Loading...
1985-11-21 adjNovember 21, 1985 (Adjourned Meeting from November 20, 1985) (Page i) 151 on Thursday, November 21, 1985, at 7:30 P.M., in the Scottsville Elementary School, Scottsvill~ Virginia; said meeting being adjourned from November 20, 1985. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Messrs. F. R. Bowie, Gerald E. Fisher, C. Timothy Lindstrom (arrived at 7:39 P.M.) and Peter T. Way. BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Patricia H. Cooke and Mr. J. T. Henley, Jr. OFFICERS PRESENT: County Attorney. Mr. Guy B. Agnor, Jr., County Executive, and Mr. George R. St. John, Agenda Item No. 1. Chairman, Mr. Fisher. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M., by the Agenda Item No. 2. Public Hearing: Pursuant to Section 15.1-262 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, hereby states its intent to sell the portions of the Old Scottsville School not being used by the County Parks and Recreation Department. The facility is located in the Town of Scottsville, Virginia. (Advertised in the Daily_Progress on November 7, 1985.) Mr. Fisher explained that when a building is declared surplus to the County's needs, the Board is to determine if there is any other public purpose for which the building can be used. If there is no other purpose, the building will be marketed either at public auction or by sealed bid in an attempt to return to the public the maximum amount for the property. Mr. Agnor said the Old Scottsville School was built in 1924 and had additions made in 1959 and 1960. The property is comprised of a little over three acres of land with approxi- mately an acre in the building. In 1981, the School Board declared the building surplus to school needs, and the Board of Supervisors appointed a committee to examine its future use and/or public need. The Committee held a meeting in Scottsville. It then recommended that because the Zoning Ordinance prohibits a change in the use of a building in a flood area, the Board wait until after construction of the planned floodwall (levy). The Department of Parks and Recreation began using the building in 1978, prior to the school system declaring it surplus. Several months ago realizing that the last phase of the floodwall was imminent, the Board again asked the committee to examine the future disposition of the building and properties. The Building Committee sought input from County departments and other agencies to determine if there was a County need for the building. The Committee then recommended that the Department of Parks and Recreation continue using the building with the County retaining ownership of the gymnasium. The Committee also recommended that the remaining two-thirds of the building be considered for other uses. The Committee has received several indications of interest in the property for housing purposes. In addition, the Scottsville Rescue Squad expressed interest in a portion of the building. The property is presently zoned Village Residential and is shown in the Comprehen- sive Plan for Institutional Use. Potential purchasers have expressed an interest in the property for investment purposes and thus requested that it be sold during the 1985 tax year. The Committee recommended that the Board have this hearing tonight so a decision concerning disposition of the property could be made in the near future. At this time, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Benjamin Page, Jr., President of the Scottsville Rescue Squad, addressed the Board. He said the rescue squad would like to use the north wing of the building. During the last flood, the rescue squad had about seven feet of water in its present building. The squad would like to move to higher ground, but stay as close to town as possible. Also, during the last flood, the upper wing of the school was left dry. The squad needs to be close to the town and stay in operation at all times. He also suggested using the school as a municipal building. Mr. Fisher asked if the completed second part of the floodwall would protect the present rescue squad headquarters. Mr. Page said that he is not sure. They are looking to improve the future operations of the squad. Part of the rescue squad's present building was damaged badly by the flood and it is uncertain whether it is reusable, and the other part of the building is too small to meet future needs. The rescue squad operates out of two separate buildings. The school would provide the additional space and allow for future expansion. Mr. Fisher then restated his previous question. Mr. Page replied yes; the floodwall will protect the building. Mr. Fisher said he is concerned about splitting the use of the build- ing. For example a housing project might not want to be in the same building with the rescue squad. Mr. Page said he thinks that having elderly housing close to the rescue squad would be beneficial. Mr. Bowie commented there is nothing specific about uses at this point. Mr. Charles Martin, who owns a residence across from the School, next addressed the Board. He asked if the portion of the building used by the Parks and Recreation Department will not be sold. Mr. Fisher said that is one recommendation. The Board will have to decide whether to retain a portion of the building, all of the building or none of the building. Mr. Way said the Board, in the past year and a half, expended considerable funds in the gymnasium, also replaced the heating system and had asbestos removed. Close to $100,000 was spent on the building. As a Board member, he feels that after spending that much money, the chances of retaining that portion of the building are great. Mrs. Jane Saunier, representing Management Services Corporation, said there are indivi- duals and organizations interested in developing housing for elderly persons in the Old Scottsville School facility. Management Services Corporation would like to convert the building, excluding the gymnasium and cafeteria, to housing under the Moderate Rehabilitation Program. This would make available a rental subsidy for approximately 30 apartments for older persons of low and moderate income. The Scottsville District has a large number of elderly people. In a market survey conducted by the Jefferson Area Board on Aging, about 90 152 November 21, 1986 (Adjourned Meeting from November 20, 1985) (Page 2) individuals indicated they could benefit from this assistance. The County's record on providing housing assistance for Older people is good, but there is a need for additional housing. Adaptive reuse (converting a school to residential apartments for the elderly) in communities is quite extensive. Lynchburg and Richmond are good examples where this has happened and they have become the pride of their neighborhoods. This request is appropriate to the character of Scottsville, and she feels would preserve the quality of the community and residential character. Management Services Corporation has considerable experience in this field. It has managed other Section 8 projects in Albemarle County and just put together a project of this type within the City. She encourages the Board to think