2006-06-14June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 1)
An adjourned meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, was held on
June 14, 2006, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Room 235 of the County Office Building on McIntire Road,
Charlottesville, Virginia. This meeting was adjourned from June 7, 2006. The regularly scheduled
meeting for this date began at 6:00 p.m. in Room 241.
PRESENT: Mr. Ken C. Boyd, Mr. Lindsay G. Dorrier, Jr., Mr. Dennis S. Rooker, Mr. David
Slutzky, Ms. Sally H. Thomas and Mr. David C. W yant.
ABSENT: None.
OFFICERS PRESENT: County Executive, Robert W . Tucker, Jr., County Attorney, Larry W .
Davis, from the County Executive’s Office, Diane Mullins was present for the afternoon meeting, Clerk,
Ella W . Carey was present for the night meeting, and Director of Planning, V. W ayne Cilimberg.
Agenda Item No. 1. The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m., by the Chairman, Mr. Rooker.
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Agenda Item No. 2. W ork Session: Overview of County Transportation Planning Process.
Mr. David Benish, Chief of Planning, noted that at the Board’s last meeting, it was suggested that
staff schedule a meeting to explain the transportation planning process. He will not focus on particular
projects, except to use them as illustrative examples.
Mr. Harrison Rue, Executive Director, Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission,
addressed the Board. He said a recent VDOT informal survey showed that private development is
building 10 times more lane miles than VDOT is building at this time. He said members of the Albemarle
Supervisors serve on both the MPO and the PDC, so they share some direct control with other local
governments. Technically, if a project is to be Federally-funded, it must first be in the MPO’s long-range
plan. Members of the roundtable talk about projects that are completely locally and State-funded, such as
the Meadow Creek Parkway. He showed a chart from 1995, but said the players have not changed that
much and there are several committees at the local level and the MPO level. He added that the MPO
Policy Board reports to City Council and the Board of Supervisors. At the MPO Technical Committee
level, the chair rotates between the City and County planning directors every year. The engineering part is
dealt with by representatives from every locality.
Mr. Rue reported that UNJAM 2025 – formerly called CHART – calls for a united plan; there used
to be separate rural and urban transportation plans. He said the numbers in the long-range plan are built
on the County’s and City’s projections for land use in their comprehensive plans, as well as where staff
thinks the area will grow. He emphasized that the projects have to be in the plan to get funding.
Secondary road plans are included as well even though they are decided upon individually by the County
and VDOT.
Mr. Rue presented a “dot density” map, which indicates growth in Fluvanna and Greene. He
added that the County’s Neighborhood Model also links transportation to land use. There is an emphasis
overall on “connected roadways,” which is where private development investment is involved. He
mentioned re-engineered intersections, transit service and other elements that would improve traffic flow.
Mr. Rue stated that the MPO does not build roads, but considers how more money can be
leveraged to build roads and how transportation systems can be improved. In order to have Federal
dollars spent on roads, the roads have to be in the long-range plan and in the MPO’s transportation
improvement program. From a statewide perspective, the Commonwealth Transportation Board functions
as the State’s CIP, because they vote on priorities every year. The County makes its own determination
on Secondary Road priorities every year, and they are included for informational purposes in the MPO’s
information. He also serves on the “implementation committee”, explaining that the State multi-modal
committee is trying to do the same kind of thing on a statewide basis. He added that through Places29
there will be new projections on employment and housing to feed into the model for the next long-range
update.
Mr. Benish reported that the County uses and follows the regional transportation plan since it is a
cooperative document that is worked on with both appointed and elected officials and staff. It has become
a very important and key component in the County’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan as adopted identifies
the UNJAM plan as the County’s key transportation planning tool, and the plan says specifically to support
regional transportation planning efforts to utilize policies of UNJAM as the transportation principles of the
County so there is consistency. Major projects are identified through the MPO process and the UNJAM
regional transportation process which are included on land use maps and in the text of the
Comprehensive Plan – such as the Meadow Creek Parkway. He noted that the Southern Parkway was
confirmed as an important City-County project in the Southern Area Neighborhood Study which was done
by a consultant and endorsed by the MPO and both local governments. The improvements identified in
that process were updated in CHART and also included in the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Benish presented a listing of other projects that stem from the regional planning process or
MPO planning process – the Meadow Creek Parkway; the Eastern Connector was recommended for
further study which the City and County have undertaken; the Southern Parkway has already been
mentioned; the extension of Hillsdale Drive in the City was a recommendation that came out of the Route
29-250H study and is now reflected in both comprehensive plans.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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Mr. Boyd said all of these projects have been pending for a long time. He asked if the projects
are not being implemented because of lack of money. Mr. Benish said a lot of it comes down to money,
but a lot has to do with not understanding and agreeing on the concept of the project and its scope.
Mr. Boyd said he has seen plans for an Eastern Connector for a long time. Mr. Cilimberg
responded that an Eastern Connector in its various forms was never approved in the regional plan. It has
only recently appeared in an UNJAM plan to be studied. Mr. Tucker said alignments for that road went
through the parks, and Section 4-F requirements would have prohibited that from happening. He added
that now the possibility of this road has come up again, and the County is trying to avoid its impacting
Meadow Creek and the Darden Towe Park. Mr. Benish said the CATS study adopted in 1985 by the
Board contained a particular caveat deleting that road from the plan.
Mr. Slutzky said it is in UNJAM now, and there are a litany of other projects on the table which
don’t move forward because of lack of funds. Mr. Benish replied that lack of funds and lack of definition of
scope are the two main factors, citing the Meadow Creek Parkway project as an example.
Mr. Rue said the Meadow Creek Parkway did come about through the normal planning process.
W hat is happening now with Places29 is a better way to plan and forecast.
Mr. W yant asked about the five-year cycle with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and how the
Southern Parkway managed to get put in it so quickly. Mr. Benish replied that there had already been a
study of an east-west connection.
Mr. Rooker said a roadway from Route 20 South to Avon Street Extended has been a part of that
effort. Mr. Benish said the Southern Cities study – sponsored by the MPO – stressed the importance of
that roadway. That study analyzed Fifth Street, Avon Street and Route 20, all corridors that connect the
County’s southern urban area to the City. A clear sense of where to make the most useful connections
came from that study. Things such as interchanges on I-64 were considered but the Southern Parkway
was determined to be the most important and beneficial roadway, followed then by a similar east-west
connection between Avon Street and Fifth Street north of the Interstate. The City embraced it as an
important project to build.
Ms. Thomas noted that if there were just one funding source and one solidified citizen opinion
through the Board, perhaps more could be accomplished, but it’s important to have the City and VDOT at
the table also.
Mr. Boyd said it does not seem that anybody is really pushing the idea. Just saying it is an
important road and the Board needs to stay behind it is not getting the planning done.
Mr. Rooker said the County members of the MPO have done everything they can to move the
project forward. They have worked tirelessly with the City because ultimately they have to build their part
and the County has to build its part. He said the City can’t be forced to build their part, nor can they be
forced to accept any particular design. He emphasized that there have been members of Council running
for re-election and they opposed the Meadow Creek Parkway project. Some of them were re-elected and
ultimately supported the project only because the MPO worked long and hard to get that done. He said
money is not in the current budget to complete the project, either on the City side or the County side.
There is up to an $8.0 million funding gap. The developer [that you’re talking about] has never come to
the MPO to make a presentation of what he would do. Two different developers have come to his office
with ideas, and he has given them some positive feedback but suggested they also need to talk to the City
and they have consequently “disappeared.” Certainly none of these people have ever come to a planning
group and said “we control this property and here’s what we’re willing to do.”
Mr. Boyd said he thinks this Board has sent a message to them that it wouldn’t be worth doing.
That’s why they haven’t brought it forward. He added that he has spoken to people who would like to
bring it forward.
Mr. Dorrier asked if there is money to start the project.
Mr. Rooker said the project cannot begin until a certain percentage of the money can be allocated.
Right now construction is supposed to start in 2008; for 20 years the money has not been available.
W hen the Legislature finally passes a budget, a transportation budget from VDOT will be received
showing how much will be allocated, but the County has already been told there will be no money
allocated to projects that don’t have a Federal match, and the main part of the Meadow Creek Parkway
has no Federal match.
Mr. Slutzky emphasized that the County members of the MPO are pushing the project along, but,
in order to fund it, more money is needed and that will require either raising taxes or pressuring the State
for more money.
Mr. Rooker said he had put together a meeting with CTB representatives and landowners. One
landowner said he would contribute the right-of-way and allow the road to be built on his land. He said the
road would qualify for a Federal match, and of the $23.0 million total estimated for the project about $17.0
million is needed for right-of-way acquisition.
Mr. Boyd commented that he wasn’t aware Mr. Rooker was undertaking that.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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Mr. Rooker replied that ultimately it is a City project, but he is working to see that it moves
forward. He mentioned that there is some Postal Service property involved, and they have not indicated a
desire to give up that property. They came up with a plan to meet with the right people to put together a
packet of information and set up a meeting with Postal officials to emphasize the importance of the project
to the community.
Mr. Boyd said the MPO seems to be in the mode of “designing things and not implementing
things.” He asked if it was VDOT’s responsibility to move projects forward.
Mr. Rooker said that up until this time that has been the case, but the County is having to take a
more proactive approach. He added that once the County starts funding roads that will set a precedent for
the future.
Mr. Slutzky said he thinks the Board needs to make a decision as to whether or not they would
want to fund projects with County funds and take that to the voters and get their opinion on whether or not
to do that.
Mr. Rooker said there has been talk of creating a transportation district for Route 29 North. The
County got transportation improvement proffers totaling $20.0 million from Albemarle Place and
Hollymead Towncenter for improvements that probably would not happen without those proffers. He
emphasized that one reason Hollymead was approved was because several Board members indicated
they would not vote for it without a proffered connection to Dickerson Road.
Mr. Benish said the County makes recommendations on primary and secondary roads, and then
drafts a priority list for road improvements for the Six-Year Plan. Albemarle is part of the Culpeper District,
which covers an eight county region. Albemarle does not have a lot of discretion in allocations for Primary
Roads although it drafts a list of priority improvements – Hillsdale Drive and the Route 22/250 intersection
improvements are examples. He said the Route 22/250 intersection improvements will be a public-private
partnership between Luck Stone, the County, VDOT and Glenmore. He added that the Secondary Six-
Year Road Program is reviewed annually and the County creates its priority list of secondary road
improvements. He reminded the Board that they created a top 20 list of projects last year as high
priorities to be constructed in the near future, emphasizing that the difference in the secondary system is
that VDOT is basically to follow the County’s priorities for road improvements.
Mr. Rooker asked how the decision is made by VDOT to allocate Federal funds for a Secondary
Road project. Mr. Benish said he does not know; for all staff knows it is a lot like “choosing a pope.”
Mr. Rooker said in the past it has not made a big difference, but now VDOT is only going to fund
projects that are getting a Federal match. He thinks the Board needs to take a hard look at which projects
are going to qualify for a Federal match. Mr. Benish said the only way to get certain important projects
funded is with Federal funds, because those projects are then obligated to move forward. Federal
projects need to go through a lot more scrutiny, so projects that are more straightforward are more likely
to move forward. He stated that VDOT works directly with localities in setting priorities through the
Residency Office, but for secondary road improvements in Albemarle they work just with Albemarle.
Mr. Benish reported that the County’s CIP process includes a major review every two years,
although emergency changes are looked at every year. He said the criteria for CIP projects is that the
project cost more than $20,000 and have a life expectancy of five or more years, so most transportation
projects fall in that category. The CIP typically includes projects the County needs or wants to take on
under its own initiative, whether it’s a project that is ineligible for State funding, or that has inadequate
funding. He mentioned that transportation projects in the current CIP are those that have been deemed
locally or regionally important, adding that the Board has set aside $1.0 million per year for that purpose.
Initially there were certain types of projects that were to be covered by the CIP, such as an Eastern
Avenue in Crozet.
Mr. Benish said using CIP funding is one step the Board has taken to be proactive and set
priorities to forward road design or building. He said regional and local projects are defined separately,
with input provided as to their importance to the area served. He said CIP requests can generate a need
for right-of-way acquisition, etc.
Mr. Slutzky said the CIP does not currently have any project in it that reflects a transit system for
the County. Mr. Benish said that at this time most of the funding is in operational funding; transit service is
currently contracted with the CTS. He added that the transit system Mr. Slutzky is referring to is a new
emerging process.
Mr. Slutzky responded that perhaps there is an opportunity for the Board to decide whether or not
to be proactive about mass transit and reflect that in the CIP.
Mr. Rooker said the estimated cost for running a spur out to the County Office Building on Fifth
Street was about $269,000 annually from the City’s CTS service. The survey of potential ridership would
not have supported that expenditure. He said JAUNT ran service to Crozet but there were not enough
riders to make it worth continuing.
