Government Glance for August 1, 2022: Goochland Supervisors to consider rezoning for major distribution center; Firefly Fiber Broadband seeks funding for additional coverage
Plus: Charlottesville City Council to begin FY24 budget discussions and Albemarle to take up Rio Road Corridor Plan
This is the twelfth installment of a new newsletter that highlights what’s happening in local governments across the entire Fifth District. I’m three months into a journey to better understand a place that has close to a million people, just like the other 434 Congressional Districts across the United States. I’m hopeful more people get to know this one and the many dynamics involved.
This week, the Goochland Board of Supervisors will take up a rezoning and a special use permit for an unnamed distribution center. In early July, this newsletter had a preview of what that county’s Planning Commission would face. The center is expected to employ hundreds, and the advisory body voted 3-2 on July 6 to recommend approval. What will the Board do?
There’s also two rezoning requests in Goochland for single-family residential units on land not currently designated for that level of density. The more I read about this, the more I think about how other areas I know in the Fifth District have developed. I’m glad to see a bigger picture each week.
Other highlights:
Charlottesville City Council will hold first reading on how to use $14.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds
Louisa County Supervisors will finalize language for a $15 million bond referendum for synthetic turf fields at the public school complex
Amherst County Supervisors will move forward with a fire EMS study and get an update on a proposed solid waste transfer facility
Campbell County Supervisors will update the Comprehensive Plan to reflect new Census data
Goochland’s Board of Supervisors will take up a rezoning for a major distribution facility following a 3-2 recommendation from the Planning Commission
Albemarle Supervisors will take up a plan to guide the development of Rio Road into a place that is more “human scale” and will get an update on initiatives to improve stream health
Fluvanna Supervisors will get an update on a compensation study intended to help retain county employees
I’m still learning about how it all reads on paper and excited to be continuing to subscribe to different YouTube channels to government meetings. I hope to be able to do more than this weekly Government Glance at some point in the near future, but there’s so much I have to learn. If you have questions about any of this, please leave a comment below.
If you would like this work to continue, consider making a regular contribution through Town Crier Productions. That’s the umbrella company under which I produce this newsletter as well as its companion, Charlottesville Community Engagement. My aim is to inform as many people as I can about what’s happening in local government as I continue to write and research this new Fifth District.
Monday, August 1, 2022
Charlottesville City Council to hold public hearing on plastic bag tax, hold first reading on use of $14.8 million in ARPA funds
The five-member Charlottesville City Council will meet at 4 p.m. for a work session followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. They’ll meet in City Council Chambers, but the public can only attend the evening session due to the continuing emergency rules. Space is limited. (agenda for both)
The 4 p.m. work session is dedicated entirely to planning for the FY2024 budget. There are about 31 weeks until whoever is City Manager in March 2023 presents a recommended budget and 37 weeks until Council is expected to adopt their amended document.
There are no materials available in advance, but it’s worth reviewing recent news stories on the city budget to see some of what might be discussed. In particular, read Katherine Knott’s July 29 story Design work continues on Buford redesign but inflation looms.
It also might be worth taking a look at the adopted budget for FY23 and the five-year capital improvement program in particular. The bulk of the payment for the renovation and expansion of Buford Middle School is expected in FY24.
Council will hold the second reading of a plastic bag tax that would go into effect on January 1, 2023. A public hearing will also be held, so if you have thoughts you want elected officials to hear, this is the time to speak. You can offer your comments at home as this is a hybrid meeting. City Council held the first reading on July 18.
Next, Council will have a first reading on the use of $14.8 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. On July 18, they had a work session on the topic and were briefed on suggested ways to spend the money. This includes $500,000 on additional Safe Routes to School funding, $300,000 for Downtown Mall improvements, and $1 million for various nonprofits for “innovative programming that will make a measurable impact in our community.”
Take a look at my story on the ARPA funding for more information as well as the staff report which provides more detail for each line item. There don’t appear to be any changes to what staff has recommended.
