Government Glance for Tuesday, August 16, 2022: Danville Councilors to consider $5M grant for White Mill redevelopment; Amherst Supervisors to consider special exception for apartment buildings
Plus: More information about what's happening in localities across Virginia's Fifth District
The key to doing this newsletter is definitely to get it done on Saturdays. That is the key takeaway from this week, when I was unavailable to work. As such, this is a very abbreviated edition of this program to get info out for today as well as for posterity.
As time is growing short before the first meeting listed here, I’ll get right to it with no promotional stuff. I’ll save that for the end today. There’s information you may need to know!
Amherst Supervisors to consider special exception to allow two 54-unit apartment buildings
The Amherst Board of Supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building at 153 Washington Street in the Town of Amherst.
There are four public hearings on the agenda, followed by several matters of new business. In public hearings:
Supervisors will consider amending the zoning code related to lot standards for stormwater facilities, utility easements, and cemeteries. The Planning Commission recommended approval at their meeting in June.
In the second, Supervisors will consider requiring elevation drawings to be submitted for any new buildings proposed in Village Districts, and will allow stormwater facility lots as a permitted use in various zoning districts. This also received the endorsement of the Planning Commission.
In a third, Supervisors will consider amending the zoning ordinance so that campgrounds would no longer be a permitted use in A-1 zones. This would also change the “Travel Trailer Parks” use to “Campgrounds” to ensure that tents, yurts, cabins, and other structures could be permitted. The change is in part to allow neighboring properties to voice concerns.
In the fourth, Rowan Holdings seeks two special exceptions for a very large property rezoned in July. Two of the multifamily buildings would each have 54 units, and an exception is required for that use.
Under new business, Supervisors will weigh in on the selection process for a new Public Safety Director now that Sam Bryant has retired.
“Members of the Board have expressed a desire to create a selection committee to conduct the Process,” reads the staff report. “Staff needs direction on who will comprise the committee and the extent of the committee's authority in the final selection of a new Director.”
Supervisors will also consider a request to place a plaque in memory of George Banton on the Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway Trail. Banton was an avid cyclist who died earlier this year.
Campbell County to consider noise exemption for law enforcement training
The seven-member Campbell County Board of Supervisors will meet at 6 p.m. in the Haberer Building in Rustburg. This is a short work session. (meeting packet)
On the agenda is a request from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy to be exempt from the county’s noise ordinance.
“This current basic law enforcement class has 59 students from the various member agencies of the Academy and they will conduct night fire training on August 23 and August 24,” reads a request letter from Ronald Staton, the academy’s executive director.
For the rest of the work session, Supervisors will get a briefing on a Virginia Telecommunications Initiative proposal from Riverstreet Networks.
Danville City Council to be briefed on FY22 surplus, consider $5M grant for White Mill redevelopment
The nine-member Danville City Council will meet at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. (agenda information)
On the agenda:
There is a public hearing on final adoption of an amendment to a previous Annual Action Plan for federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to reflect an additional $990,667 the city has received to help address the unhoused.
Council will review a summary of the unaudited books for FY2022.
“Unaudited results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, show revenues at budget at 99.7%, reflecting a 2.6% increase or $3 million over the prior year,” read the financial statements. “Revenue exceeded budgeted collections in property taxes, other local taxes, recovered cost, and shared expenses (categorical state aid) revenue.”Council will purchase a pump station on Page Road from Pittsylvania County related to the Southern Virginia Megasite venture the two localities are partnering on.
Council will consider a agreement to purchase 20 megawatts from American Municipal Power
Council will hold first reading on the issuance of $16 million in bonds for general government projects as well as utility infrastructure.
Council will consider an application to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for a $5 million grant to assist with the planning for the White Mill.
“This project would be redeveloped as a mixed-use facility with a $84,920,265 million in capital investment, 110,000 square feet of commercial space and 150 market rate apartments,” reads the staff report. “The lower level of the building is being converted into over two hundred interior parking spaces for tenants. This project will add to and benefit from other projects that are in proximity by increasing foot traffic in the River District from employees, clients, and residents, thereby encouraging additional support to other businesses in the River District.”
Pittsylvania BOS to hold four very similar land use public hearings
The seven-member Pittsylvania Board of Supervisors will meet at 4:30 p.m for a closed session followed by an open meeting at 7 p.m.
Each of the motions for closed session identify what will be discussed. (4:30 p.m packet)
“Potential Disposition/Acquisition of Publicly Owned Property Related to Gospel Tabernacle Outreach Center, Southside Soccer Club, and /or Jail”
“Unannounced Prospective Businesses/Industries” as part of a “General Economic Development Projects Update”
“Rock Festival Offsite Parking SUP, DSS Bylaws”
In the regular meeting, there are several public hearings: (7 p.m. packet)
An individual seeks a rezoning of 0.616 acres from R-1 to A-1. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
An individual seeks a rezoning of 4.2 acres from R-1 to A-1. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
A couple seeks rezoning of 3.65 acres from R-1 to A-1. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
A family seeks rezoning of one acres from R-1 to A-1. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.