Mr. Slutzky emphasized that if the Board is serious about having transit happen, they should look
into designing a system that would have enough ridership to be viable.
Mr. Boyd said there has been a lot of talk about transit in the Places29 work sessions.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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Ms. Thomas added that it is also included in the CHART plan.
Mr. Rue said there will be some process modeling as part of Places29 before coming to the
regional transportation authority to ask for money. He said the TJPDC has not asked the County or City
for funds yet, in anticipation of what the State might fund from the priority list. In its long-range plan, the
MPO’s top near-term priorities totaled $130.0 million, with money going to the Meadow Creek Parkway
interchange, and $6.0 million going to build sidewalks in the urban area.
Mr. Rooker said the Transportation Committee lists accomplishments in transportation in the area
– additional four lanes on Route 29 at the Rivanna River ($30.0 million); new bridge over the Rivanna
River on Route 29 North, widening Hydraulic Road, widening Fifth Street between downtown
Charlottesville and I-64; widening of Greenbrier Drive, widening of Avon Street Extended, widening of Rio
Road east, straightening of Rio Road, widening of Route 250 East at Pantops, widening of Route 20 near
the Darden Towe Park, improvement of Ivy Road near Bellaire Subdivision, widening of Airport Road and
a new roundabout, sidewalks, pedestrian facilities and improvements to Route 53 near Monticello,
improvements to Route 20 South at Route 53, various intersection improvements, bridge repairs at Park
Street and Locust Avenue, signal synchronization on Route 29 North, improvements on the Route 250
bypass between I-64 and Fontaine Avenue, the building of Berkmar Drive, the construction of Mill Creek
Drive between Avon Street and Route 20 South, and a network of local subdivision roads built by private
developers.
Mr. Boyd said in twenty years only one new road on that list had been built.
Mr. Rooker said Berkmar Drive is a new road, the 9th/10th Street connector in the City is a new
road, Mill Creek Drive between Avon Street and Route 20 is a new road, as well as numerous new roads
built by private developers. Almost all of the County’s new road money since then has been saved for the
Meadow Creek Parkway. He pointed out that the most important primary road piece to be completed in
the area is Route 29 North from Hydraulic Road to the Route 250 Bypass, which is in the City. He said the
State initially said that project could only be funded out of urban funds – which would never get funded - as
it included the widening of Route 29 and an additional ramp in front of BestBuy onto the Route 250
Bypass. He mentioned that those projects were part of the planning process that came out of the Route
29/250H study, adding that the County has gone back to its CTB representative to emphasize the
importance of that project. Even though it is a City project, the County’s representatives are being
proactive in trying to make certain it get funded. He added that the City is now looking at the potential for
taking the right-of-way from the median rather than off of the west side of the road, which will greatly
reduce the cost because utilities would not have to be moved. Ultimately it would be a $15.0 to $20.0
million project.
Mr. Rue said from the MPO’s perspective, their role is to assist localities and VDOT with
implementation of project plans. He indicated that the volunteers serving on the MPO Policy Board are
very active and hard-working. He and Mr. Kevin Lynch, City Councilor, met with representatives of the
Postal Service about the Hillsdale Drive connector, so when it became a real project, it would be
approached with practical information. That kind of thing is going on every week, sometimes almost every
day, even at the conceptual level.
Mr. Boyd asked if there was a timetable for the work. Mr. Rue replied that the MPO’s Annual
W ork Plan does have a timetable, but their Action Plan is a little longer, emphasizing that the MPO’s role
is to assist in implementation. The MPO is very active with County staff and with the policymakers they
work with, particularly the CTB member.
Mr. Rooker added that it also boils down to maintaining personal contact with people who can
help, such as the CTB representative. He can help find solutions. It is also important to maintain good
relationships with VDOT representatives.
Ms. Thomas said in the past there has been acrimony at some of the transportation meetings, but
that has turned around because of improved relationships with the Governor, Mr. Rooker’s work with the
CTB member Mr. Butch Davies, and Mr. Rue’s work to bring people to the table to talk. She said two of
the governor’s secretaries mentioned Albemarle at a recent Virginia Association of Planning District
Commissions meeting.
Mr. Rooker mentioned that one reason the project in front of BestBuy will likely move forward is
because VDOT took it to the CTB member and used it as an example of how transportation planning
should be done. He added that VDOT has a stake in seeing that some of the plans they participate in are
realized.
Mr. Rue said in their funding options report, the MPO said if the localities came up with their own
funding there should be State matching money and the State Senate agreed that should be the case.
Mr. Benish said the Supervisors should also be recognized for their work to get projects moved
forward, as should other managers within the County who work on transportation issues. He said he
would get more information about how VDOT makes decisions on allocations of Federal funds and get
that information to the Board.
Mr. W yant asked where things stand with establishing a transportation district.
Mr. Rooker said it is incumbent on the Board to instruct staff to prepare the documentation
necessary to accomplish that.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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Mr. Slutzky noted that Albemarle Place and Hollymead Towncenter have agreed to participate.
Mr. Tom Foley, Assistant County Executive, said some final analyses need to be done.
Mr. Rooker said a route would run along Route 29 North, and would include the road, those two
developments, and the North Pointe development, if it is approved.
Mr. Davis mentioned that this would actually be a service district.
Mr. Foley said staff is developing an estimate of how much revenue would be generated from
those two developments with the idea that only the road be included otherwise.
Mr. Davis said it is a difficult question as to what property should be included in the district in order
to have a reasonable service district. Those three developments would be a good starting point, but other
properties should be included. A service district is simply designated for additional improvements that
could be funded through taxes from those properties. Reasonable boundaries must be drawn for the
service district that is going to receive the enhanced services of that district.
Mr. Rooker said there have been estimates of between $300.0 million and $1.0 billion for the
improved property at Albemarle Place. Calculate 25 cents on that amount and see what it would
generate. Mr. Davis noted that the discussion has revolved around using that money for improvements on
Route 29.
Mr. Boyd asked if the analysis would only be based on those three developments.
Mr. Slutzky asked why Fashion Square would not be included.
Mr. Rooker commented that it needs to be decided how deep the County goes, noting that the
reason for including the new developments is that they produce additional burdens on the transportation
system. He said it also encourages contiguous improvements along Route 29. Mr. Tucker said their
leases anticipate those types of tax increases.
Mr. Slutzky responded that there is a difference in having it understood ahead of time and having
it imposed after the fact, although they are all contributing to the traffic and wear and tear on Route 29 –
whether they are new or not. He said staff should forward information about including more than just the
new developments.
Mr. Rooker said the Board agrees that it should all be included.
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Agenda Item No. 3. Recess. At 4:56 p.m. the Board recessed until time for the regular meeting
to begin.
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Agenda Item No. 4. Call to Order. The regular meeting of the Board was called to order at 6:00
p.m. in Room 241 by the Chairman, Mr. Rooker.
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Agenda Item No. 5. Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item No. 6. Moment of Silence.
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Agenda Item No. 7. From the Public: Matters Not Listed on the Agenda.
Mr. John Martin, a resident of Free Union, addressed the Board stating that he wrote a letter to
the County six years ago regarding representation on the Rivanna W ater & Sewer Authority Board of
Directors. His letter suggested the Director representing the Albemarle County Service Authority be
replaced by a representative from the Rivanna W ater & Sewer Authority or by a County department head.
He said that in 1986 the RW SA amended its bylaws to have that representation, and perhaps now is the
time for review.
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Mr. Jim Grace addressed the Board on behalf of the Forest Lakes Association Board of Directors.
He said they met with Mr. Boyd, Mr. Mark Graham, Mr. Gray Lilly, Erosion Inspector, and two
representatives from the State Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) agency, as well as
representatives from the Hollymead Towncenter. At the meeting, a petition from the residents of Forest
Lakes was presented to Mr. Boyd regarding the sediment build-up in the lakes and their concerns with the
cost of removing that silt. The petition requests that the County and State halt further silt deposits and
address the cost of removing the silt, adding that a large portion of the meeting was spent discussing
erosion laws and erosion prevention at the Towncenter site. He said the representatives from the State
DCR Department indicated they would like to see additional stabilization measures.
Mr. Grace said the Forest Lakes board members have been watching the Towncenter for signs of
improved erosion prevention, and have seen the growth of some vegetation planted last November;
however, large sections of the site remain bare and are subject to heavy erosion – particularly in the steep
slopes created by the developer. He emphasized that discussions and questions with County staff
concerning additional seeding have not yielded answers to when the developers will provide permanent
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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and/or temporary seeding to stabilize areas of the site that have had little or no activity for prolonged
periods of time.
Mr. Grace said the proposed sale of a portion of the site will delay development and leave the site
prone to further erosion. He stated that only the current drought has prevented further silt incursion into
Lake Hollymead. He asked what is being done to correct the obvious lack of stabilization across much of
the site, and what actions the Board is considering to help offset the cost created for the residents of
Forest Lakes and Hollymead directly attributable to approval of the Hollymead Towncenter. He requested
that a response from the Board be made to the Forest Lakes Association Board.
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Mr. Rooker recognized Scout Troop 27 of Charlottesville, and thanked them for attending the
meeting tonight.
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Agenda Item No. 8. Consent Agenda. Motion was offered by Ms. Thomas to approve the items
on the Consent Agenda. Mr. Boyd seconded the motion, which passed by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. W yant, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Dorrier, Mr. Rooker, Mr. Slutzky and Ms. Thomas.
NAYS: None.
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Item 8.1. Authorize County Executive to Execute Lease Agreement for Temporary Fire Rescue
Facility.
It was noted in the Executive Summary that during development of the FY 2006-07 Budget, the
Board approved a Strategic Initiative to begin rescue services in the Hollymead Development Area one
year ahead of the Northern Fire Rescue Station’s scheduled opening. The proposal included hiring eight
firefighter/ALS staff and placing the personnel in a temporary facility to staff an ambulance 24/7.
The Strategic Initiative was based on the fact that on the average it takes an ambulance more
than 13 minutes to arrive on scene in the Hollymead Development Area from the Charlottesville-Albemarle
Rescue Squad (CARS) location on McIntire Road. A 13-minute response time is more than three times
the four-minute response time goal as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Staff believes the current 13-
minute response time is likely to increase due to: a) increased traffic along the Route 29 corridor, making
it more difficult for CARS to reach the Hollymead development area; and, b) the EMS call volume has
outpaced the number of staffed ambulances in the system, making it more likely that an ambulance will
not immediately be available to respond.
A 24/7 staffed ambulance located in a temporary facility in Hollymead would serve the citizens of
the Hollymead Development Area, rural areas of Earlysville, portions of Stony Point, and would back up
the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue in the southern part of the Route 29 North corridor and the urban
ring.
Since adoption of the FY 2006-07 Budget, staff has worked to develop options for a temporary fire
rescue facility in the Hollymead Development Area. Staff based its search on four main factors: location,
accessibility, availability and cost. Staff looked at the option of using the existing Earlysville and Seminole
Trail fire stations. However, both stations are approximately 4.5 miles from the middle of Hollymead and
would not make a significant impact on meeting the four-minute response time standard as defined in the
Comprehensive Plan. Staff also looked at utilizing the existing fire rescue station on the grounds of the
Airport; however, the Airport’s fire rescue station was not designed to be a 24/7 facility and does not have
sleeping quarters or a kitchen.
Staff narrowed the options down to three alternatives; the second floor of the Amvest-W orrell
Building on Airport grounds, a garage/office at 3690 Dobelann Drive, and an open lot at 1581 Airport
Road. The Amvest-W orrell Building requires few modifications, the cost is reasonable and competitive,
and operational start-up can be accomplished very quickly. The 3690 Dobelann Drive and 1581 Airport
Road sites require the placement of a temporary trailer and utility access, which offsets any other cost
savings. They would also require significant preparation. Staff believes the Amvest-W orrell Building is the
most desirable of the options from the standpoint of location, accessibility, availability and cost. The
average cost/sq. ft of similar property is $14 to $18 without utilities (Summit Reality, June 1, 2006). The
Amvest-W orrell Building is priced at $11.40 and includes utilities. Staff has been working with Mr. Kent
Hunter of Amvest Corporation’s management staff to develop an acceptable lease agreement.
If the Board approves proceeding with the lease agreement, staff estimates the rescue services in
the Hollymead Development Area will begin during the September, 2006 timeframe. The project includes
hiring eight firefighter/ALS staff in July, conducting an accelerated recruit school during the summer,
making minor modifications to the temporary facility, and taking delivery of the ambulance.
Staff recommends that the Board authorize the County Executive to execute a lease agreement
with Amvest-W orrell Joint Venture, approved as to content and form by the County Attorney, for the
second floor of the Amvest-W orrell building for use as a temporary fire rescue facility.
By the recorded vote set out above, the Board authorized the County Executive to execute
a lease agreement with Amvest-Worrell Joint Venture, approved as to content and form by the
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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County Attorney, for the second floor of the Amvest-Worrell building for use as a temporary fire
rescue facility.