Next they will consider a request from Dairy Holdings LLC to rezone a former church at 415 10th Street NW from residential to business to accommodate the use of the church as an event venue. The Planning Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval, as well as to designate the property as an Individually Protected Property. The latter also required approval from the Board of Architectural Review, which took place in July. Both items require two readings by Council and this is the first.
Council will then officially endorse four Smart Scale applications being submitted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. They are:
Avon Street Multimodal Improvements - “The project will develop a package of multimodal transportation improvements along Avon Street between Druid Avenue and Fifth Street Station Parkway. Improvements include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and roadway widening on the west side of Avon Street among other improvements.”
District Avenue (at Hydraulic Road) Roundabout - “The project will improve vehicular movement at the intersection with Hydraulic Road/Cedar Hill Road, along with the provision of bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility accommodations.”
Fifth Street Multimodal Improvements - “The project will address capacity issues along a major local roadway between Harris Road and the Moores Creek Trail, facilitate vehicular movement and help provide for accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Rivanna River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Crossing - “This project improves bicycle and pedestrian bridge access across the Rivanna River at East Market Street in Woolen Mills, connecting two important development areas on either side of the river. An additional shared use path will be constructed from the eastern landing site in Pantops to connect the bridge to the transportation network at the intersection of Peter Jefferson Parkway and State Farm Boulevard.”
Finally on the agenda, there will be a written report from the Sister Cities Commission. Can you name the four (or five) communities across the world that are linked up with Charlottesville? Read the report and learn more!
Items on the consent agenda include:
Second reading of a refund of $8,132.19 in a refund of overpayment of business licenses to an unnamed business (staff report)
Second reading of a $150,099.19 settlement with the Omni Hotel for a disputed real estate assessment (staff report)
Second reading of a $250,816 Community Development Block Grant for emergency response to house people to be passed through to the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless (staff report)
Second reading of $250,000 from the Virginia Department of Education to supplement the Summer Food Service Program for children in summer camps fun by the Parks and Recreation Department (staff report)
Louisa Board of Supervisors to finalize Circuit Court letter for bond referendum for athletic fields
The seven member Louisa County Board of Supervisors meets in closed session at 5 p.m. before entering into open session at 6 p.m. (agenda)
The first action item related the language for the proposed referendum this November on the issuance of $15 million general obligation bonds to pay for six synthetic turf fields to be installed at Louisa High School and Middle School. To get on the ballot, the Board of Supervisors has to petition the Louisa County Circuit Court to allow a special election on the question.
Supervisors will also begin the process to petition the Virginia Department of Transportation for through-truck restrictions on several roads. Public hearings would be held on September 6. These are for portions of Shannon Hill Road, Chopping Road, and Chalklevel Road.
Consent agenda items include:
Supervisors will officially select Labella Associates to continue to provide solid waste management services related to the landfill including water quality monitoring. The firm has been doing the work for 27 years.
Supervisors will officially request a speed study of Ellisville Road as a precursor to adding more signs and possibly reducing the speed limit.
Supervisors will agree to form a local Virginia America 250 Commission as requested by the statewide Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission. Cuckoo District Supervisor Willie Gentry, Jr will serve as Louisa’s liaison.
Halifax Board of Supervisors to hold public hearing on redistricting boundaries
The eight-member Halifax Board of Supervisors meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Bethune Office Complex at 1030 Mary Bethune Street in Halifax. (meeting page)
According to the agenda, there will be a public hearing on proposed redistricting boundaries. Then there will be an update on the Fire Commission and reports from the Courthouse Committee and the Finance Committee.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Amherst Supervisors to get first look at zoning changes, asked to approve fire study
The five member Amherst Board of Supervisors will convene at 3 p.m. in the administration building at 153 Washington Street in the Town of Amherst. (agenda on meeting page)
Before the consent agenda, three zoning ordinance changes would get a first reading before an August 16 public hearing:
Staff is recommending the county amend its zoning ordinance to reduce the minimum lot standards for cemeteries, storm-water facilities, and utilities in order to “offer flexibility for future developers.” The public hearing would be held on August 16. (staff report)
Another zoning ordinance change would be made to require architectural elevations for and new buildings constructed in Village Districts. (staff report)
Campgrounds are currently a by-right use in agricultural districts but a third ordinance change would require a special use permit if approved. (staff report)
Under the first new business item, Supervisors will be asked to approve a request from the Emergency Services Council to conduct a study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Amherst County.
