Government Glance for July 25, 2022: Bedford to amend solid waste plan; Powhatan to consider opposing Cumberland landfill; Hanover to consider school land for fire station
Another look at what local officials will review in localities across Virginia's new Fifth District
July disappeared quickly and we now find ourselves at the end of the month. Out of the 24 localities in the Fifth District, there are only four meetings of elected officials this week. Two of them are not entirely within the new boundary, but this newsletter covers the entirety of each. I also threw in a Planning Commission meeting in for good measure.
I’m approaching the end of the third month of this doing this work, and I’m learning a lot about how all of the pieces fit together. After years of covering Albemarle and Charlottesville, I’m enjoying looking at a bigger picture. I am hopeful that anyone following along will also learn about things they did not know before.
This time around:
Bedford Supervisors will update their solid waste management plan to reflect the 2020 U.S. Census as well as the closure of a landfill operated by the Town of Bedford
Hanover Supervisors will consider a donation of land from the School Board for a new public safety facility
Powhatan will take up a resolution to oppose a mega-landfill in Cumberland County
Lynchburg City Council will consider whether residential uses should be limited in commercial districts to ensure land is available for industrial purposes
This newsletter is the work of an independent journalist who is hoping to build up a community resource over the next several years. I am holding off on beginning paid subscriptions to this newsletter while I sort out the long term plan for this particular venture. If you would like to make sure this keeps going, you can make a contribution through Patreon to my company Town Crier Productions.
But what I need the most at the moment is for you to share this with other people who might be interested in comparative government. There’s a lot to be learned when you take a close look at the fabric of our American democracy.
One small note: For some reason, links to websites powered by CivicPlus do not work in the Substack email at the moment. I’ve sent this on to their support, but if you encounter a link that does not work, click through to the website and it should work.
Monday, July 25, 2022
Bedford Supervisors to amend solid waste plan to reflect closure of town landfill
There are five public hearings and three action items at the seven-member Board of Supervisors meeting that begins at 7 p.m. They convene in the administration building. (meeting page)
The first two deal with solid waste management. There is a proposal to raise the commercial tipping fee from $52 a ton to $59 a ton in order to cover higher fuel costs.
“The rate will then be adjusted on a quarterly basis on a floating rate due to extreme volatility in costs,” reads the staff report.
The tipping fees for residential customers will remain the same. Households get to dispose of 1,000 tons per month with $2.85 for every hundred pounds after that.
Bedford County Supervisors will take off their regularly scheduled meeting and work session for August 8.
Next, Supervisors will consider amending the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan to reflect the Town of Bedford’s closure of its 24-acre landfill. The town was a city under Virginia’s government structure until 2013.
“Because the Town has closed their landfill and the County has initiated landfill closure, a major plan amendment is required that includes a public hearing,” reads the staff report.
In the third public hearing, Beville Properties LLC is seeking to modify a transportation proffer made as part of a rezoning for a subdivision at Smith Mountain Lake approved on December 13, 2021. The Virginia Department of Transportation is requesting the amendment to make a technical change that would allow a new street to be accepted into the secondary road system.
“The purpose of the modification is to allow flexibility during the review of the residential development to ensure that the proposed public street is acceptable for state maintenance,” reads the staff report. “Additionally, it allows VDOT to require improvements on Moneta Road (Route 122) that may be triggered when future development occurs in the commercially zoned portion of the subject parcel instead of the applicant being required to make those improvements now or post a bond for the future construction of the improvements (turn lanes).”
In the fourth and fifth public hearings, Supervisors will consider various changes to the zoning ordinances related to the rules for certain planned developments.
In the first action item, Supervisors will enter into an agreement with Riverstreet Networks for a third broadband expansion project funded through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative.
“Bedford County is part of a larger regional project with RiverStreet that includes Amelia, Campbell, Charlotte, Nottoway, and Pittsylvania Counties and will connect almost 25,000 locations with an estimated project cost just over $152M,” reads the staff report.