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Item 8.2. Resolution to Authorize the County Executive to Accept Deeds and to Enter into License
Agreements for Greenways.
It was noted in the Executive Summary that one objective of the Comprehensive Plan is to
establish a countywide network of greenway trails. The Comprehensive Plan provides that the key
functions of the greenway trail system are to: (1) protect important and/or sensitive resources; (2) provide
recreational and educational opportunities; (3) provide an alternative transportation system; and (4)
provide an economic benefit. Greenways may be acquired as the result of a proffer accepted with a
rezoning, in conjunction with the development process, or through donations and other voluntary means.
Deeds may convey either a fee simple interest or an easement in the greenway lands. Deeds
conveying a fee simple interest are typically in the form of a deed of dedication that describes the land to
be conveyed and the public purpose to be served. Deeds of easement set forth the rights and
responsibilities of the landowner and the County, including the County’s rights and obligations to maintain
the trail improvements within the easement. Under Virginia Code § 15.2-1803, the Board must authorize
the County Executive to accept these deeds on behalf of the County. In license agreements, landowners
would grant the County permission to enter and use their land to establish a greenway trail, but would not
convey an interest in the land itself. A license agreement has been considered when the lands would
soon be developed and the parties do not wish to permanently fix the location of the trail. The County
would install few, if any improvements besides the trail itself, on lands under a license agreement. The
first license agreements are currently being negotiated. The Board is enabled to generally delegate the
authority to the County Executive to accept deeds and to enter into agreements such as a license
agreement.
This authorization will streamline the process and minimize staff resource requirements that would
otherwise be required for staff to schedule the authorization for a Board meeting, prepare an executive
summary, and then have the Board of Supervisors act on the authorization. For those conveyances that
are associated with a development application, this authorization would save the applicants three to six
weeks of possible delay. Staff recommends that the Board adopt a Resolution to authorize the County
Executive to accept deeds conveying fee simple and easement interests, and to enter into license
agreements easements, for greenways, provided that the deeds and agreements are approved as to form
and content by the County Attorney.
By the recorded vote setout above, the Board adopted the following Resolution To
Authorize The County Executive To Accept Deeds Conveying Fee Simple And Easement Interests,
And To Enter Into License Agreements Easements, For Greenways.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
TO ACCEPT DEEDS CONVEYING FEE SIMPLE AND EASEMENT INTERESTS,
AND TO ENTER INTO LICENSE AGREEMENTS, FOR GREENWAYS
WHEREAS, the County of Albemarle may acquire lands for its greenway trail system
through Deeds conveying either fee simple or easement interests, and may acquire temporary
permission to use land for a greenway trail through License Agreements; and
WHEREAS, such Deeds and License Agreements transfer ownership of property or set
forth the rights and responsibilities of the landowner and the County, including the County’s rights
and obligations to maintain the improvements within the easement or license area; and
WHEREAS, the efficiency of government is improved by delegating the authority to the
County Executive to accept such Deeds and to enter into License Agreements on behalf of the
County;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors
authorizes the County Executive, on behalf of the County, to accept Deeds conveying fee simple
and easement interests, and to enter into License Agreements, for property to be used for the
County’s greenway trail system, provided that such Deeds and License Agreements are approved
as to form and content by the County Attorney.
__________
Item 8.3. Resolution Designating Rural Rustic Road Paving Projects.
It was noted in the Executive Summary that the Board has recommended sections of W oods
Edge Road, Hacktown Road and Rocky Hollow Road for paving under the Rural Rustic Road program in
the County’s Six-Year Secondary Road Priority List and VDOT’s Six-Year Secondary Road Construction
Plan. Rural rustic roads are paved at a width based on reduced and flexible standards that leave trees,
vegetation, side slopes and open drainage abutting the roadway undisturbed to the maximum extent
possible without compromising public safety. Rural rustic road standards allow a road to be paved within a
30-foot easement. In a traditional paving project, improvements are done within a 50-foot right-of-way.
Roads paved using rural rustic road standards are considerably less expensive than traditional paving.
VDOT requires that a resolution be adopted by the Board designating these roads as Rural Rustic
Roads and requesting that the roads be paved using those standards. Staff mailed a letter to every
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 8)
property owner along these three roads informing them that VDOT would pave their road using rural rustic
road standards instead of traditional paving standards. They were given until May 23, 2006, to contact the
County if they objected to this paving. Staff did not receive any correspondence noting opposition to the
projects. Staff did receive numerous calls from residents from all three roads supporting the paving. If
approved by the Board, VDOT will begin work immediately using State forces. Each project will take from
45 to 90 days to complete.
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the required resolutions.
By the vote set out above, the following Resolutions designating sections of Woods Edge
Road, Hacktown Road and Rocky Hollow Road as Rural Rustic Roads and requesting VDOT to
improve these roads as Rural Rustic Road projects, were adopted:
RESOLUTION
WOODS EDGE ROAD
WHEREAS, during the 2002 session of the General Assembly, legislation was passed to
revise section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, to allow for the improvement and hard surfacing
of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for and be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and
WHEREAS, such roads must be located in low-density development areas and have a
minimum of 50 vehicles per day (vpd) but no more than 500 vpd; and
WHEREAS, this Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the
existing traffic on the road; and
WHEREAS, the citizens using this road have been informed that this road may be paved
under rural rustic road standards with minimal improvements; and
WHEREAS, this Board believes that the segment of Route 623 (W oods Edge Road)
between Route 616 and the end of state maintenance should be designated a Rural Rustic Road
because of its qualifying characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the road segment aforesaid is in the Board’s Six Year Plan for improvements
to its secondary system of state highways;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle County Board of
Supervisors hereby designates and requests VDOT’s Resident Engineer to concur in the
aforesaid road segment as a Rural Rustic Road; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board requests that this road segment be hard-
surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing rights of ways and ditch
lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic
character along the road in its current state; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
_____
RESOLUTION
HACKTOWN ROAD
WHEREAS, during the 2002 session of the General Assembly, legislation was passed to
revise section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, to allow for the improvement and hard surfacing
of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for and be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and
WHEREAS, such roads must be located in low-density development areas and have a
minimum of 50 vehicles per day (vpd) but no more than 500 vpd; and
WHEREAS, this Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the
existing traffic on the road; and
WHEREAS, the citizens using this road have been informed that this road may be paved
under rural rustic road standards with minimal improvements; and
WHEREAS, this Board believes that the segment of Route 744 (Hacktown Road)
between Route 731 and the overpass of Interstate 64 should be designated a Rural Rustic Road
because of its qualifying characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the road segment aforesaid is in the Board’s Six Year Plan for improvements
to its secondary system of state highways;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle County Board of
Supervisors hereby designates and requests VDOT’s Resident Engineer to concur in the
aforesaid road segment as a Rural Rustic Road; and
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 9)
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board requests that this road segment be hard-
surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing rights of ways and ditch
lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic
character along the road in its current state; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
_____
RESOLUTION
ROCKY HOLLOW ROAD
WHEREAS, during the 2002 session of the General Assembly, legislation was passed to
revise section 33.1-70.1 of the Code of Virginia, to allow for the improvement and hard surfacing
of certain unpaved roads deemed to qualify for and be designated a Rural Rustic Road; and
WHEREAS, such roads must be located in low-density development areas and have a
minimum of 50 vehicles per day (vpd) but no more than 500 vpd; and
WHEREAS, this Board is unaware of pending development that will significantly affect the
existing traffic on the road; and
WHEREAS, the citizens using this road have been informed that this road may be paved
under rural rustic road standards with minimal improvements; and
WHEREAS, this Board believes that the segment of Route 769 (Rocky Hollow Road)
between Route 20 and the end of state maintenance should be designated a Rural Rustic Road
because of its qualifying characteristics; and
WHEREAS, the road segment aforesaid is in the Board’s Six Year Plan for improvements
to its secondary system of state highways;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Albemarle County Board of
Supervisors hereby designates and requests VDOT’s Resident Engineer to concur in the
aforesaid road segment as a Rural Rustic Road; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board requests that this road segment be hard-
surfaced and, to the fullest extent prudent, be improved within the existing rights of ways and ditch
lines to preserve as much as possible the adjacent trees, vegetation, side slopes, and rural rustic
character along the road in its current state; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to the
Resident Engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
__________
Item 8.4. Requested FY ‘2006 Appropriations.
It was noted in the Executive Summary that the Code of Virginia § 15.2-2507 stipulates that any
locality may amend its budget to adjust the aggregate amount to be appropriated during the fiscal year as
shown in the currently adopted budget. Any such amendment which exceeds one percent of the total
expenditures shown in the currently adopted budget or the sum of $500,000, whichever is lesser, must be
accomplished by first publishing a notice of a meeting and holding a public hearing before amending the
budget.
The total of these requested FY 2006 appropriations is $166,130.21. It is anticipated that a
budget amendment public hearing will be proposed in July, 2006 and these appropriations will be
incorporated. This request involves the approval of four new FY 2006 appropriations as follows: One
appropriation (No. 2006-081) totaling $99,077.39 for education donations and programs; two
appropriations (No. 2006-082 and No. 2006-084) totaling $33,753.84 for Police Department grants; and
one appropriation (No 2006-083) appropriating $33,298.98 in funds for three drug-seized asset accounts.
A detailed description of these appropriations follows. Staff recommends approval of the FY 2006
Appropriation Nos. 2006-081, 2006-082, 2006-083 and 2006-084.
Appropriation No. 2006-081, $99,077.39. At its meeting on May 11, 2006, the School Board
approved the following appropriations:
The Virginia Commission for the Arts has made grant awards to several Albemarle County
Schools. Teacher Incentive Grants were made to Baker Butler Elementary in the amount of
$600.00, Hollymead Elementary in the amount of $1,481.00, Meriwether Elementary in the
amount of $250.00, Murray Elementary in the amount of $300.00, Stony Point in the amount of
$3,600.00, Jouett Middle School in the amount of $300.00 and W estern Albemarle High School in
the amount of $600.00. These programs will involve interactive activities to include hands-on
learning experience for students with performing, visual and musical arts.
The Virginia Commission for the Arts has awarded Touring Grants to Baker Butler Elementary in
the amount of $100.00, Crozet Elementary in the amount of $225.00, Murray Elementary in the
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 10)
amount of $250.00, and Yancey Elementary in the amount of $225.00. These grants awards will
help fund a Theatre IV performance for each school.
The Department of Environmental Quality in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education
has awarded Albemarle County Public Schools with a W atershed Educational Training Grant in
the amount of $6,500.00. These funds will be used to implement a Meaningful W atershed
Educational Experience (MW EE), which will provide all middle school students with the
opportunity to study local watershed resources through hands-on classroom activities and field
trips.
The GE Volunteers has awarded grants to Agnor Hurt Elementary in the amount of $500.00 and
to W oodbrook Elementary in the amount of $500.00. These funds will be used to support each
school’s Reading Advocacy Program by purchasing books for use during in-school programs,
after-school programs and to directly mentor students during reading events.
Old Dominion University has awarded Greer Elementary School with an Effective School-wide
Discipline mini-grant in the amount of $1,000.00. These funds will be used to develop and
implement a school-wide discipline system that is based specifically on the individual school’s
needs. Emphasis will be placed on consistency, the entire school staff is expected to adopt
strategies that will be uniformly implemented.
Dominion Resources has awarded Lisa Kerwien-Harmon, a teacher at Baker Butler Elementary, a
grant in the amount of $575.00. These funds will be used to implement her “W hat’s the Matter”
classroom science project.
Quest Communication has compensated the School Division for the right-of-way at CATEC. The
amount was calculated by staff and was based on information from the County Assessor’s Office
to determine the cost per square foot for the right-of-way.
Monticello High School received a donation in the amount of $1,000.00 from Mr. H. M. W alker, Jr.
It has been requested that this donation be used to fund any projects or help any student at
Monticello High School.
Albemarle County Adult Basic Education collaborated with local institutions and agencies when
requested to provide tuition classes tailored to the individualized needs of particular students. All
expenses are covered through said tuition and registration fees. Expenditures have exceeded the
appropriation for FY ’05-/06 due to an increase in the number of classes. This program received
an additional $7,020.00 in registration fees for FY ’05-06 and has a local fund balance of
$7,960.39 from FY ’04-05 which may be reappropriated for FY ’05-06.
The Driver’s Safety Fund consists of driver’s education behind the wheel program and the
Motorcycle Safety Program operating on a fee-for-service basis. Approximately 1,300 students
are trained each year in Drivers’ Safety. Operating before school, after school and in the summer,
students receive 18 hours of training. The latest driving techniques and decision-making skills are
emphasized. Expenditures have exceeded appropriations for FY 2005-06 due to an increase in
the number of classes, types of classes offered, vehicle fuel, repair of equipment and purchasing
a vehicle. There is a local fund balance in the amount of $74,900.34 from FY 2004-05 which may
be reappropriated for FY 2005-06. Permission is requested to use $56,000.00 of the Fund
Balance for FY 2005-06.