“Senior leadership of the organizations realize there are only a few members to answer calls and there is a struggle to cover the calls and all the other administrative duties,” reads the staff report. “The ESC and local fire companies are looking for input on sustainability, retention, and recruitment.”
The work would be done by the Virginia Fire Services Board, updating the last study from 2013.
In the second business item, Supervisors will be asked to reimburse the Monelison Rescue Squad for a generator they purchased for Fire Station 3 in Elon. The cost is $9,478. (staff report)
In the third item, Supervisors will be asked to spend $8,500 to hire part-time rangers for Mill Creek Lane Park to help with increased traffic due to expanded swimming operations. (staff report)
Under old business:
Supervisors will get a report on how $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding for youth athletic associations has worked out. (staff report)
There’s a lot of information on a proposed transfer facility that has attracted a lot of attention from community members. Supervisors have previously decided to not move forward with opening a new landfill cell but to move forward with the transfer station. (read the report)
Campbell County Supervisors to update Comprehensive Plan chapters
The seven member Campbell County Board of Supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. in the Haberer Building in Rustburg. (agenda)
Just after the meeting begins, a community member has asked to be heard by the Supervisors. Dr. Lori Leonard is a veterinarian in Concord.
“Dr. Leonard would like to address the Board regarding the Save the Vaxxed movement,” reads the agenda. “She will offer a presentation regarding COVID vaccines and potential health implications.”
In regular business, there are updates on Highway Matters before the consent agenda is approved.
There are five public hearings beginning at 7 p.m. Here are four of them:
There’s a request to rezone 3.615 acres of land in the Concord District from agricultural to residential to develop four single-family homes on Village Highway (Route 24). (staff report)
There’s a request for a special use permit for a automobile repair and towing facility to operate on agricultural land on Kiowa Road in the Concord District. (staff report)
Dawn Inc. of Rustburg is seeking an exemption from real estate and property taxes. (application)
Johnson Health Center is seeking an exemption from real estate and property taxes. (application)
The fifth public hearing is on the Comprehensive Plan. Campbell County’s Planning Commission and planning staff have been working on a routine update of the Plan.
“The chapters on population and demographics, housing, and transportation systems and facilities have been updated to incorporate the most recent statistics and information available for each subject area,” reads the agenda. ”The administration and finances chapter was also updated based on the most recent adopted budget information.”
The amended chapter drafts are:
Danville Welcome Center to be owned by the city once more
The nine member Danville City Council meets for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. immediately followed by a work session. (regular meeting) (work session)
There are two items in new business.
In the first, Council will be asked to accept the return of the Danville Welcome Center from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to the City of Danville. The VTC took control of the property back in February 2008 through an agreement. Now the city has asked to take back ownership of the facility at 645 River Park Drive. (staff report)
In the second, Council will be asked to amend the Annual Action Plan with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development to reflect a $990,667 in supplemental funding.
“This funding must be used to assist qualifying populations at risk of homelessness, fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking,” reads the staff report. “This is allowed to be accomplished via four eligible activities including preservation of affordable housing, tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services and the purchase or development of non-congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.”
There are three work session items immediately following the regular meeting.
Council will be asked to consider a utility easement on land in Pittsylvania County (staff report)
Council will be asked to enter into a 15-year solar purchase agreement for 20 megawatts from American Municipal Power (staff report)
Council will be asked to purchase the Page Road Water Pumping Station from Pittsylvania County (staff report)
Goochland Supervisors to renew permit for Richmond Strikers complex, consider rezoning for unnamed fulfillment center
The five-member Goochland County Board of Supervisors will meet at 2 p.m. at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland. (agenda packet)
Under new business in the afternoon session, Supervisors will be presented with a study from Evergreen Solutions on salary benchmarks. In a companion item, they will amend the FY23 budget by $753,305 in order to provide some compensation increase.