Bedford’s cost share is $2 million.
In the second item, Supervisors will vote on whether to reduce the minimum lot sizes in R-1 districts.
After that, there will be an amendment of the Bedford County and Bedford County School Board budgets.
Hanover Supervisors to get update on Comprehensive Plan review
The seven-member Hanover County Board of Supervisors meets at 2 p.m. in the administration building at 7516 County Complex Road. The evening session with public hearings begins at 7:00 p.m. (agenda)
The first item after routine opening items (including citizens’ time), there will be a presentation from the community services director on senior services.
Next there will be an update on the Comprehensive Plan from the director of planning. The Envision Hanover project kicked off last fall and is expected to be completed next spring. The consultant is EPR, P.C.
After that there will be a discussion of the acceptance of 3.5 acres of land owned by the Hanover County School Board to be used for a new fire station. This a portion of the property on which Laurel Meadow Elementary School.
“There has been an identified need for a new fire station on or near Lee-Davis Road to primarily serve the residents and businesses of the Chickahominy, Henry, and Mechanicsville Magisterial Districts of the County,” reads the staff report. “However, this station would be available to serve all residents, businesses and visitors in the County as needed.”
Three transportation items are next. The Virginia Department of Transportation will provide an update on highway matters and then the director of public works will give a status update on road projects. Then a resolution on Smart Scale projects for the next round.
The projects are:
Rt. 54/Goddins Hill Rd Left Turn Lane
Ashcake Rd/Ashland Rd/Blanton Rd/Greenwood Church Rd Roundabout
Creighton Rd/Tammy Ln and Creighton Rd/Sledds Lake Rd Left Turn Lanes
To finish the afternoon session, Supervisors will go into closed session to discuss a potential business that may operate or expand in the county. The description in the agenda states “Discussion of Unannounced Business or Industry.”
There are two non-land use public hearings. The first will be to grant a cable franchise to Shenandoah Cable Television LLC and the second one will be on a Virginia Public School Authority bond resolution for up to $50 million.
“The debt funded projects include the acquisition, design and construction of a replacement elementary school, facility and infrastructure improvements and equipment, including but not limited to auditorium renovations, bathroom renovations, gymnasium renovations, HVAC
replacement, kitchen renovations, roof repairs, safety and security improvements, building upgrades and school grounds improvements at various school facilities,” reads the staff report.
Then, the land use public hearings.
Harmony Vineyard Church seeks a conditional use permit for a church and preschool on 6.3 acres of land on Lakeridge Parkway zoned for light industrial use. This would be an existing commercial building. Their application states the school is part of a “growing trend of parents looking for faith-based schools as an alternative to public education.”
D. Todd Vander Pol seeks an amendment to a previous rezoning on U.S. 33 to allow for a revision to building materials to use textured steel. A proffer limits the use of metal to only 20 percent of the structure’s exterior.
Another couple seeks an amendment to a previous rezoning on Mechanicsville Turnpike (U.S. Route 360) to allow additional business uses on the 1.66 acres.
Brandy Run L.L.C. seeks a rezoning from B-2 to B-3 for 1.12 acres on Brandy Run Drive to allow for an automated carwash adjacent to the Brandy Hill Plaza Shopping Center.
The owners of 20.79 acres at the northwest intersection of Lakeridge Parkway and Kings Acre Road seek a special exception permit to hold an annual promotional event in October at Green Top Sporting Goods. They would use the parking lot of VSC Fire and Security Inc.
The owners of a 4.7 acre parcel on Ashland Road seek a special exception permit to be able to place a manufactured home, claiming a medical hardship case. A relative would live in the structure to take care of the owners.
A couple seek a special exception permit to allow for an accessory family housing unit on a private road off of Goose Pond Lane. This would allow a relative to live on the property.