Appropriation No. 2006-082, $1,500.00. The Department of Motor Vehicles has awarded the
Albemarle County Police Department a grant in the amount of $1,500.00 for overtime expenses. This
grant is in conjunction with the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Albemarle County will be stopping
citizens for traffic offenses and in the process checking safety restraint use and giving a ticket if
appropriate. There is no local match.
Appropriation No. 2006-083, $33,298.98. The Albemarle County Police Department and
Commonwealth Attorney’s Office have received seized asset funds from the Department of Criminal
Justice Services in the amount of $33,210.64. These accounts have also earned $88.34 in interest.
These moneys will be used to purchase office equipment for the Commonwealth’s Attorney and evidence
equipment, AED’s, and traffic enforcement items for the Police.
Appropriation No. 2006-084, $32,253.84. The Albemarle County Police Department has been
awarded additional funds from the 2004 Homeland Security Grant. These moneys total $32,253.84 and
will be used to purchase five mobile surveillance video systems. There is no local match.
By the recorded vote set out above, the Board approved a budget amendment in the amount of
$166,130.21and also approved FY 2006 Appropriation Nos. 2006-081, 2006-082, 2006-083 and 2006-
084, all as set out below:
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
APPROPRIATION NO. 2006-081
DATE: 06/14/06
EXPLANATION: Various Education Programs and Grants
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 11)
SUB LEDGER GENERAL LEDGER
TYPE FUND DEPT OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CODE AMOUNT DEBIT CREDIT
2 2000 18100 181109 Donation J2 1,000.00
2 3104 18000 181259 Revenue-Dominion Resources J2 575.00
2 3104 18000 189900 Miscellaneous Revenue J2 1,000.00
2 3104 18000 189919 Miscellaneous Revenue J2 1,000.00
2 3104 24000 240263 Revenue- Baker Butler J2 600.00
2 3104 24000 240266 Revenue- Murray Elem. J2 250.00
2 3104 24000 240281 Revenue- Stony Point J2 3,600.00
2 3104 24000 240295 Revenue- Miscellaneous J2 550.00
2 3104 24000 240328 Revenue- Murray J2 300.00
2 3104 24000 240330 Revenue- Hollymead J2 1,481.00
2 3104 24000 240332 Revenue- Meriw Lewis J2 250.00
2 3104 24000 240356 Revenue- Jouett MS J2 300.00
2 3104 24000 240418 Revenue- WAHS J2 600.00
2 3104 33000 330134 Revenue-Mwee Wtrshd J2 6,500.00
2 3116 16000 161249 Registration-Adult Ed J2 7,020.00
2 3116 51000 510100 Appropriation Fund Bal J2 7,960.39
2 3305 51000 510100 Appropriation Fund Bal J2 56,000.00
2 9000 15000 150320 Quest Easement-CATEC J2 10,091.00
1 2304 61101 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 1,000.00
1 3104 60203 312500 Prof. Service-Instr. J1 225.00
1 3104 60204 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 1,000.00
1 3104 60205 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 1,481.00
1 3104 60206 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 250.00
1 3104 60211 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 3,600.00
1 3104 60212 601200 Books & Subscriptions J1 500.00
1 3104 60213 312500 Prof. Service-Instr. J1 225.00
1 3104 60215 601200 Books & Subscriptions J1 500.00
1 3104 60216 312500 Prof. Service-Instr. J1 250.00
1 3104 60216 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 300.00
1 3104 60217 312500 Prof. Service-Instr. J1 100.00
1 3104 60217 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 600.00
1 3104 60217 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 575.00
1 3104 60253 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 300.00
1 3104 60302 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 600.00
1 3104 61101 312500 Prof. Service-Instr. J1 3,000.00
1 3104 61101 420100 Field Trips J1 3,000.00
1 3104 61101 601300 Ed & Rec Supplies J1 500.00
1 3116 63348 132100 Teacher W ages J1 9,000.00
1 3116 63348 210000 FICA J1 688.50
1 3116 63348 312700 Prof. Ser. Consultants J1 500.00
1 3116 63348 520100 Postal Services J1 400.00
1 3116 63348 520301 Telephone -Local J1 1,000.00
1 3116 63348 530302 Telephone-Long Distance J1 100.00
1 3116 63348 580000 Miscellaneous Expenses J1 600.00
1 3116 63348 580500 Staff Development J1 919.89
1 3116 63348 600100 Office Supplies J1 1,072.00
1 3116 63348 600200 Food Supplies J1 500.00
1 3116 63348 601300 Copy Expenses J1 200.00
1 3305 61235 132100 Pt/Wages-Teacher J1 5,000.00
1 3305 61235 132101 Pt/Wages-Teacher Adult J1 16,500.00
1 3305 61235 210000 FICA J1 1,645.00
1 3305 61235 600800 Vehicle & Equip. Fuel J1 2,000.00
1 3305 61236 132100 Pt/Wages-Teacher J1 4,000.00
1 3305 61236 135000 Pt/Wages-Office Clerical J1 1,000.00
1 3305 61236 210000 FICA J1 383.00
1 3305 61237 115000 Salaries-Office Clerical J1 3,000.00
1 3305 61237 210000 FICA J1 230.00
1 3305 61237 331500 R&M Equip.-Vehicles J1 1,665.00
1 3305 61238 132100 Pt/Wages-Teacher J1 6,000.00
1 3305 61238 135000 Pt/Wages-Office Clerical J1 1,100.00
1 3305 61238 210000 FICA J1 544.00
1 3305 61238 600800 Vehicle & Equip. Fuel J1 1,700.00
1 3305 61238 800500 Motor Vehicle J1 11,233.00
1 9000 62420 950192 CATEC Maintenance Proj J1 10,091.00
2000 0501 Est. Revenue 1,000.00
0701 Appropriation 1,000.00
3104 0501 Est. Revenue 17,006.00
0701 Appropriation 17,006.00
3116 0501 Est. Revenue 14,980.39
0701 Appropriation 14,980.39
3305 0501 Est. Revenue 56,000.00
0701 Appropriation 56,000.00
9000 0501 Est. Revenue 10,091.00
0701 Appropriation 10,091.00
TOTAL 198,154.78 99,077.39 99,077.39
__________
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
APPROPRIATION NO. 2006-082
DATE: 06/14/06
EXPLANATION: Click-It or Ticket Police Department Grant
SUB LEDGER GENERAL LEDGER
TYPE FUND DEPT OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CODE AMOUNT DEBIT CREDIT
2 1534 33000 330011 DMV Grants J2 1,500.00
1 1534 31013 120000 Overtime J1 1,385.25
1 1534 31013 210000 FICA J1 114.75
1534 0501 Est. Revenue 1,500.00
0701 Appropriation 1,500.00
TOTAL 3,000.00 1,500.00 1,500.00
__________
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 12)
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
APPROPRIATION NO. 2006-083
DATE: 06/14/06
EXPLANATION: Seized Asset Accounts
SUB LEDGER GENERAL LEDGER
TYPE FUND DEPT OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CODE AMOUNT DEBIT CREDIT
2 1234 24000 240403 State Drug Asset Seizures J2 12,956.27
2 1235 15000 150101 Interest on Deposits J2 88.34
2 1236 24000 240403 State Drug Assets Seizures J2 20,254.37
1 1234 22010 800700 Equipment J1 12,956.27
1 1235 39000 580905 State Drug Seized Assets J1 88.34
1 1236 39000 580905 State Drug Seized Assets J1 20,254.37
1234 0501 Est. Revenue 12,956.27
0701 Appropriation 12,956.27
1235 0501 Est. Revenue 88.34
0701 Appropriation 88.34
1236 0501 Est. Revenue 20,254.37
0701 Appropriation 20,254.37
TOTAL 66,597.96 33,298.98 33,298.98
__________
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
APPROPRIATION NO. 2006-084
DATE: 06/14/06
EXPLANATION: Homeland Security Grant
SUB LEDGER GENERAL LEDGER
TYPE FUND DEPT OBJECT ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION CODE AMOUNT DEBIT CREDIT
2 1545 33000 330001 Grant Rev – Federal J2 32,253.84
1 1545 31091 800100 Mach. & Equipment J1 32,253.84
1545 0501 Est. Revenue 32,253.84
0701 Appropriation 32,253.84
TOTAL 64,507.68 32,253.84 32,253.84
__________
Item 8.5. Set Public Hearing on Ordinance to Change Location of Polling Place for Northside
Precinct in the Rio Magisterial District.
It was noted in the Executive Summary that Virginia Code § 24.2-307 requires that the Board of
Supervisors establish polling places by ordinance. Albemarle County Code § 2-102(C)(4) establishes the
Buck Mountain Episcopal Church as the polling place for the Northside Precinct in the Rio Magisterial
District. The Albemarle County Electoral Board recently recommended that the polling place be changed
to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Department. The current polling place is located at a dangerous curve on
Earlysville Road. W hen drivers slow down or stop to turn into the Church, other drivers coming around
the curve have poor visibility and often have to stop suddenly. Despite police and VDOT assistance at the
site on voting days, there are often near-collisions. Earlysville Road is a heavily traveled road, and the
traffic and this potential hazard are expected to increase as the population in that precinct continues to
grow. Moving the polling place to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Department would eliminate this driving
hazard. In addition, the Fire Department is a newer building and has better handicap access.
Staff recommends that the Board set a public hearing on July 12, 2006, to consider adopting an
ordinance amendment to amend Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, Elections, of the Code of the County
of Albemarle, Virginia by amending Sec. 2-102, Rio Magisterial District, to change the polling place from
the Buck Mountain Episcopal Church to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire Department in the Northside
Precinct of the Rio Magisterial District.
By the vote set out above the Board set a public hearing on July 12, 2006, to consider
adopting An Ordinance to amend Chapter 2, Administration, Article I, Elections, of the Code of the
County of Albemarle, Virginia, by amending Sec. 2-102, Rio Magisterial District, to change the
polling place from the Buck Mountain Episcopal Church to the Earlysville Volunteer Fire
Department in the Northside Precinct of the Rio Magisterial District.
__________
Item 8.6. Cancel August 9, 2006, Board of Supervisors’ meeting.
By the vote set out above, the Board cancelled its regularly scheduled meeting for August
9, 2006.
_______________
Agenda Item No. 9. Public Hearing: ZMA-2005-0005, Liberty Hall (Cross Property), Sign #69.
Proposal: Rezone 8.01 acres from R-1 (1 unit/acre) Residential to NMD, Neighborhood Model
District-Residential (3-34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses to allow
office uses up to approx. 8,500 square feet in size and up to 53 residential units in single-family,
townhouses and multifamily.
Proffers: Yes.
Existing Comprehensive Plan Land Use/Density: Crozet Master Plan designates the property
CT3 Urban Edge: single-family residential (net 3.5-6.5 units/acre) supporting uses such as
religious institutions and schools and other small-scale nonresidential uses, and CT4 Urban
General: residential (net 4.5 units/acre single-family, net 12 units/acre townhouses/apartments,
net 18 units/acre mixed use) with supporting uses such as religious institutions and schools and
mixed uses including retail/office.
Entrance Corridor: Yes.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 13)
Location: TM 56, Parcels 97A, 97A1 & 97 (only a .833 acre southwest portion of the property as
shown on the General Development Plan) along Radford Lane near its intersection with Rockfish
Gap Turnpike (Rt 250 W ).
Magisterial District: W hite Hall.
(This public hearing had been deferred from March 15, 2006.)
Mr. Cilimberg said the Board held a public hearing regarding this petition on March 15, 2006. The
applicant requested deferral to allow him time to respond to an adjoining property owner’s request
regarding a road connection from Liberty Hall into his property. The public comments at that meeting
included concern about residential densities, the office uses included in the proposal, and the impact on
Route 250 W est. He said the applicant has now provided a revised development plan to incorporate the
neighbors’ requested changes, and to respond to concerns raised by the Board and the public. These
changes include a reduction in the number of total residential units from 53 to 51, and modification of the
CT-3 area of the site to include fewer units.
Mr. Cilimberg said the applicant also responded to the request for a connecting driveway in the
rear of the property and that is now part of the plan. He said staff found the proposal to be in conformity
with the Crozet Master Plan, with the mid-range of units expected for the CT-3 area. He said the proposal
is for the maximum number of units in the CT-4 areas of the site, which will be predominantly residential
uses with a limited mix of non-residential uses in a live-work unit concept. He said staff has provided a
summary of potential dwelling units in Crozet which are currently either in a state of approval or review.