On the consent agenda is a resolution supporting four Smart Scale requests even though the vote is after the August 1 deadline to apply. Goochland is part of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority.
I-64 at Ashland Rd. (Rte. 623) Interchange
I-64 at Oilville Road (Rte. 617) Interchange
Hockett Road Re-alignment
Route 250 at Route 288 Interchange Improvements
The evening session begins at 6 p.m. and there are several public hearings after the citizen comment period. These items were all discussed by the Planning Commission on July 7 and previewed in the July 4 Government Glance.
A couple seek to amend a Conditional Use Permit allowing for veterinary services on a 40.887 acre property on Cardwell Road in order to allow it to be used as an equestrian school. This requires the dropping of a limitation on how many animals can be transferred to the facility. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 5-0 vote.
The Richmond Strikers Soccer Club seeks to extend a Conditional Use Permit for an multi-field athletic complex on a 38.7 acre property on West Creek Parkway for another five years. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 5-0 vote.
A property owner seeks a rezoning of 105 acres of agricultural land to industrial to make way for a “proposed multi-story e-commerce fulfillment center that will consist of an approximately 650,000 square foot building, 55 loading docks, 414 truck trailer parking, and 1,720 employee parking spaces.” The eventual operator is not named. There’s a second request to allow for an increased in building height to 120 feet. Each request requires a public hearing but the Planning Commission heard them as one. That advisory body voted 3-2 to recommend approval.
There’s a fifth public hearing on a proposal to bring the county’s procurement policies up to state code to reflect changes made in the 2022 General Assembly.
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Albemarle Supervisors to review Rio Road Corridor Plan
The six-member Albemarle Board of Supervisors meets at 1 p.m. (agenda)
The first action item related to the Rio Road Corridor Plan, a study by the firm Line + Grade that suggests ways to make the roadway more friendly to cyclists and pedestrians. The work is split into two phases with the northern terminus of the John Warner Parkway serving as the dividing line.
“The areas of the county that directly surround the urban core are, themselves, becoming increasingly urban as the region continues to experience rapid growth and development,” reads the introduction to the plan. “This growth necessitates that the public infrastructure respond accordingly.”
Supervisors will be asked to endorse the overarching plan, which offers ways to alter some of the intersections along the way. That includes an idea to restructure Rio Road’s intersections with Hillsdale, Old Brook, and Northfield into an oval-shaped roundabout. Keep in mind that portions of this northern section are in areas that Charlottesville has designated for high-intensity use under their new Future Land Use Map.
Some of the suggestions have already made their way into requests for funding. One of Albemarle County’s Smart Scale requests in the current cycle is for a Continuous Green-T intersection at Belvedere Road.
The plan also addresses the approved 328-unit Rio Point development to be built on undeveloped land as well as a future development just to the south to be called Rio Commons. There’s been a lot of residential growth in the area and more planned. Who’s up for a walk sometime to go through it all?
After that discussion, Supervisors will consider special exceptions for two homestays in the Rivanna Magisterial District. One is on Turkey Sag Road and the other is on Lonesome Mountain Road.
Following that presentation, Supervisors will get an update on efforts to improve water quality in streams across Albemarle. Natural resources staff presented 14 proposals to Supervisors in December and will give a status report on ones the elected officials opted to move forward at that meeting. Here are some of them:
Drafting of an ordinance to create a stream buffer overlay district is underway. This would involve moving stream buffer regulations from the Water Protection Ordinance to the Zoning Ordinance.
A consultant will begin work on drafting rules on restoring degraded buffers and mitigation requirements.
Staff is considering hiring a consultant to help the water resources program with a study on the ecological benefits of low impact development.
Development of educational materials for new landowners is underway in partnership with the climate office and the creation of the Environmental Stewardship Hub.
Several other proposals are still on hold pending resources.
