sewer infrastructure needs will enable the Foundation to avoid significant public health and safety concerns. As such,this request is fully consistent with the Comprehensive Plan policy for water and sewer. • Because there are zoning Application Plans in place for Monticello,the Visitor Center, the future Administrative Campus, and Montalto,the modification to the ACSA jurisdictional area maps to permit these parcels to be served by public water and sewer will not make it any easier to add additional structures beyond what are permitted by the applicable Application Plans. Any changes to those plans would require the County's consent and approval. This request will not encourage development beyond what the Board of Supervisors have already supported for these Foundation properties. • To accommodate its 440,000 average annual visitors and its general operations as a historic house museum, achieve its vision for a restored mountaintop, and protect its buildings, grounds, artifacts, and the safety of the general public,the Foundation must invest in modern, appropriately designed infrastructure. The most environmentally, historically, and archaeologically sensitive way is to invest in connections to the public system. • The public water and sewer system is designed to accommodate the scale and nature of the uses carried out at the Foundation properties and support the significance of Monticello to our community,the nation and the world. 11 • The proposal is fully consistent with the intent and purpose of the Monticello Historic District zoning regulations, including the purpose of"permitting restoration, preservation, conservation, education, programs, research, business and support activities, including fundraising activities for the public and/or contributors, all of which are related to the operation of a historic house museum and historic site at Monticello." As stated in the purpose and intent of the Monticello Historic District zoning regulations, Monticello is "a unique element of the historical and architectural legacy of Albemarle County, the nation, and the world." To appropriately accommodate the needs of its visitors and its operations, protect the priceless house museum,artifacts and grounds, and ensure the safety of ).)"de-- the public and its employees in the most environmentally and historically sensitive manner,the w f Foundation requests the ability to connect to the public water and sewer system so it may I (, a I implement necessary infrastructure improvements at its own expense. a 12 Exhibit A: List of Parcels Subject to Request Foundation Property Parcel Number(s) Zoning Service Requested Sewer(already served by Monticello Historic public water) Monticello Main House 07800-00-00-02200 District The Thomas Jefferson Visitor 07800-00-00-02200 Sewer(already served by Monticello Historic Center and Smith Education 07800-00-02300✓ public water) Center 07800-00-00-024A0 J District International Center for Water and sewer Jefferson Studies—Kenwood and Jefferson Library 09200-00-00-00100* Rural Area,with Special Use Permit Future Administrative Campus 07800-00-00-02500 ,, Monticello Historic Water and Sewer District Robert H. Smith Center at 07700-00-00-03100 Monticello Historic Water and Sewer Montalto District *Tax Map Parcel 09200-00-00-00100 is owned by the University of Virginia Foundation.The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has a long-term leasehold interest in the property. 13 Exhibit B: Summary of Thomas Jefferson Foundation Contributions to the Charlottesville/Albemarle County Community The Foundation activities, programs and projects enhance our community in a variety of ways. First, of course, is that it acquired, preserved and restored Monticello and made it accessible to the general public as a historic museum. Each year, an average of 440,000 visitors tour the house and grounds and learn about all things Jefferson. Many of these visitors are from outside our region and generate substantial tourism revenue for the benefit of the City and County governments. Specifically, a 2001 study estimated that Monticello contributes approximately $47.2 million to our community each year in the form of tourism revenue. In addition, prior to the opening of the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, a number of prominent publications printed articles about the new center and features about the Charlottesville community. A media analysis conducted for the Foundation concluded that the media coverage reached a minimum of 75 million people and was equivalent to approximately $583,000 of advertising for Monticello and the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. At the same time, having Monticello as the "crown jewel" of our community and its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site provides other incalculable yet tangible benefits to our community. The Foundation conducts a variety of educational programming, attracting world- renowned researchers to study Jefferson and take his ideas back to their countries, many of which are emerging democracies trying to emulate the vision of our country at its founding. Many foreign ambassadors visit Monticello every year. The Foundation also acts proactively to protect, preserve and enhance its property and surrounding lands for the benefit of our community and visitors. Examples of this leadership include the following