The Traffic Impact Mitigation Alternatives Report provided by the applicant was accepted by VDOT, with
measures to be taken along Route 250 W est when conditions warrant. He said residents in this
neighborhood would be within walking distance of retail and commercial uses to be built at Clover Lawn –
or in the future at Blue Ridge Shopping Center – which would help reduce vehicle trips. He said the
project no longer has the office-building component, but includes live-work units instead that will further
reduce traffic impacts as some residents would work from home.
Regarding visual impacts from Route 250 W est, Mr. Cilimberg said the ARB has offered
preliminary review comments and the applicant included them on the Application Plan, and the site
development plans will also be reviewed and approved by the ARB. He said the height of structures in the
front of the project or southern part of the project is at a maximum of 35 feet. Considering additional
changes to the plan to address concerns brought forth at the March meeting, staff has recommended
approval of the petition with the revised Proffers, Code of Development and Application Plan. He said the
proffers include a contribution of $3,200 per market rate unit, for a total of $137,600 for capital projects in
Crozet – which could include the Eastern Avenue project, eight affordable units provided in four stacked
units, a pro-rata share of traffic signal to be provided either at Radford Lane and Route 250, or the Eastern
Avenue/250 future intersection. He indicated that there is also a proffer for a ten-foot wide access
easement for a Class B primitive trail to be constructed to the property line for ultimate connection to the
greenway system in Crozet. He distributed a handout on how this project relates to the greenway system.
He added that the developer has also proffered an overlot grading plan.
In response to Mr. Boyd’s question about affordable housing units, Mr. Cilimberg noted that they
will be “flats”, and noted on the plan where the over/under units would be placed – on each end of the
rows of houses.
Mr. W yant asked how far away the connection is to the proposed Eastern Avenue. Mr. Cilimberg
said it would cross through the property to the west, and the applicant is providing the option of connecting
either east or west – which could be a road coming east or going west to Eastern Avenue. He said other
properties have to be considered before that can happen, adding that the applicant has also provided for a
connection to the north. He pointed out on a rendering the driveway connection location and the Class B
primitive trail.
Mr. Rooker asked if the properties shown on the cul-de-sac are on an existing road. Mr.
Cilimberg said he is not certain, but he believes that is the case.
Mr. W yant asked how the residential/commercial units would be structured. Mr. Cilimberg
responded that typically there would be a business on the bottom floor, with the owner living above.
Mr. Slutzky said the status report of how many units have been approved in Crozet is very helpful.
He asked about the affordable housing proffer. It is his interpretation that the developers have 60 days to
get a bona fide purchaser in the unit after the certificate of occupancy is granted, or they are free to sell it
in the open market. Is that what is routinely done, and is that what the Board wanted to do? Mr. Cilimberg
said at a minimum it could be 60 days, but it could also be more.
Mr. Davis said there is a list of pre-qualified buyers, and the 180-day period would give them
enough time to actually purchase and close on a house. That will depend on the inventory of qualified
buyers the Housing Department has. How this plays out over time, only time will tell.
Mr. Boyd said it would also depend on available funds for down-payments. Mr. Davis agreed,
adding that it would also depend on how many units are available.
Mr. Slutzky said he thought this meant about a 60-day window from the time the Certificate of
Occupancy (CO) is issued, and then the unit would go on the market. He is suggesting that staff revisit
this timetable after there is some actual experience with these affordable housing units in the marketplace.
Perhaps if this timeframe is found to be insufficient, the Board can readdress it.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 14)
Mr. Rooker agreed, saying he thought the timeframe was 90 days, although it could be more or
less, depending on how it is written now. Mr. Davis said this proffer gives 180 days, but they can’t give
notice more than 120 days prior to when the CO is anticipated.
Mr. Slutzky said the CO issuance could make that time as short as 60 days. He reiterated that he
wants to make sure there is sufficient time to sell these affordable units. This is new for the County to be
dealing with, so he thinks it will have to be tried out for effectiveness. Mr. Cilimberg said he will share with
Mr. W hite the Board’s concern about the amount of time from finished unit completion to availability for a
buyer.
Mr. Slutzky asked if a public hearing notice was ever put out on Route 250 about tonight’s
hearing, noting that Ms. Thomas had mentioned the absence of a sign. Mr. Davis said he believes a sign
is in place.
Mr. Slutzky said that in Proffer No. 3 it states: “The Owner's cash contribution shall be based
upon the traffic volume generated by this site ... using an equitable method for determining the Owner's
pro-rata share of the cost.” He wondered about the term an “equitable method to determine the owner’s
pro-rata share of the costs.” Mr. Davis said that is “lawyer speak” to try to reach a reasonable solution.
The report has already been submitted that defines that cost at 16 percent. There has basically already
been a meeting of the minds as to what that cost will be. Mr. Cilimberg noted that VDOT has to accept a
pro-rata approach in funding those signals.
Mr. Rooker added that ultimately Albemarle County would be making a determination according to
the language in the proffer.
Mr. Slutzky said the Route 250 W est Task Force does not support the development because of
inadequate road infrastructure to accommodate the development, even though it is inside of a growth
area. He expressed concern that there would still be significant traffic put onto the road.
Ms. Thomas said she would like staff to explain traffic mitigation measures because this plan
doesn’t address issues at the intersection of Routes 250 and 240. She said there is some discussion in
the Development Plan about tree protection, and she wants some assurance that this plan is sufficient.
She said a recent project along 250 ended up with trees being killed, even though there were tree
protection measures in the plan.
Mr. Rooker said it his understanding that the only mitigation offered for traffic is a proffer by the
developer to pay 16 percent of the cost of signalization. Mr. Cilimberg noted that the possibilities are –
depending on the Eastern Connector timing – participation in a signal at Radford Lane coming out at
Route 250, or participation in a signal in lieu of one at Eastern Avenue/Route 250. It’s a pro-rata
contribution in each case.
Mr. Dorrier said the Renaissance Planning Group indicates that additional traffic would have no
impact on the roads there. Mr. Cilimberg said they are saying there would be no addition impact at the
intersection of Routes 240 and 250, but they are acknowledging that turning movements would fail at one
intersection [he showed on a plan].
Mr. W yant said there is already an intersection across from the Blue Ridge Shopping Center at
Clover Lawn, and at Cory Farm, and his vision of Crozet and Route 250 is that there be no more than
three lights, one where the Eastern Connector would be, one that exists now, and one at W estern
Albemarle High School. He has asked for traffic from Henley and Brownsville schools to come out on Old
Trail, and he would like to see new traffic come out at Clover Lawn or come over on the Eastern
Connector. He thinks it would make a smoother traffic flow down Route 250. That is indicated in the
traffic report.
Mr. Boyd said the report indicates that Liberty Hall would create a failing condition at the
intersection on Route 250 without signalization. Mr. Cilimberg confirmed this to be the case.
Mr. Dorrier asked about the contribution of $137,000. Mr. Cilimberg replied that the cash proffer
would be used for capital projects in Crozet, such as Eastern Avenue.
Mr. Dorrier asked if the County would make the decision as to how that amount is used. Mr.
Cilimberg said that is the case.
W ith no further questions for staff, Mr. Rooker asked the applicant to speak.
Mr. Vito Cetta addressed the Board, noting on a map where the growth area is, and he reviewed
the plan for this project. He emphasized that the townhouses would sell for about $300,000, and the end
units would be the affordable units and would sell for about $145,000. He said it is important that the
affordable units be built as market-rate units, as the idea is to increase the supply of affordable housing.
But, he doesn’t want the homeowner to buy it and then sell it in a year for a large profit.
Mr. Boyd asked Mr. Cetta to describe the affordable units.
Mr. Cetta said at this time the design is for those to be one-bedroom units, but they could also be
two bedrooms. They are 900-square foot units, with light on three sides. The live-work units are planned
to be two and one-half story units with a shop on the first floor and a townhouse above it. He said the
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 15)
owner of the townhouse would have a separate entrance to their living quarters with an office below. If
they don’t use it that way, they own it and could lease it to someone else.
Mr. Dorrier asked the selling price. Mr. Cetta responded that the townhouse units would sell for
$290,000 to $310,000, with the 1000-square foot office space being $100,000.
Mr. Cetta reported that he is tying Clover Lawn into their project in order to get access to that
traffic light.
Mr. Rooker asked if that connection would be made when his project is completed. Mr. Cetta
replied that the connections shown on his plan would be made as part of the project.
Mr. Rooker asked if Mr. Cetta is building a connection to his property line, but some of the
connections would not happen until there is a road built to connect with his road. Mr. Cetta responded that
some connections are already being used, and some would terminate at the property line. He noted on
the plan where the stormwater drainage would be located.
Mr. W yant asked about the connection to the Clover Lawn development, inquiring if the owner of
that parcel envisions using the driveway they presently have and the one on the plan to take advantage of
the traffic light. Mr. Cetta replied that they would use both, as they already have the road extended to that
point. He is only extending it another 40 feet so as traffic builds up, they will have access to the traffic
signal.
Mr. Cetta then noted placement of a trail system leading to the creek and the greenway, as well as
an additional connection to the greenway. He showed the placement of the affordable units, and reviewed
on the plan the placement of other buildings. He said he absolutely followed every possible guideline in
the Crozet Master Plan, and met all 12 principles of the Neighborhood Model. He does not think they
could not have done more to follow the plan.
Ms. Valerie Long next addressed the Board representing Mr. Cetta. She said he had covered the
important elements of the plan – all the infrastructure improvements, the four interconnections to existing
roads and potential future roads that will help tie in and develop a real network of transportation in the
community. She said many of the roads will connect to the future Eastern Connector, and the $137,000
proffer could be used toward those costs. She emphasized that this property is located within an
established neighborhood in Crozet – designated as Neighborhood Four on the Crozet Master Plan. The
Clover Lawn development is starting to thrive, and the addition of the grocery store would also help. W hile
the entire Crozet community is like a patchwork quilt, it will all eventually come together in uniform fashion.
She said W eatherhill Homes is a locally-owned company that has raised the bar for proffers and
development quality.
Ms. Long said there are some measures included to reduce the Route 250/240 intersection traffic,
such as the live and work options in the development, along with additional retail options in Crozet.
Ms. Thomas asked about the tree protection plan. Mr. Cetta responded that the trees are located
behind an existing house, and when you’re dealing with dense development it is hard to protect them.
They have done the best they can, and pointed to the area where they are saving trees.
At this time, Mr. Rooker opened the public hearing.
Mr. Morgan Butler, on behalf of the Southern Environmental Law Center, addressed the Board.
At the Board’s meeting in March he discussed SELC’s concern that the number of residential units
proposed for the project exceeded the number of units recommended in the Crozet Master Plan. He said
staff and the applicant are using a density bonus of 6.5 units per acre to calculate the maximum number
of units the plan recommends for the CT-3 section of this property. He emphasized that the Crozet
Master Plan appears to allow this density bonus only in certain limited circumstances – only if accessory
units are added for 50 percent of the residential stock. He said that didn’t apply to the Liberty Hall
rezoning request, and when it was factored out, the maximum density multiplier of 4.5 units was used
instead. It was apparent the proposal had overshot by two units the recommended maximum for the
entire neighborhood, which comes to 51 units. The applicant has now reduced the density to meet the 51
units, and deserves credit for that measure. He emphasized that even with these changes, the
development is still scraping the ceiling of the total number of units the master plan would appear to
recommend. He said aspects of this particular neighborhood strongly suggest a more moderate
residential density might be appropriate.
Mr. Butler said the Liberty Hall development is proposed along a Virginia Byway, in an area that
doesn’t have any real connection to the areas of Crozet further to the west where most of the growth and
infrastructure is being funneled. He indicated that while a number of aspects of the proposal are positive,
this seems to be a prime example of a development coming in under the recommended density. If each
rezoning request is not viewed as to its fit with the larger growth area, the County could end up with
overdeveloped and unattractive growth areas that are not the desirable places to live they need to be in
order for the County’s rural protection strategy to work properly. He said at the March public hearing on
Liberty Hall, he was happy to hear the Board cite the important broader questions this proposal raised,
and then call for a work session to examine the rate and phasing of development in the growth areas. He
encouraged the Board to hold such a session in the very near future.
Mr. Tom Loach addressed the Board stating that he feels there are several important questions
which need to be answered with this rezoning. He said Crozet has a build-out population of 12,000; that is
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 16)
stated in the Crozet Master Plan. Mr. Rooker and both County planners (Echols and Thomas) who took
part in the planning process supported that number. Also, Mr. Kenneth Schwartz, the principal consultant,
stated Crozet would grow from 3,000 to 12,000, as did Mr. Eric Strucko of the DISC Committee. He said
when staff couldn’t reconcile the documents that were part of the public process from the consultants they
simply removed them and now substitute their own methodology for determining density. He asked who
the master plans belong to – the citizens who put in thousands of hours to develop them, or staff and
developers.