favorably of using the school for residential use for the elderly. Mr. Way asked Mrs. Saunier to comment on the portion of the building to be retained by the County as a recreational facility and possible use by the rescue squad. Mrs. Saunier said, although she is speaking for herself, she thinks it would be marvelous having the rescue squad in the same building. A recreation facility would be an asset because it would give the elderly people something in which to get involved. She does feel that the two uses could be compatible. With regard to the rescue squad and its needs, the Board will have to be careful as the development is tenuous because of construction costs and rehabilitation, and if the number of units is reduced, it may not be as viable. Mr. Lindstrom asked if Management Services become involved if tax exempt financing would be contemplated. Mrs. Saunier replied most likely. Management Services is trying to put together a substantial rehabilitation at moderate rehabilitation costs. Mrs. Groves of the Scottsville Town Council said the Council has not discussed this matter. She has no idea what the thinking of Town Council is at this time, but she has been working closely with the rescue squad and there are other considerations that could go along with the rescue squad. Mr. Fisher commented that other parts of the Scottsville School building are in need of considerable renovation and anyone who wants to acquire the building is going to have substan- tial expenses. A member of Town Council, who did not identify himself, said the Town cannot afford to own the school. Mr. St. John said his feeling after meeting with the Town Council is that any use of the building would be too expensive to undertake. Mr. Fisher asked the status of the floodwall. Mr. Agnor said he talked with Mayor Raymon Thacker about a month ago who indicated that funds are appropriated and available, bids have been received by the Corps of Engineers, and the contract is scheduled to be awarded in November. Mr. Fisher asked estimated construction time. Mr. Agnor replied no such timetable is presently available. Mrs. Leggett asked if there are plans for further renovation of the gymnasium. said no. Mr. Way An unidentified man said the Scottsville community is adamantly opposed to subsidized housing for the elderly in the neighborhood. Mr. Lindstrom asked if a project as successful as The Meadows is welcomed in Scottsville. This gentleman said it would not be in this location. Mr. Lindstrom asked the problem with the project. A lady said the community wants a recreational area. Their children attend Albemarle High School and the gymnasium is the only nearby recreational activity. Mr. Lindstrom said if the recreational area remained, what would then be the feeling? The gentleman said the community will still be opposed to the development. The development would be in the midst of the only residential section in the Town of Scottsville and to bring, those type of people to the community is just not desirable. No one has changed their mind after seeing The Meadows. The same lady said the residents oppose the location. Mr. Bowie said, being a senior citizen himself, he would like to know where everybody wants to stick him. He would like to be near the center of town, be near the rescue squad and be able to walk to a store as opposed to being out in the country. He does not see why the location is inappropriate. Mrs. Leggett commented that the businesses within walking distance of this property would not be supported by this group of people. With no further comments, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Bowie said, as a Committee member, he has not heard anything tonight to change his recommendation. He thinks the building is no longer required by the County and should be advertised, and disposed of in the best interest of the citizens of the County. As far as he knows, there has been no offer for the building, but he would move that the building be declared surplus. Mr. Agnor said the Committee recommended advertisement of a public hearing for December 11 to receive proposals for use of the Scottsville School property; adoption of a resolution of intent to amend the Comprehensive Plan to show medium density residential use on the property; and a zoning map amendment from Village Residential to R-10. If the Board adopts a resolu- tion tonight, the Planning Commission could hold a ~public hearing on December 10 with a final decision made thereafter by the Board. Mr. Fisher said the recommendation for medium density residential and R-10 zoning seem to indicate that no other use of the property is envisioned. Until the property is adver- tised and bids received the Board does not know what uses might be proposed. Mr. Agnor said that is correct, but the only interest expressed has been for residential use. If some other favorable proposal were received, the property would then have to be readvertised. Mr. Bowie asked if commercial or industrial uses could be considered if advertised as recommended. Mr. Agnor said no. Mr. Bowie offered motion to accept the recommendations of the Building Committee for advertisement of a Comprehensive Plan amendment on the Old Scottsville School property for December 11; advertisement of a zoning map amendment on the same property for the Board's November 21, 1985 (Adjourned Meeting from November 20, 1985) (Page 3) 153 needs to move as rapidly as possible towards some decision. Mr. Way then seconded the motion. Mr. Fisher asked if the advertisement includes receipt of bids. Mr. Agnor said yes; the staff will advertise for proposals for the building including its intended use. Mr. Fisher asked if enough time is available for a proper response. Mr. Agnor said he believes so. Mr. Way asked if the building has been appraised by an outside appraiser. Mr. Agnor replied yes for comparison to the proposals to be sure the public's investment in the property is properly considered. Mr. Way said the Board is not required to sell the building for less than the assessment. Mr. St. John said that is not exactly correct. The Board can sell the building for the best price it can obtain. Mr. Bowie said the Board can also reject all bids and recommend that no action be taken. Mr. St. John said that is correct. Roll was then called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Messrs. Bowie, Fisher, Lindstrom and Way. Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Henley. Not Docketed. At 8:20 P.M., Mr. Lindstrom offered motion for an executive session for discussion of acquisition of property. Mr. Way seconded the motion. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Messrs. Bowie, Fisher, Lindstrom and Way. Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Henley. The Board reconvened into open session at 8:50 P.M. Agenda Item No. 3. Adjourn. Motion was offered by Mr. Lindstrom, seconded by Mr. Way, to adjourn until December 4, 1985, at 3:30 P.M. for a meeting with the School Board. Roll was called and the motion carried by the following recorded vote: AYES: NAYS: Messrs. Bowie, Fisher, Lindstrom and Way. Mrs. Cooke and Mr. Henley.