In the evening session that begins at 6 p.m. there are four public hearings:
Community Christian Academy seeks a special use permit to use an existing building at Riverstone Church at 1515 Insurance Lane for a private school. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 on June 28, 2022 to recommend approval. (staff report)
Foster Forge Farm School seeks a special use permit for a private school on 6.44 acres on Barracks Road in the rural area. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval on May 24, 2022 on a 3-2 vote. (staff report)
Albemarle seeks to change the ordinance on animals pertaining to vicious dogs to add more detail for when and where an animal control officer can take action. (staff report)
New legislation approved by the General Assembly states more clearly that raising of livestock is under the legal definition of an “agricultural operation.” (staff report)
Fluvanna Supervisors to review compensation study for employees
The five-member Fluvanna County Board of Supervisors meets at 5 p.m. the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center at 8880 James Madison Highway in Fork Union.
There are several items listed under “action matters.”
All over Virginia, localities are struggling to retain employees. Many are embarked on reviews of their existing pay structure to try to remain competitive. Fluvanna hired the firm Baker Tilly and Superviors will be presented with a new pay plan for both general government and law enforcement employees and will be asked to select one of eight implementation scenarios for going forward.
Charlottesville isn’t the only locality getting off to informal start for the FY24 budget process. Fluvanna Supervisors will adopt a calendar that begins on August 1 with a release of the capital improvement program packet. The Planning Commission will review that part of the budget on both October 11 and November 9 before making a recommendation on December 13.
Supervisors will get an update from the Monticello Area Community Action Agency. There are no advanced materials.
There are no public hearings or listed items under new or unfinished business.
Thursday, August 4, 2022
TJPDC turns 50; Firefly seeks to work to expand broadband further with 2023 VATI grant application
The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission’s Board of Commissioners will meet in person at 407 East Water Street in Charlottesville at 7 p.m. (Zoom registration) (meeting info)
This is the 50th anniversary of the TJPDC and Delegate Sally Hudson will present a resolution honoring the occasion.
There will also be an update on the status of the RISE public-private partnership with Firefly Fiber Broadband. The TJPDC is the public lead on this project funded by the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) and spans across 13 counties across central Virginia and much of the Fifth District.
“At this writing, staff has completed most tasks with assistance from Firefly, most recently having secured approval of agreements with the 13 local government partners and working diligently on a contract with Firefly prior to signing agreement with DHCD,” reads an update from staff.
The TJPDC will also consider an unsolicited proposal from Firefly for additional funding.
“Firefly Fiber Broadband appreciates the partnership with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District (TJPD) in a project to bring more than $300 million in infrastructure investment to the region with the construction of more than 4,300 miles of fiber to bring internet access to more than 42,000 locations in thirteen counties that include TJPD members and other neighboring counties,” reads the request letter from Firefly.
The new project seeks to expand to cover additional locations throughout the county.
There will be an update on efforts to meet federal mandates to reduce pollution that gets into the Chesapeake Bay. The Watershed Improvement Program seeks to implement what’s known as the Today Daily Maximum Load, which is a coordinated effort to reduce organic material and segment from getting into waterways.
“Specifically for Virginia: 20.5% reduction in Nitrogen, 25.2% reduction in phosphorus, and 20.8% reduction in sediment delivered to the Bay,” reads a presentation in the TJPDC packet.
There will be an update on the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. This document is intended to prepare for natural disasters before they begin. Steps called for in the plan may be eligible for specific grant opportunities from the federal government.
The public comment period is underway and the plan has been taken around to various localities, including Louisa County. The agenda packet includes many examples of what grant opportunities are out there after Louisa Supervisors requested that information.
Goochland Planning Commission to take up two rezonings to residential
The Goochland Planning Commission will meet for items for which the Board of Supervisor are scheduled to hold a public hearing on September.
Truett Real Estate Investments is requesting a rezoning of 49.372 acres of land on Fairground Road from agricultural to residential. The Planning Commission previously voted 2-2 on a motion and the item was deferred to a later meeting. The proposed density of 0.81 units per acre is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan according to the staff report. However, this is within the confines of the Courthouse Village Plan which is under review and could soon have a higher recommended density.
Markle - Eagle Advisors seeks a rezoning of 85.634 acres of land on Pouncey Tract Road from agricultural to Residential Planned Unit Development. This would be for a maximum of 101 single-family detached units, which is also not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
Thanks for reading!