Mr. Tony Vasinonti addressed the Board, stating he was dismayed to find this developer is going
to be dropping a section right behind his house. He said he owns the house right next to the new homes
proposed next to his fence line, stating that there is a nice line of trees there. He said the connector road
planned goes right across his property and two other people’s property. He does not see how a road
could be put in there, and he sees a lot of patchwork proposals. He thinks that putting two traffic lights
close together on Route 250 would cause the type of traffic congestion the County is trying to avoid, and
his house is down to where the other houses are going to be built – causing drainage and silt problems.
He is going to have another neighborhood dropped right behind him, and there are no other developments
like that in the area. He just does not see how the Board could rezone this property the way they would
like it done. It just does not look workable to him. It’s not in character with anything in the area.
Mr. Bob Cross of Radford Lane addressed the Board stating he owns seven of the eight acres
that comprise the Liberty Hall project. He said as active participant in the Crozet Master Plan process
from its beginning, he insisted the development on their property be consistent with the guidelines in the
plan and not be done as a by-right development. He said these requirements were noted in the contract
with W eatherhill Homes. He said Liberty Hall meets those guidelines. The other requirement was that the
development provides a development to the immediate neighbors on Radford Lane. This is a high quality
project, and the immediate neighbors would benefit from a greatly improved road situation – from gravel to
asphalt, no maintenance, as well as future access to a number of properties in that area. It would also
provide neighbors with access to water and sewer. He said this plan is exactly what was envisioned by
the Crozet Master Plan.
Ms. Diana Strickler addressed the Board on behalf of the Route 250 W est Task Force. She
asked if the traffic signal would go at Radford Lane or at the Liberty Hall driveway. She said Mr. Slutzky
had referred to the group’s March 30th letter, which expressed disapproval of the project because of its
density. She said the Task Force has been concerned about infrastructure for a number of years.
Transportation planning in the County too often comes down to adding turn lanes, adding traffic signals,
and adding signage. The situation they want to avoid is something where there are two traffic signals
where there could have been one, and she urged the Board to ensure that only one signal results from
any approval – preferably at Eastern Avenue. She said that perhaps a traffic signal at Liberty Hall/Radford
Lane could be put up and then eliminated once the Eastern Avenue connector is built. She thinks the
other option would be to approve it at a lower density. Lower is better from a traffic standpoint. The
reason the Citizens Advisory Committee recommended against widening Route 250 to four lanes is that,
unlike Route 29 North, about 95 percent of the traffic along Route 250 is local traffic, not through traffic.
The community was strong in saying they wanted a scenic road with rural character, and the Board voted
unanimously in May, 2000 to maintain Route 250 W est as a two-lane road. Making it four lanes would
draw traffic from I-64. She concluded by encouraging the Board to foster interconnection and end up with
one traffic signal in the area.
Mr. John Russell, a resident of Crozet and a colleague of Ms. Valerie Long, addressed the Board.
He said he resides on the corner of Killdeer Lane and Jarman’s Gap Road. He encouraged the Board to
approve the project. He thinks it is in keeping with the intent and spirit of the Crozet Master Plan to
manage growth and development in the area. Refusing approval for projects that comply undermines the
validity of the goals and purposes of the master plan itself, and pushes other developers and property
owners to engage in by-right scenarios which lead to piecemeal development, as well as undermining
efforts to preserve open space. This project is situated about as well as it could be, and hopefully
residents will use I-64 to drive into town as he does every day. This development features water and
sewer availability, more than adequate open areas, walking trails, sidewalks and other pedestrian and
community-friendly attributes. He concluded by saying the applicant has submitted a remarkable plan that
he thinks will promote positive growth in the County.
Ms. Mary Rice addressed the Board. She said there is no sign posted on Route 250 announcing
this hearing tonight, but there was one at the end of Radford Lane. She’d like to underscore Mr. Butler’s
comments about the way this development is being portrayed. This proposal is at a high level, not at a
mid-level. She said the Crozet Master Plan was well thought out, but evidence is now mounting that
everyone thought the community would grow to a population of 12,000 as a result of the plan. If you add
up all the approved units, that number is quickly approaching. Her recommendation is to only approve the
minimum number of units in developments that don’t enhance downtown Crozet. The only reason this
area was designated as a neighborhood in the plan was due to the grandfathered shopping area. There
have been more and more units approved based on that fact. The analogy of a quilt was very interesting
because if it is one, this is a piece of the quilt that is too big, too bold, and does not integrate well with the
true quilt of Crozet. She stated that this development is designed for a traffic failure, and having three
traffic lights within a short section on Route 250 W est is problematic.
Mr. Jeff W erner of the Piedmont Environmental Council said he doesn’t have a pro or con view to
offer on this proposal but if the build-out in Crozet is a 20-year plan, it should be that and not a 20-month
plan. There has been no subdivision on the section of Old Trail for which rezoning was recently approved,
and there has still not been subdivision in Belvedere. He counts a total of 15,000 new dwelling units in the
County, as well as 1,000 in the City. ‘W hy are we rushing to get these rezonings approved when we have
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 17)
ones that are a year old and haven’t even started yet?” He thinks that accepting cash proffers now of
$1,000 or so per unit might be worthless 10 years from now. It would be helpful for the Board to know
what’s been approved, and how many of those developments are moving forward. The result will be low
density if the market for homes is not there, so a better analysis of conditions that state the density is
achievable as promised should be included. He thinks signs should go up with explanations as to why
roads are not being approved. He said that might change some shopping habits.
Ms. Valerie Long re-addressed the Board, stating that the proposed density is clearly within the
permitted ranges of the Crozet Master Plan for these parcels. There is a blending of the CT-3 and CT-4
areas on the property that complies with the appropriate density determined as part of the planning
process. This project is fully laid out and planned, but there is no guarantee how fast the market will run,
but the developer is confident the market is strong for these types of units; Clover Lawn sales are an
indicator of that.
Mr. W yant asked why a stub was shown out of the road when it would be under the stormwater
detention facility. Mr. Cetta explained that the road may be extended, and it would work because
stormwater would be detained underneath.
Mr. W yant said he would like to see a condition that Radford Lane be closed and the residents
use the traffic light at Cory Farms. He envisions not having a lot of intersections on Route 250 W est.
Otherwise there will be a mess in the mornings during school time at Henley Elementary and at W estern
Albemarle. Ms. Long said she doesn’t know if W eatherhill Homes has any objections to that, but they
might not have the authority to commit to closing that as other nearby residents use the road. Mr. Davis
said the applicant would not have control over that, as those are public roads.
Mr. Rooker said he doesn’t think the applicant has the right to decide where the Eastern Avenue
connector would go through either.
Mr. Slutzky said that hypothetically, if the Eastern Avenue Connecter ever gets built and there is
an intersection of Eastern and Route 250 that would be a good time for the traffic light to go away and for
Radford Lane to be closed off.
Mr. W yant said trying to develop the downtown includes having the Eastern Avenue Connector to
help support the businesses downtown and to get people there. Another reason he likes the proffer
money is that Lickinghole Bridge is going to be needed.
Mr. Cilimberg said staff cannot necessarily speak to this yet, but it is possible Radford Lane and
the shopping center entrance would line up, and the retail there might create the need for the signal above
and beyond what would happen with Liberty Hall and Radford Lane.
Mr. Slutzky suggested that if the Eastern Avenue Connector came down through this property and
aligned with the access to the shopping center entrance, it might function better. Mr. Cilimberg replied
that the traffic study includes the possibility of it coming through Liberty Hall. He said VDOT has also
looked at it based on the potential development in Liberty Hall and behind it as well.
Ms. Long said their project engineer has said designs for the roads within the Liberty Hall project
are such that they could route through the property, with Radford Lane becoming the Eastern Avenue
Connector.
Mr. Rooker asked if right-of-way is adequate for an Eastern Avenue Connector. Mr. Cilimberg
said to his knowledge it hasn’t been analyzed for that purpose.
Mr. Scott Collins, engineer representing W eatherhill Homes, addressed the Board. He said the
width of roadway all the way down to Route 250 W est is the same width or larger than the W estern
Avenue (Old Trail Drive). He emphasized that it could be placed right across from the shopping center.
Ms. Thomas said one of the reasons she voted against Clover Lawn was that there was not a
connection that made sense. Parking on one side would be eliminated so it doesn’t hurt or hinder the
development and would be enough for the 30-foot width needed.
Mr. Rooker said the applicant would be paving Radford Lane out to three lanes all the way to
Route 250 W est. He asked why that couldn’t be the Eastern Avenue connection now. Mr. Cilimberg said
there has not been an alignment study for the Eastern Avenue Connector yet. Staff has talked to people
at the shopping center about making sure there is an alignment for the entrance, but the site plan has not
been submitted yet.
Mr. Rooker asked if the site plan could be legally denied if the entrance didn’t align with Radford
Lane. Mr. Davis said it is likely VDOT would not give them an entrance permit unless it aligned. W hen
the preliminary site plan was brought in the issue was discussed and a commitment was made that they
would attempt to align those.
Mr. Cilimberg said Mr. Graham told him the cross-section for an avenue in Crozet with two-way
traffic flow, two lanes, 40 to 44 feet of paved width – including bike lane as well as travel lanes – would
need 64 to 68 feet of right-of-way to include sidewalks also. He said Radford Lane could be undersized
based on the cross-section.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
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Mr. Collins commented that the W estern Avenue Connector was also viewed as an avenue within
the Crozet Master Plan, and was built 30 feet from curb-to-curb, with eight-foot sidewalks on either side
instead of bike lanes – to handle both pedestrian and bicycle traffic. W ith that in mind, that would be
adequate room, as far as pavement widths are concerned.
Mr. W yant asked if that follows the design in the Crozet Master Plan. Mr. Collins responded that it
was different with the bike lanes, and staff felt a larger road would increase traffic speeds.
Ms. Thomas asked what right-of-way was needed to get the three lanes and eight-foot width on
either side. Mr. Cilimberg responded that the Crozet Master Plan’s definition of an avenue includes a
median even though there are only two lanes. He said that is not an element of W estern Avenue. Some
of Old Trail Drive was established through by-right development, so the opportunity to get a design cross-
section there was not the same as it would be in a rezoning. There is a question as to whether W estern
Avenue as it was intended in the Crozet Master Plan has actually been built, and the Crozet Community
Council has asked for a presentation on that tomorrow night. He said it is likely it has not met the specific
standard for an avenue as stipulated in the plan, and Eastern Avenue at Cory Farm is going to be
somewhat dependent on what’s already in place there. He said that is in a rural cross-section, so it may
more closely meet the avenue design standard, but that is why there is that extent of right-of-way –
anticipating the median as well as bike lanes and sidewalks.
(Note: The Board took a brief recess at this point, and then reconvened.)
Mr. Cilimberg said the right-of-way is not available in this project to accommodate an avenue; the
plan shows a 54-foot right-of-way. He could not tell the Board that under this proposal, it could be
assumed as a route for an Eastern Avenue. It doesn’t align in the area shown in the Crozet Master Plan,
and the right-of-way just won’t accommodate the avenue design.
Ms. Thomas said it might be more important to have the connection than the design, but there are
properties on either side that need to be considered. She said they physically appear to be able to give up
some right-of-way, but there is no legal means to require it. Mr. Cilimberg said it seems important to have
Eastern Avenue hook up with the shopping center entrance, but up to now there has not been an owner
who would agree to move their entrance to match up. There has not been any alignment study, and that
is normally how locations are determined. He said Cory Farm Lane was built with the intention of being
the Route 240/250 connector one day, but he is unsure about right-of-way there as well.
Mr. W yant said it is more important to have the traffic lights align north of the project, and not
focus on the avenue structure, especially since it’s just the median island that is missing. Mr. Cilimberg
said if Eastern Avenue comes through Liberty Hall, there would be a desire to connect Cory Farm Lane to
it, but again the avenue design might not be possible.
Ms. Thomas pointed out that it was assumed the old Con-Agra Plant would be using that road
when it was called the Route 240/250 Connector, but the industrial scene in Crozet has changed.
Mr. Rooker asked if it is clear the CT-3 density is not entitled to the 50 percent bonus. Mr.
Cilimberg said the literal interpretation would not entitle them to it, because they are not providing
accessory units; however, they are providing affordable units in the project – and the Board would need to
make the call on whether that would suffice. He said the project is on the upper end of the density range if
there are not accessory units over 50 percent of the project; there are only affordable units are in the CT-
4.
Mr. Rooker said he did not support this request when it was before the Board previously. He
believes the Board has the authority to control the time when rezonings are approved. He does not think
this development ties in with downtown Crozet and it might not for quite a long time. He said a number of
things are positive about the plan, but the question remains as to how far in advance of construction
projects are being approved and not being built. He said the Board talked about having a work session to
talk about the pace of development and approvals, but that has not occurred.
