Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Regular Meeting – March 20, 2024

The Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, starting at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, adoption of a consent agenda, action items on transportation partnerships and property licenses, a work session on the AC44 comprehensive plan update (rural and development areas), a closed meeting, a county executive report on multiple brush fires prompting a local emergency declaration, additional public comments, a central sewer system request for Old Ivy Residences, and three spot blight public hearings for properties on Rolling Road. The board also received updates on strategic initiatives, microtransit ridership, and employee recognition.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations (24-191).
• Approved Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Ivy Materials Utilization Center FY25 fees (24-196).
• Approved Rivanna Futures land use applications (24-184).
• Approved proposed abandonment, additions, and corrections of portions of Rio Mills Road (Route 643) (24-192).
• Accepted VDOT Monthly Report for March 2024 for information (24-204).
• All consent items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First session (item 7): Eleven speakers addressed the board on matters related to the AC44 comprehensive plan update. Speakers included representatives from the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), Albemarle County Farm Bureau, Free Enterprise Forum, Community Climate Collaborative (C3), and individual residents. Key positions:
  • Speakers urged protection of rural areas, support for agriculture and forestry, and robust growth management, citing decades of community surveys prioritizing environment and smart growth.
  • Concerns were raised about proposed expansion of development areas, potential loss of land preservation programs, and the need for a standalone rural areas chapter.
  • Some speakers advocated for increased density in development areas, more affordable housing, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Comments also addressed solar siting policies, crossroad communities, and the importance of preserving scenic viewsheds and working farms.
• Second session (item 15): Three speakers addressed matters including comprehensive plan critiques, a congratulatory note on a sewer plan redesign, and questions about sewer pipe boring under an on-ramp at Old Ivy Residences.

Discussion Items

• Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) Guidelines (24-183): Lance Stewart presented guidelines to enable public-private partnerships for transportation projects. The board discussed solicited and unsolicited proposals, transparency, and timelines. An amendment added four words to page 12 regarding risk apportionment. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
• Brookhill License Agreements (24-188): Frank Pohl presented three license agreements for improvements on county property (grading/road, stormwater, landscaping) to facilitate the Archer Avenue connector. The board approved the resolution authorizing the county executive to sign the licenses.
• AC44 Work Session: Rural Area Land Use and Transportation: The board discussed draft goals and objectives. Key questions included allowing small-scale community-serving uses by special use permit, the crossroad communities concept, transportation prioritization, and resilience hubs. The board provided direction: support for carefully defined small-scale uses, cautious approach to crossroad communities (focus on community-driven planning and existing structures), and emphasis on realistic transportation funding (rural rustic roads, safety improvements, not full transit). Multiple supervisors stressed the need to update agricultural data and clarify measurable objectives.
• AC44 Work Session: Development Areas Land Use and Transportation: The board discussed gross vs. net density calculations, building height (up to eight stories in destination centers), parking reforms, and infrastructure alignment. Board members requested more information on gross vs. net density impacts; leaned toward net density but wanted further analysis. Generally supported recommended height increases and parking incentives, but emphasized infrastructure catch-up and tree cover preservation challenges.
• Old Ivy Residences – Central Sewerage System (24-190): Frank Pohl presented a gravity sewer system for 184 connections. The board approved the resolution with conditions (construction to public standards, maintenance by HOA). Concerns about private maintenance were noted but deemed acceptable given gravity system reliability.

Key Outcomes

• Adoption of PPTA Guidelines: Approved unanimously with amendment.
• Approval of Brookhill License Agreements: Approved unanimously.
• Direction on AC44 Rural Area: Board directed staff to refine goals based on discussion; specific support for limited small-scale uses by SUP, continued exploration of crossroad communities via small-area plans, and focused transportation funding on safety and rural rustic roads.
• Direction on AC44 Development Areas: Board requested additional analysis on gross vs. net density; expressed support for building height up to eight stories in destination centers and incentivizing structured parking/green infrastructure; asked for better alignment of infrastructure and development.
• Declaration of Local Emergency: Unanimously adopted a resolution declaring a local emergency due to multiple brush fires (approximately 10 active fires, three outbuildings involved) with red flag conditions. The declaration enables access to state resources. An evacuation alert was issued for Taylor’s Gap Road area.
• Old Ivy Residences Central Sewer: Approved with a maximum of 184 connections.
• Spot Blight Declarations: Three public hearings held; ordinances adopted deeming properties at 2941, 3239, and 3247 Rolling Road as blighted. Board selected funding Option 3 to abate all three concurrently (estimated total $26,000) using contingency funds, with reimbursement via tax liens.
• Upcoming Meeting: Adjourned to March 25, 2024, at 3:00 PM in Room 241.