Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting – September 5, 2024

The Board of Supervisors met to approve a consent agenda, hear public comments, discuss numerous policy items, and take action on zoning and special use permits. Key topics included a proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the quarterly School Board report, a presentation from United Way on early childhood education and financial stability, and a comprehensive update to the county's cell tower ordinance.

Proclamations & Recognition

• National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: The Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing September 2024 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Kathy Pales of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America accepted the proclamation and highlighted that gun suicides account for nearly 60% of gun deaths, with a fatality rate of 90% when a gun is used. She urged support for secure storage and red flag laws.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. Items are routine approvals; no items were pulled.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Neil Williamson (President, Free Enterprise Forum) urged the Board to allow residential uses in commercial office space without requiring full rezoning, arguing that this could quickly produce over 100 affordable units. He noted that a resolution of intent was passed six months ago but no action has been taken.
• Phyllis Ripper (White Hall district) pleaded for improved cell service in rural areas, stating that the current special-use permit process deters providers. She emphasized that many farm owners would host towers but cannot navigate the red tape.
• Rob McGuinness (Piedmont Environmental Council) supported retaining historic districts and mountain protection areas as avoidance zones for cell towers, but opposed removal of historic districts from special-use requirements.
• Genevieve Keller (Preservation Piedmont) argued that removing historic districts from avoidance areas would be exclusionary, as many contributing properties are not individually listed. She called for continued protection of cultural landscapes.
• Jean Hyatt (Preservation Piedmont) echoed concerns, urging the Board to keep historic districts and scenic byways in the ordinance.
• Valerie Long (Williams Mullen, representing wireless applicants) praised the overall improvement of the ordinance but advocated for option one (four National Historic Landmarks) as the simplest and least burdensome.

Discussion Items

• Homestay Special Exception (SC 2024-14): Staff presented a request to allow an accessory structure at 6316 Estes Lane to be used as a homestay. The 880 sq. ft. dwelling will be converted after the owners build a new primary residence. The Board approved the special exception, noting no adverse impacts.
• School Board Quarterly Report: Chair Judy Lee and Superintendent Dr. Acuff reported:
  • Enrollment is slightly above projections (about 300 students more than initially misreported).
  • 100% of bus routes are covered; 15 full-time drivers hired; starting salary $23.56/hour.
  • SOL pass rates improved: reading 75% (from 74%), math 72% (from 69%), but achievement gaps persist for Black, Hispanic, economically disadvantaged, and English learner students.
  • A pilot cell phone restriction program using Yonder pouches is underway at Walton Middle School.
  • A new literacy curriculum (HMH Into Reading) is being implemented; a math curriculum update is planned.
  • Partnership with Communities in Schools NOVA will support student needs.
• United Way Presentation: CEO Ravi Respeto highlighted:
  • Severe shortage of infant/toddler childcare: 929 slots needed in Albemarle County.
  • United Way will apply for the Head Start grant (150 slots, 40-50 in the county) in January 2025.
  • Financial resiliency programs: 18 families purchased homes, small business grants (e.g., Alan Shortbread expanded to Whole Foods), and a new vehicle repair program.
• Cell Tower Ordinance Update: Extensive discussion on three options for avoidance areas:
  • Option 1: 1,500 ft from four National Historic Landmarks.
  • Option 2: 1,500 ft from any National Register of Historic Places (about 65 sites), except those only in historic districts.
  • Forest alternatives: Map 1 (large forest blocks), Map 2 (score 4.1 or higher), or Map 9 (mountain protection areas).
  • The Board reached a compromise: adopt avoidance areas within 1,500 ft of National Register historic places as of September 4, 2024 (excluding district-only parcels), and adopt Forest Alternative B with a score of 4.1 or higher. The motion passed 6-0.
• ZMA 2023-15 (1928 Scottsville Road): Rezoning of 1.32 acres from R-1 to R-10 for eight townhomes. Approved after discussion about connectivity and density.
• SP 2024-16 (Community Christian Academy Modulars): Special use permit to place a modular classroom building on church property. Approved with conditions.
• ACSA 2024-1 (Roach Jurisdictional Area): Amendment to extend sewer service to a half-acre parcel in Crozet due to failing septic. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation: Unanimously approved September 2024 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
• Homestay: Approved (6-0).
• Cell Tower Ordinance: Adopted amended ordinance with avoidance areas defined as: (1) 1,500 ft from National Register historic places (as of Sept 4, 2024), except those solely in historic districts; (2) forest blocks with a score of 4.1 or higher (Alternative B). The remainder of Attachment B as presented. Vote: 6-0.
• Rezoning (1928 Scottsville Road): Approved (6-0).
• Community Christian Academy Modulars: Approved (6-0).
• Roach Jurisdictional Area Amendment: Approved (6-0).
• Referrals: Supervisor Pruitt raised the urgent need for additional funding for the Affordable Housing Community Relief Fund (ACRF) for security deposit assistance, noting the fund is empty. Supervisor Malik requested legal research on the limits of the county's anti-displacement authority.