Mr. Rooker said he is not prepared to vote in favor of approving a project that may well be a cul-
de-sac project off of Route 250 W est for a long time and which has no significant tie to downtown Crozet.
At the same time, it takes up the demand for units that might take place in areas more central to Crozet
and that are more integral to building out the infrastructure of Crozet. He added that it’s a tough decision,
but he is not going to support it.
Mr. Dorrier said he believes Mr. Cetta has done exactly what the Neighborhood Model stipulates,
and while change in small towns is hard, it’s important to support reasonable development in Crozet. He
said constraints have been put on the plan, and Mr. Cetta has met them. This development meets all of
those criteria. He thinks the houses are all attractive, and are as good, or better, as those on the market.
He does not think the Board has a reason not to approve this request and start denying development in
Crozet because there is already too much. He said if the proposal complies with the Comprehensive Plan
and the Neighborhood Model, he doesn’t think the Board can legally prevent it from moving forward. The
only complaint he has heard relates to infrastructure, and the traffic signals would be installed as
development occurs.
Mr. Rooker said they would not be in place when the development goes in, but would go in as the
traffic causes it to go in, and the developer agreed to contribute a pro-rata share. He said the decision to
rezone is a discretionary decision, and the Board has the right to deny it or approve it, legally. Mr. Davis
confirmed this property has an underlying zoning of R-1, and the Crozet Master Plan and Comprehensive
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 19)
Plan can only serve as a guide in rezoning. He said the Board can certainly exercise its discretion as to
when the Master Plan should be further implemented.
Mr. Rooker said he respects Mr. Dorrier’s opinion, but the Board does have the right to approve it
or not.
Mr. Dorrier said the mixed use and affordable units are exactly what the Board is looking for. The
older homes in Scottsville have stores on the bottom and residential on the top and this is right in keeping
with that concept. He is going to vote for approval.
Mr. Boyd said he agrees that the proposal complies with the Neighborhood Model. He said Mr.
Rooker’s issue seems to be that the Board should legislate which parcels can be built on at which time.
He does not feel they should legislate market forces, and this plan matches all of the things the Board has
said it wants to do.
Mr. Slutzky commented that he is going to support the plan because it is a good design and meets
the affordable housing components. He said the reason he is supporting it is not because he likes the
project, but because he is afraid that if good projects like this within a designated growth area are turned
down, that will signal developers to build by-right in the rural areas. He added that the market would
predict which parcels will be built out first. If the Board starts turning down good projects in the growth
area, he thinks it is going to compound the problem of rural area development even more than it is
currently.
Mr. W yant said he is going to support the project, as it will help establish the needed
infrastructure. He would like the other parcels to use the traffic light, and this will help the traffic situation.
This supports what’s been stipulated in the Crozet Master Plan, and an employment center is needed and
hopefully those who own the units will live and work there. Building of the roads and trails is another
positive aspect of the proposal, and this developer is coming forward with money for the infrastructure.
Even if everything is built out 100 percent, there would be a population of 9,000, and he will follow carefully
how that plays out. He thinks this is a better form of development than by-right.
Ms. Thomas said she was the only one who voted against Clover Lawn, and the Board spent an
hour with the County Attorney learning why they couldn’t legally deny the Blue Ridge Shopping Center.
There’s been clearly consistent opposition to having development in this very neighborhood. She has
regarded it as a threat to downtown Crozet and the wishes of the Crozet Master Plan participants. On one
side of this development are the suburbs that drove people into the master planning process – sprawl of
the worst sort. On the other side of the road is the type of commercial development that threatens to kill
off downtown. She is going to vote in favor of the Liberty Hall development, as there have been significant
changes made in the plan – including the reduced density, and the stoplights at Old Trail. She indicated
that the alternative to this rezoning would be eleven units of sprawl which would cause disconnected
suburbs without amenities. She said the work-live units and affordable units are also very positive pieces
of this project. She is sorry this area is developing as a neighborhood, but there is the possibility some
people might walk to what’s offered at Clover Lawn and maybe even get to what apparently is going to be
a grocery store. She said really good planning involves having your highest density around commercial
areas, and there are a number of arguments as to why this development is appropriate. It hasn’t been an
easy decision.
Mr. Boyd noted that while he is not inclined to support phasing, he would like to engage in a
discussion on it.
Mr. Rooker and other Board members agreed. Mr. Rooker said the question is whether or not
every rezoning that comes before the Board must be approved just because it meets Neighborhood Model
criteria.
Mr. Slutzky suggested that the Crozet Advisory Council be included in the phasing conversation.
Mr. Tucker said staff has met every afternoon on some work session items, and that is why the phasing
discussion has not come forward. He indicated that Mr. Cilimberg has said the Places29 project is a pilot
for phasing, and that would be the basis for a work session.
Mr. Slutzky said if Places29 is going to take a while to play out, perhaps the Crozet group could be
included in their own discussion.
Mr. W yant said there is a meeting tomorrow in Crozet, and they have mentioned providing a
status report at that time. He could mention the phasing discussion to them.
Mr. Rooker said there have been about 2,600 units of new housing in the Crozet area, and the
Crozet Master Plan says the 20-year build-out would be 12,000. He said it would be helpful to see where
the approved units are versus where by-right units would be located. He said the population should be
monitored to make sure it does not get out of hand. In the past, 60 to 100 units per year have been built in
the County, and that accelerated a bit last year. He would like to be made aware of how development is
filling in around what is considered to be Crozet. Mr. Tucker said the attachment to the Executive
Summary shows that no certificates of occupancy as of June, 2005 have been issued yet. That is
something that can be considered as well. He said that in 2008, the Crozet Master Plan would be
reviewed and updated, and those are the things that will be looked at and monitored.
Mr. Boyd said if the Board is interested in phasing, then that discussion should take place now so
developers do not move forward with plans that won’t be approved.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 20)
Mr. Slutzky said he would not support phasing unless the rural areas development potential is
discussed and dealt with.
Mr. Rooker commented that he wants to make sure there is a balance of new project approval in
various parts of the growth area, so infrastructure in any one place is not overburdened. He said the
number of units in the growth area over the last five years has averaged 500 per year, and Crozet
currently has 2,600 already approved. He emphasized that he thinks it is important to keep in mind
infrastructure needs, and balance development accordingly.
Mr. W yant said the proposed Eastern Connector is critical in helping to move traffic out of old
neighborhoods onto Route 250 W est.
Mr. Rooker said Mr. W yant should also take the notion of an Eastern Avenue Connector going
further east along Liberty Hall and out to Radford Lane to the Council, and perhaps the Board should
discuss it as well. It may make more sense than where it’s presently penciled in. Mr. Cilimberg said a
redevelopment project in downtown Crozet is now making its way through Planning Commission review;
the Crozet Master Plan did speak to a preference of redevelopment of the downtown which hasn’t had
residential possibilities, but there is a preference stated in the plan to encourage development there.
Mr. W yant said there is an opportunity of marrying the downtown sides north and south of the
tracks. He then moved to approve ZMA-2005-0005 to rezone 8.01 acres from R-1, Residential, to NMD,
Neighborhood Model District, subject to the revised five proffers, Code of Development, and Plan. Mr.
Dorrier seconded the motion, which passed by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. W yant, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Dorrier, Mr. Slutzky and Ms. Thomas.
NAYS: Mr. Rooker.
(Note: The proffers are set out in full below.)
Original Proffer X
PROFFER FORM
Date of Proffer Signature: 5/31/2006
ZMA #2005-00005
Tax Map Parcels: 56-97A; 56-97A1, portion of 56-97
8.377 Acres to be rezoned from R1 to NMD (Neighborhood Model District)
in accordance with the General Development Plan dated April 6, 2006
Pursuant to Section 33.3 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance, the Owner, or its duly
authorized agent, hereby voluntarily proffers the conditions listed below which shall be applied to
the property, if rezoned with the offered Plans approved for development. These conditions are
proffered as a part of the requested rezoning and it is agreed that: (1) the rezoning itself gives
rise to the need for the conditions; and (2) such conditions have a reasonable relation to the
rezoning request.
1) The Owner shall contribute $137,600 ($3,200 per unit for 43 units) cash to the County’s
capital improvement program for the purpose of mitigating impacts from this
development. The cash contribution shall be used for transportation improvements (i.e.
Eastern Avenue), schools, libraries, fire and rescue, parks or any other public use serving
the Community of Crozet as identified in the Crozet Master Plan. Contributions shall be
payable under one of the following methods, which shall be designated by the County: (1)
ninety (90) days after receipt of written notice by the Owner from the County identifying a
Capital Improvement Project within the Community of Crozet for which the cash would be
applied, provided that contributions for a Capital Improvement Project shall not exceed
$50,000 during any sixty (60) day period and said request is after the County’s approval of
the first final site plan or subdivision plat within the Project, or (2) in increments of $3,200
cash per lot, for any market-rate townhouse or new detached single family dwelling unit
prior to or at the time of issuance of a building permit for any improvement thereon. If the
cash contribution has not been exhausted by the County for the stated purpose within (10)
ten years from the date of the County’s receipt of the final contribution, all unexpended
funds shall be applied to a project(s) identified in the County’s Capital Improvements
Program for the Community of Crozet.
2) The Owner shall provide eight (8) units of affordable housing as identified on the General
Development Plan produced by Timmons Group, dated August 15, 2005 and last revised
April 6, 2006, entitled “Application Plan – Figure 2”. The Owner shall convey the
responsibility of constructing the affordable units to any subsequent purchaser of the
subject property. The current Owner or subsequent Owner shall create units affordable to
households with incomes less than 80percent of the area median income, such that
housing costs consisting of principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowner's
insurance (PITI) do not exceed 30percent of the gross household income. All
purchasers of these units shall be approved by the Albemarle County Office of Housing or
its designee. The Owner/Builder shall provide the County or its designee a period of 180
days to identify and pre-qualify an eligible purchaser for the affordable units. The 180-day
period shall commence upon written notice from the Owner that the units will be available
for sale. This notice shall not be given more than 120 days prior to anticipated receipt of
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 21)
the certificate of occupancy. If the County or its designee does not provide a qualified
purchaser during this period, the Owner shall have the right to sell the unit(s) without any
restriction on sales price or income of purchaser. This proffer shall apply only to the first
sale of each of the eight (8) units.
3) W ithin 30 days after VDOT determines that a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection
of Radford Lane and Route 250 or at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Route 250,
the Owner shall make a cash contribution to the County to pay for its share of the cost to
install a traffic signal by others. The Owner's cash contribution shall be based upon the
traffic volume generated by this site at the intersection, as compared to the total traffic
volume at the intersection creating the need for the traffic signal, as determined by VDOT,
Albemarle County, or the Owner's traffic consultant with the review and approval by
VDOT and Albemarle County, and be determined by Albemarle County using an equitable
method for determining the Owner's pro-rata share of the cost. This proffer shall be in
effect until December 31, 2013.
4) The Owner shall dedicate and convey to Albemarle County, prior to the first final site plan
approval, a 10-ft wide access easement to accommodate the construction, maintenance,
and use of a Class B primitive trail connecting a sidewalk at the northern end of “Road D”
to the property line adjacent the 20’ sewer easement on TMP 56-97 as shown on the
General Development Plan. The access easement shall be shown on the subdivision plat
or site plan for the underlying or adjacent lands within the Project and constructed by
Owner in conjunction with the improvements for that subdivision plat or site plan. The
primitive trail shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the standards
identified in the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan, Appendix A – Greenway Plan. If
the primitive trail access easement is not dedicated as part of a subdivision plat, the
Owner shall pay all costs of surveying and preparing legal documents in a form
acceptable to the County Attorney necessary to dedicate the easement.