The county will amend the Fiscal Year 2022 budget with several changes.
The county will hold a public hearing on revisions to electoral precincts
Powhatan Board of Supervisors to discuss potential sewer credit, CIP shortfalls
The Powhatan Board of Supervisors will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Building for a work session with the School Board. (agenda packet)
The first item under new business is a discussion of potential relief from the irrigation ordinance.
“Staff will introduce the concept for discussion of sewer fee credit to Aqua Virginia irrigation customers,” reads the agenda item.
Next, Supervisors will consider potential adjustments to the capital improvement project fund to address shortfalls that have come to light as projects were put out to bid. There’s a $1 million deficit for an addition to Fire / EMS Station #1 and the estimate for a softball concession facility is $200,000 short. The presentation outlines a potential plan to proceed to fill the gap.
Finally, Supervisors will vote to ratify salary adjustments for current employees.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Virtual meetings in Albemarle coming to an end on September 1
Albemarle County’s Board of Supervisors will meet at 2:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium rather than the usual 1 p.m. (meeting agenda)
Albemarle County is slowly studying the way it does business. One tool available to the Board of Supervisors is the Economic Development Fund established in 2018.
“Within the Economic Development Fund is a sub-fund called the Economic Opportunities Fund (EOF), which was established by the Board in 2006 to provide funding to match state and federal economic development grant programs,” reads the staff report.
In FY2022, $110,070 went to six local entities to drawn a total of nearly $600,000 in programs. Demand is growing. Staff is recommending a streamlined approach to how the funds are administered. This is an advance of Board approval of recent requests scheduled for the September 7, 2022 meeting.
Next, the end is nigh for virtual meetings in Albemarle County. Assistant County Executive Trevor Henry will provide an update on the transition back to in-person public meetings for bodies that have not already done so.
“To prepare for in-person public meetings, investments have been made in equipment, software, and training to allow for some meetings to have elements of virtual participation and/or virtual access for the public,” reads the staff report. “Staff expects all public meetings held beginning September 1, 2022 will be held under the new framework.”
In the evening session beginning at 6 p.m. there will be a public hearing for a rezoning for the Old Dominion Village project in Crozet along Three Notch’d Road. The proposal is to rezone 23.68 acres from Rural Areas to Neighborhood Model Development for up to 110 units around a site currently occupied by Crozet Veterinary Care Center.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the project in February, but recommended denial of a special exception to reduce the minimum setback between an existing animal confinement facility (vet clinic) and a residential lot line from 200 feet to 50 feet. The plan has been revised since then.
Fluvanna to take up rezoning that will include emergency medical center near Lake Monticello
The five member Board of Supervisors meets at 7 p.m. in person at the Carysbrook Performing Arts Center in Fork Union. (meeting packet)
There are three public hearings. The first is on a request from Wolfpack Properties for a rezoning of 35 acres from agricultural to business. The Planning Commission voted 3-1 (one absent) on August 9 to recommend approval.
“The property is located within the Rivanna Community Planning Area and a new commercial center and medical emergency center would further enhance the commercial mixed-uses found in the Lake Monticello community,” reads the staff report. “The closest available emergency center is located 13 miles away in Zion Crossroads with drive time averaging 25 minutes which is very long during medical emergencies.”
Staff also said a new grocery store might attract customers from Buckingham County who would no longer have to drive to Albemarle or Charlottesville. According to the staff report, a new shopping center has not been proposed and built in Fluvanna since 2003.
The second is for a change to the zoning ordinance related to commercial uses. They include:
Add use definitions for Brewpub, Data Center, Emergency Center, Event Facility, Machinery Sales and Service, Microbrewery, and Vehicle Impound Facility
Amend the definition of Agricultural Enterprise
Allow Event Facilities, Machinery Sales and Service, and Brewpubs in A-1 districts with a special use permit
Allow Brewpubs in R-3 districts as a by-right use
Allow Microbreweries in R-3 districts with a special use permit
In B-1 zones, allow Brewpub, Emergency Centers, Event Facilities, Machinery Sales and Service, and Microbreweries as commercial uses permitted by right
In B-1 zones, allow Vehicle Impound Facility with a special use permit
The third is for a third amendment to a lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless to allow for a generator to be installed at a site owned by the county. This will bring in another $6,000 a year in rental income.
In unfinished business, the Board will take up a special use permit for Johnston and Co LLC to operate a contractor’s storage yard.
In other meetings:
The five-member Amelia County Board of Supervisors meets at 7 p.m. The meeting is a routine with several updates from various entities including the School Board, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Virginia 250 Committee. (meeting info)
Thursday, August 18, 2022
I’m still waiting to get to know some of the localities in the Fifth District. For instance, the website for the Nottoway Board of Supervisors states that their meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of each month. However, another section of the website currently states the next elections will be held in 2015, so information should be verified.
Anyway, Supervisors last meet this Monday, and you can watch that on Facebook Watch. I now know thanks to an update that the next Supervisors meeting is September 8 so look for that in a few weeks!
The second I hit send I realized I had messed up the headline. Danville has a City Council, not a Board of Supervisors. I regret the error!