An individual seeks a special exception permit to permit a home occupation in an accessory building on Fieldshire Drive. This would be for a single chair hair salon.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Powhatan Supervisors to consider resolution opposing proposed mega-landfill in Cumberland County
The five-member Board of Supervisors will meet at the Village Building Auditorium at 3910 Old Buckingham Road with staff at 5:30 p.m. for an update from staff on a specific issue before beginning their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. According to the agenda, that specific issue is a “discussion of day-to-day operations with Powhatan County Board of Supervisors and Powhatan County Fire and Rescue Administration Staff.”
The regular meeting begins with an adoption of the consent agenda, including minutes from several meetings. There’s also a resolution to approve a 25 percent local match for five Smart Scale applications being made in the current funding round. (view the proposals)
Phase two of an extension of Carter Gallier Boulevard - $3,677,478
A restricted crossing U-turn at Judes Ferry Road / U.S. 60 / New Dorset - $1.125M
A restricted crossing U-turn at Route 13 / Route 60 Academy Road - $925,526
A restricted crossing U-turn at Dorset Road / U.S. 60 / Batterson Road - $1.5M
A Continuous Green-T intersection at Red Land Road - $916,126
In the first item of new business, the Virginia Loggers Association has sent a letter to Powhatan County requesting an exemption from personal property and machinery & tools tax for off-road harvesting equipment. The General Assembly adopted a bill in 2020 that gives localities the enabling authority to make the exemption.
“Fourteen counties have adopted Virginia’s tax code on forest harvesting equipment and granted exemption,” reads the letter from executive director Ron Jenkins. “Maintaining the health and robustness of your forest resources will require strong local leadership and your support.”
According to the letter, Bedford, Campbell, Louisa, and Pittsylvania counties have made the exemption while Lunenberg reduced the rate.
In the next item, Supervisors will consider a resolution opposing a new landfill in Cumberland County.
“Clean water is a requirement to sustain all human endeavors and as such Powhatan residents, the majority of which draw drinking water from ground water, are in direct risk from this mega-landfill as it is understood in the solid waste and scientific communities that all landfills will leak toxic water into the environment over time,” reads the resolution (page 81). “The site chosen threatens the environment in that its location is in the watershed of the James River where five counties derive drinking water.”
The proposed landfill in question is the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility. It will be operated by County Waste. (view the site)
After that, Supervisors will consider amendments to the county’s employee classification and compensation related to public safety positions and convenience center employees.
Then a couple of land use public hearings will be held.
Firefly Oakbridge LLC seeks a conditional use permit for a daycare to operate on Oakbridge Drive on property zoned for Light Industrial use. This would use an existing building and allow for construction of an accessory structure. The daycare would have a capacity for 79 children.
A couple seeks to have 99 acres of a 100 acre property added to the Appomattox River Agricultural-Forestal District. The remaining acre would be reserved for a home site.
Lynchburg City Council to review residential uses in commercial zones
The seven-member Lynchburg City Council will meet for a work session in City Council Chambers at 4:00 p.m. followed by a regular session. (work session agenda)
There are two items on the work session agenda followed by three briefings on matters that will go before Council at their August 23, 2022 meeting. There will also be a briefing on the organization meeting that will happen later on in the regular session.
The first item is a discussion on residential uses in commercial districts.
“The City has a limited amount of vacant land,” reads the staff report. “With only ten and eight tenths percent (10.8) percent of the City’s land zoned for commercial purposes, Council has expressed concern with allowing residential uses in commercial districts.
The presentation will go through the four kinds of commercial districts and what kinds of homes can be built in each. One option suggested by staff would create an Urban Residential District to make it easier to redevelop large vacant buildings.
The second work session will be an overview of possibilities that could happen when the College Lake Dam is removed as well as the costs of doing so. The dam is considered a high hazard and a major storm in 2018 threatened complete failure. That’s when the decision was made by the city and the University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College) to remove the structure.
“This aspect of the project will both mitigate a potential hazard and provide additional opportunities to connect the University of Lynchburg and Lynchburg’s greenway system,” reads the staff report.
A demolition bid is expected to be sent out sometime this summer with removal of the dam slated for next spring.
Here’s some information on those four briefings:
Some City Councilors have sought the possibility of renaming Dunbar Drive as “Principal C.W. Seay Drive” as well as renaming the Lakeside Drive Bridge for Elliott Schewel. (staff report)
A couple seeks the city to vacate a portion of Clayton Avenue so they can enclose a backyard and take ownership of a portion of the pavement as a driveway. (staff report)
Hertz seeks permission to lease cars again at the Lynchburg Regional Airport. The company stopped operations in September 2020 but would like to begin again. The concessions agreement will need to be updated. (staff report)
Several changes are proposed for Council’s rules of procedure such as renaming “public participation” as “public comment” and renaming the Department of Communications and Marketing as the Department of Communications and Public Engagement. Another is changing the selection of the mayor to the first meeting in January to reflect the switch to November municipal elections mandated by the General Assembly. (staff report)
There is also a proposed addition to the Councilmember Conduct section:
“While a meeting of the Council in session, all Councilmembers will treat one another with respect, courtesy, and exhibit appropriate decorum,” reads the new section.
There are two public hearings for land use matters and one related to elections.
A developer seeks a rezoning from R-3 to R-4 for 2237 Rivermont Avenue to allow for expansion of an existing building constructed in 1912 to ten apartments. The current use of seven is nonconforming and the rezoning is a necessary step. The Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 with one absence to recommend approval.The Future Land Use Map designates the property as Traditional Residential. (staff report)
In the second, there is a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan for an undeveloped property on Leesville Road. KAL Holdings seeks to change the designation of 620 Leesville Road from Community Commercial to Medium Density Residential. That’s a first step toward a rezoning from B-1 to R-3 to allow for the construction of four duplexes. (staff report)
Will Council pick scenario A or scenario D for redistricting of its four wards? That’s the topic of the third and final public hearing of the evening. (staff report)
Council will then hear from a specific resident who wants to talk about vacant properties. Then they’ll adopt the new rules of procedure.
Then they’ll adopt a resolution condemning vandalism of the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center on June 25, 2022, the day the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
“Individuals chose to coordinate an assault on crisis pregnancy centers around the country, including the Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center, rather than demonstrating in a peaceful and civil manner in response to the Supreme Court’s decision,” reads the resolution.
Then a closed session.
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Some in Nelson don’t want land to automatically go to the dogs
I’m not prepared to list what’s happening at all Planning Commissions in the Fifth District, but this is a slow week and I have to write up the following for the Week Ahead newsletter I do for Charlottesville Community Engagement.
The Nelson County Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m.in the Nelson County Courthouse in Lovingston. There’s only one item listed for a public hearing.
“The Planning & Zoning Department has received two separate inquiries regarding permitting for a commercial kennel and a service dog facility as the primary use of property,” writes Planning and Zoning Director Dylan Bishop in a staff report. “Both propose to locate along Route 151.”
As such, staff felt the Planning Commission should review the existing ordinance to see where it should be a by-right use as opposed to needing a special use permit. Currently kennels are a by-right use in agricultural zones, but an adjacent landowner to one of the proposed new businesses wants that to change.
Staff also suggest a new updated definition.
“Kennel: A place where the primary use is to house board, breed, handle, groom, train, or otherwise keep or care for dogs, cats or similar small animals for sale or in return for compensation. Kennels may include associated facilities necessary to support the operation including but not limited to office space, meeting space, and temporary lodging accommodations exclusive to those clients training with the animals.”
Housekeeping notes
I didn’t see any meetings on Thursday and Friday of this week. Somehow with five meetings, this newsletter ended up over 3,000 words. I know that this publication is not for a general audience, but I write it for as many people who are willing to read it.
What do you think? I’m looking for feedback on how I can improve this. I would like to increase coverage of all of these matters, but it’s a full-time job putting out Charlottesville Community Engagement.
Doing this work thrills me each week. I think it’s important for communities across the Fifth District to know what’s going on with their neighbors. Thanks for reading and please share!