5) Overlot grading Plan – Plats: The Owner shall submit an over-lot grading plan
(hereinafter the “Plan”) meeting the requirements of Proffer 5 with the application for each
subdivision of the Property into single family detached lots and single family attached
dwelling units shown on the General Development Plan. The Plan shall show existing
and proposed topographic features to be considered in the development of the proposed
subdivision. The Plan shall be approved by the County Engineer prior to final approval of
the site plan or subdivision plat. The Property within the subdivision shall be graded as
shown on the approved Plan. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any dwelling
on a lot where the County Engineer has determined the lot grading is not consistent with
the approved grading Plan. The Plan shall satisfy the following:
a) The Plan shall show all proposed streets, building sites, setbacks, surface
drainage, driveways, trails, and other features the County Engineer determines
are needed to verify that the Plan satisfies the requirements of this proffer.
b) The Plan shall be drawn to a scale not greater than one (1) inch equals fifty (50)
feet.
c) All proposed grading shall be shown with contour intervals not greater than two
(2) feet. All concentrated surface drainage over lots shall be clearly shown with
the proposed grading. All proposed grading shall be designed to assure that
surface drainage can provide adequate relief from the flooding of dwellings in the
event a storm sewer fails.
d) Graded slopes on lots proposed to be planted with turf grasses (lawns) shall not
exceed a gradient of three (3) feet of horizontal distance for each one (1) foot of
vertical rise or fall (3:1). Steeper slopes shall be vegetated with low maintenance
vegetation as determined to be appropriate by the County’s program authority in
its approval of an erosion and sediment control plan for the land disturbing
activity. These steeper slopes shall not exceed a gradient of two (2) feet of
horizontal distance for each one (1) foot of vertical rise or fall (2:1), unless the
County Engineer finds that the grading recommendations for steeper slopes have
adequately addressed the impacts.
e) Surface drainage may flow across up to three (3) lots before being collected in a
storm sewer or directed to a drainage way outside of the lots.
f) No surface drainage across a residential lot shall have more than one-half (1/2)
acre of land draining to it.
g) All drainage from streets shall be carried across lots in a storm sewer to a point
beyond the rear of the building site.
h) The Plan shall demonstrate that an area at least ten (10) feet in width, or to the lot
line if it is less than (10) feet, from the portion of the structure facing the street,
has grades no steeper than ten (10) percent adjacent to possible entrances to
dwellings that will not be served by a stairway. This graded area also shall extend
from the entrances to the driveways or walkways connecting the dwelling to the
street.
i) Any requirement of this proffer may be waived by the County Engineer by
submitting a waiver request with the preliminary plat. If such a request is made, it
shall include: (i) a justification for the request contained in a certified engineer's
report; (ii) a vicinity map showing a larger street network at a scale no smaller
than one (1) inch equals six hundred (600) feet; (iii) a conceptual Plan at a scale
no smaller than one (1) inch equals two hundred (200) feet showing surveyed
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 22)
boundaries of the property; (iv) topography of the property at five (5) foot intervals
for the property being subdivided and on abutting lands to a distance of one
hundred (100) feet from the boundary line or a lesser distance determined to be
sufficient by the agent; (v) the locations of streams, stream buffers, steep slopes,
floodplains, known wetlands; and (vi) the proposed layout of streets and lots, unit
types, uses, and location of parking, as applicable. In reviewing a waiver request,
the County Engineer shall consider whether the alternative proposed by the
Owner satisfies the purpose of the requirement to be waived to at least an
equivalent degree. In approving a waiver, the County Engineer shall find that
requiring compliance with the requirement of this condition would not forward the
purposes of the County's Subdivision and W ater Protection Ordinances or
otherwise serve the public interest; and granting the waiver would not be
detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, to the orderly development of
the Project, and to the land adjacent thereto.
j) The Owner may request that the Plan be amended at any time. All amendments
shall be subject to the review and approval by the County Engineer.
k) In the event that the County adopts overlot grading regulations after the date ZMA
2005-00005 is approved, any requirement of those regulations that is less
restrictive than any requirement of Proffer 5 shall supersede the corresponding
requirement of this paragraph, subject to the approval of the Director of the
Department of Community Development.
Signature of Owner:
Date: May 31, 2006
_____________________________
Marc C. Powell, Managing Member
W eather Hill Development, LLC
Contract Purchaser
and Agent for Robert L. Cross and Jeanne Kerr Cross, current Owners
_______________
Agenda Item No. 10. From the Board: Committee Reports and Matters Not Listed on the
Agenda.
Mr. W yant said the County Fair has been moving along well. The committee met this week and
found a new site with water and septic facilities, as well as a new entrance. He said the Crow Foundation
is also looking into permanent structures, all located on high ground.
__________
Mr. W yant said at the last Planning District Commission meeting, the City took exception to the
water supply plan as presented.
Ms. Thomas said the County might want to get a report from the Nature Conservancy, because
there is significant money going into mitigation projects in the City. They are being totally funded to take
care of stream bank problems, but they are not the mitigation projects being required for the Ragged
Mountain Reservoir.
Mr. Rooker asked if it was funded by the Nature Conservancy.
Ms. Thomas said the Conservancy is in charge of the money developers put into the pot when
they do projects that are supposed to mitigate problems. They don’t have anything within their boundaries
they can do to mitigate the damage they’re doing, so instead they put money into a pot. In Virginia, she
said, the Nature Conservancy is in charge of determining those projects and they’ve determined a couple
of those projects in Charlottesville.
__________
Ms. Thomas said she was at the Local Government Advisory Committee for the Chesapeake Bay
on the Eastern Shore recently, and they handed out a booklet entitled “Better Models for Development on
the Eastern Shore”. She said Albemarle and Charlottesville are included in pictures showing good design,
adding that the six counties in Maryland on the Eastern Shore are much smaller than Albemarle, and there
are seven things they’ve agreed to do. 1) By the year 2010, 50 percent of their land area will be protected
from development. (2) They will curb sprawl by having 50 percent of growth in defined growth areas. (3)
They will each contribute $1.0 million per year into preservation. (4) They will maintain minimum farmland
zoning of one dwelling unit per 20 acres. (5) There will be no major subdivisions in conservation areas.
(6) There will be resource-based economic development included in all of their Comprehensive Plans. (7)
They will manage transportation.
Ms. Thomas said the County is going to be talking about how to pay for stormwater management
and other water issues. Perhaps that is the time to talk about how other entities deal with their water
problems. At one time, there was just the RW SA and the Albemarle County Service Authority, but now
there are other factors to consider.
Mr. Rooker said the Board should spend some time discussing how the County is represented on
the RW SA Board. Mr. Graham said when he presented the Five-year W ork Plan to the Board, the Board
had agreed it would discuss stormwater funding in the second half of 2007. That will occur after the
program is up and running and there is an idea of the costs being incurred.
__________
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 23)
Ms. Thomas said she had received a message concerning a cell tower being proposed in Louisa
County that will impact the Southwest Mountains Historic District. She urged staff to stay informed about
that request.
__________
Mr. Dorrier offered motion to appoint Ms. Rosa Hudson to serve on the Equalization Board to
represent the Scottsville District, said term to expire on December 31, 2006. Mr. Boyd asked that Mr.
Lincoln Lewis be appointed to represent the Rivanna District on the Social Services Board with said term
to expire December 31, 2007. Mr. Dorrier included this in his motion. The motion was seconded Mr.
W yant. Roll was called, and the motion passed by the following recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. W yant, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Dorrier, Mr. Rooker, Mr. Slutzky and Ms. Thomas.
NAYS: None.
__________
Mr. Boyd asked if the Board wanted to further discuss the Forest Lakes mitigation issues. Mr.
Graham said the contractors have been under a stop work order for over a month. Right now the County
is trying to get a plan of correction from them, but a plan has been slow coming. He said there can be full
compliance with erosion and sediment control, but sediment can still leave the property and go to another
property. He said the State’s rule of thumb is to capture 60 percent of sediment. If a property owner feels
he is being harmed it becomes a civil matter even if it is not a violation of the County’s ordinance.
Mr. Boyd asked Mr. Graham if everything legally possible to deal with the problem is being done.
Mr. Graham said the State Department of Conservation and Recreation has been brought in numerous
times. They felt the basin could have been cleaned out sooner, but when they went back and read their
own regulations they realized the contractor was operating within performance standards.
Mr. Slutzky asked if the County has any power to create criminal sanctions outside of the permit
process. Mr. Graham said the County has the ability to take the contractors to court for a misdemeanor,
also the permit could be voided and the bond could be revoked.
Mr. Davis said that would make the County the contractor, adding that courts are not inclined to
convict on misdemeanor offenses, but there are civil remedies which can be enforced. There can also be
an injunction sought, but the contractor has been in compliance with the plan. He emphasized that the
greater issue is whether or not the work meets the County’s standards for onsite erosion management.
Mr. Slutzky asked if the County can statutorily define a standard. Mr. Davis said staff is trying to
do that now with the grading plans for the larger developments, considering proffers in particular
circumstances. Even though the County has the ability to increase erosion control requirements, there is
a large cost involved for only an incremental benefit once what the State has in place is exceeded.
Mr. Graham said the ideal target for sediment control is about 80 percent, but once you go beyond
the State requirement, the cost to benefit ratio dissipates fast.
Ms. Thomas asked about a sod ordinance. Mr. Graham said he was not sure that would work in
this circumstance. In some places with new houses they have used sod and not straw. That costs a lot of
money, and the County keeps “getting beat up” about making housing not affordable. He said Ryan
Homes uses sod.
Mr. Boyd said the Forest Lakes Homeowners Association has two issues: preventing further
erosion and help from the County to dredge the sediment in Hollymead Lake. Mr. Graham said the culvert
failure on Route 29 has been addressed, but the lake is a different issue.
Mr. W yant asked why the County would have “to pick up the tab.”
Mr. Rooker asked if there is some legal recourse Forest Lakes can take against Hollymead. Mr.
Davis said if they can prove Hollymead Towncenter violated a standard that caused the damage, then
they have a cause of action.
Mr. Graham said it would be difficult to prove, as both developments have used the lake for a
sediment basin, as has the Airport, Deerwood, etc. He said when Hollymead was just getting started the
County encouraged them to do a survey of the facility so they would not have any changes during
construction of the Towncenter. He said that was never done, so there is no documentation as to how
things were at the beginning.
Mr. Slutzky asked about the cost of dredging. Mr. Graham responded that there are many
variables; at the South Fork of the Rivanna, the dredging was estimated at $150 per cubic yard. Mr. Davis
said the only way the County could participate is if the lake were accepted as a regional drainage facility
with County ownership by easement.
Mr. Rooker said perhaps the County should take it over, but if it was never anticipated to be a
regional facility, it might be unfair to put the entire burden on a single homeowner’s association. Mr. Davis
explained that a sanitary district or service district could be formed to collect money to make drainage
improvements within a defined area, but the County would need to create public ownership of the pond.
June 14, 2006 (Adjourned and Regular Meeting)
(Page 24)
Ms. Thomas suggested having all the upstream developers pay also, as well as the homeowner’s
association. This would be a water service authority of a different sort. Mr. Davis said that under State
law, a service authority can be created for broader purposes.
Mr. Cilimberg pointed out that the original plan for Hollymead was a PUD (Planned Unit
Development). It encompassed both that development and what later became Forest Lakes North, which
was a by-right development. He said there was probably no proffer regarding the lake in Hollymead.
Ms. Thomas said there are probably dozens of lakes in the County facing this kind of issue, and
perhaps this should be looked at as a broader issue.
Mr. Slutzky said with the focus on development areas, maybe the County should consider those
water sources in the urban ring separately from those in the rest of the County.
Mr. Rooker stated technically, the County can’t help if it doesn’t own the facility. Mr. Graham said
the homeowners are aware there is a provision within the W ater Protection Ordinance that allows them to
have their facility taken over, through petition. He noted that they are not sure if they would have to have
70 percent of homeowners agree, and they’re also not sure if they could get that level of support.
Ms. Thomas said she tried to get residents in Forest Lakes to comment during Hollymead public
hearings, but they wouldn’t. They lost their chance to ask at an appropriate time.
Mr. Rooker said this issue needs to be considered carefully when other sections of Hollymead
Towncenter are considered. Mr. Davis said the County doesn’t have the legal ability to require it, but
certainly a proffer could be accepted to mitigate offsite impacts of development.
__________
Mr. Davis distributed a resolution to acquire property at 407 East High Street – the last property
identified as necessary to complete the Juvenile Court property. He said there is a desire to close on the
property by June 30th, and this resolution would authorize the County Executive to enter into a purchase
agreement and execute all necessary documents to acquire the property. Mr. Davis said the property
would be jointly owned by the City and the County, and the money has already been appropriated to cover
the cost.
Mr. Boyd offered motion to adopt the following Resolution to Authorize the County Executive to
enter into a purchase agreement and to execute all necessary documents to acquire the property at 407
East High Street in Charlottesville. Mr. W yant seconded the motion, which passed by the following
recorded vote:
AYES: Mr. W yant, Mr. Boyd, Mr. Dorrier, Mr. Rooker, Mr. Slutzky and Ms. Thomas.
NAYS: None.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE
ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY
WHEREAS, the County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville desire to acquire
certain property within the City for the purpose of providing public space for court house facilities
and related offices; and
WHEREAS, an agreement for the acquisition of such property located at 407 East High
Street has been negotiated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors
hereby authorizes the County Executive to execute the Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real
Property and the deed and all other documents approved by the County Attorney necessary to
purchase and accept the following property on behalf of the County:
1. The real property and the improvements thereon located at 407 East High Street, and
designated as Parcel 31 on the 2006 City Real Estate Tax Map 53 to be conveyed by Sandollar,
LTD. to the County of Albemarle and the City of Charlottesville for the purchase price of Nine
Hundred Forty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($940,000.00).
_______________
Agenda Item No. 11. Adjourn. At 9:22 p.m., with no further business to come before the Board,
the meeting was adjourned.
________________________________________
Chairman
Approved by the
Board of County
Supervisors
Date
Initials