projects, all carried out with Foundation funds and at no cost to Albemarle County: • Establishment in 2002 of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, a linear park along Route 53, serving as a scenic entrance corridor to Monticello and as a recreational and educational resource for local residents and visitors.The Parkway features Kemper Park,an 89-acre expanse with an arboretum, pond, woodland theater, and overlook; Saunders- Monticello Trail, a 2.2-mile pathway linking Kemper Park and the grounds of Monticello. These privately owned and maintained parks are open to the public free of charge every day, and have become some of the most popular parks in Central Virginia, drawing 130,000 in 2012.The Foundation covers all costs to maintain the park, and to provide security and educational programming, at an annual cost of approximately$163,000. • Protection of Jefferson's birthplace, the 232-acre Shadwell property, with a conservation easement to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in 2000. • The construction of the Saunders Bridge,creating a safer and more aesthetically pleasing gateway to Monticello and Montalto,consistent with Jefferson's original vision for linking his Monticello and Montalto properties. 14 • Construction of the $43 million Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, the new 21st-century gateway to Monticello. Four innovative exhibitions, a powerful introductory film and new museum for young people have transformed the educational experience for visitors to Monticello. • In 2008,the Foundation invested an additional $186,000 in the community to construct an overflow parking lot and underground pedestrian trail to serve the growing popularity of Kemper Park and the Saunders-Monticello Trail with hikers, bicyclists, joggers and families. • Protection of over 1,000 acres of Foundation property(Monticello and Tufton Farm) by a permanent conservation easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation in 2004. • Emergency acquisition and protection of the 329 acre Montalto property in 2004,when it was under threat of private development. • Protection of 150 acres of the Montalto property by a permanent conservation easement to the Piedmont Environmental Council in 2008. • Dedication in 2002 of the 15,000 square foot Jefferson Library at Kenwood. The Foundation provides the public access to the Jefferson Library's extensive collection of 28,000 volumes, a special collection room, a central reading room, and meeting spaces. Thus, over the last eighteen years,the Foundation has built over$70 million worth of publicly accessible infrastructure and recreational and educational facilities in our community. These facilities were built at no cost to the local government, but with significant financial benefit to the local government and community in the form of tourism revenues. The Foundation's stewardship now extends to approximately 2,500 of Jefferson's 5,000 acres, of which more than 1,400 acres are held under protective permanent conservation easement. The combination of these activities and actions exemplify the Foundation's commitment to preservation of the land. In addition, since 1923,the Foundation has instituted numerous research and educational programs and major restoration and renovation projects, and Monticello has attracted more than 27 million visitors to Albemarle County. A number of Monticello's programs are available to the public for little to no cost, all funded by the Foundation's revenues and the generosity of the Foundation's supporters, and which benefit our community and the visitors to Monticello, including the following: • Residents of Albemarle County receive significant discounts on admission to Monticello, including a free pass when accompanied by a paying non-resident guest. • The Foundation provides visiting school groups with significant discounts on admission, and frequently waives admissions fees altogether for school groups with large percentages of low-income students. 15 • The Foundation provides public access to the Jefferson Library and its extensive collection of 28,000 volumes, a special collection room, a central reading room, and meeting spaces. • Monticello attracts internationally renowned speakers for a variety of free community events throughout the year, including its signature event,the annual Monticello Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony for 100 new citizens held every July 4th. This event is open to the public and regularly attracts between 1500 and 4000 visitors. • The Foundation's multidisciplinary educational initiatives are conducted through the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies. The center conducts international programs for students and educators, and offers long-and short-term residential fellowships for researchers and scholars. • The Foundation maintains an extensive website that includes a vast array of educational materials, including the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia, a Digital Library of quotes by and about Jefferson,the Family Letters Digital Archives, an archive of Jefferson's letters that have been transcribed and organized, and many other reports and research tools. The Monticello website attracts more than 1.3 million unique visitors each year. 22974606_5.doc 16 RECEIVED AUG 1 9 2013 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT