Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting - January 14, 2026

The Board of Supervisors met on January 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Lane Auditorium. The meeting included a VDOT quarterly report, a closed session for economic development and committee appointments, and public hearings on a right-of-way conveyance, open burning regulations, a car dealership expansion, and a fill-in-the-floodplain industrial proposal. The board also heard extensive public comment on school capacity and immigration enforcement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved by recorded vote: Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, Community Policy Management Team resolution, authorization to schedule a public hearing for the HEARR lease at Yancey Community Center, utility easements across a county-owned parcel, a stepback subdivision for Premier Circle, and approval of design-build procurement for Rivanna Futures and Eastern Avenue Road & Bridge.
• Received for information: The January 2026 Board-to-Board report from the School Board.

Public Comments & Testimony

Session 1 (Item 7):

• Reese (Rivanna District) opposed a new high school, citing ACPS data showing existing high schools would be under capacity by 189 students next year, with only 146 overcapacity by 2035, and a new school would cost $250 million.
• Anika Johnson (Rivanna District) requested full funding for Stony Point Elementary School improvements, describing inadequate facilities (single entrance, lack of gathering space, shared support staff offices).

Session 2 (Item 13):

• Several speakers advocated for a new high school: Bridget Rogers (Rivanna) argued overcrowding at Albemarle High School and the need for educational infrastructure; Rupert Egan (Rivanna) tied new high school to economic development and attracting skilled workers; Heidi Bennett (Samuel Miller) described overcrowding at Western Albemarle High School (200 students over capacity, trailers) and harms to students; Robert Perez (Rivanna) said a new high school is essential for future growth and cost.
• Multiple speakers requested funding for Stony Point Elementary renovations: Kyle Smoot (Rivanna) cited unserviceable student support offices, book storage issues, and lack of lobby; Brad Ewell (Rivanna) noted the school's facilities ranked lowest in the county.
• Speakers addressed immigration enforcement: Alicia Lenahan (Scottsville) urged the board to adopt a resolution condemning federal immigration tactics, citing the killing of Renee Good; Joanne Robertson (Jack Jouett) expressed fear of masked ICE agents; Susan McCulley (Samuel Miller) argued masking destroys accountability and called for a resolution.
• Sarah Teat (Samuel Miller) complained about the solar project on Craigstore Road, citing noise, vibration, burning of trees, and lack of county oversight.

Discussion Items

• VDOT Quarterly Report (Item 9): Carrie Shepherd presented updates on Route 29 shared-use path (re-advertised, award expected by end of January), I-64 Exit 107 park-and-ride (bids due January 2026), Berkmar Drive to Airport Road connector (right-of-way in February), and design-build bundles for roundabouts and bridge replacements. Construction ongoing on Old Ivy Road bridge and Fontaine Avenue bridge. Supervisor Mallek expressed frustration with delays on the Berkmar extension.
• Open Burning Ordinance Amendment (Item 15): Fire Marshal Shawn Maddox presented proposed amendments to Chapter 6, including updated definitions, escalating penalties, and authority for the Fire Marshal to ban burning. Public comment from Gary Grant (Rio) requested definitions for "trimmings" and notification to adjoining property owners. The board discussed technical clarifications and added amendments to Section 6-406B. The ordinance was adopted with amendments.
• Flow Honda/CDJR Outdoor Storage Expansion (Item 16): Senior Planner Chris Taggart presented a special use permit for outdoor vehicle display in the Entrance Corridor Overlay District. The ARB and Planning Commission recommended approval. Applicant Justin Shimp noted the project would add 60+ parking spaces and over $60 million in investment. The board approved the permit with conditions.
• Woolen Mills Industrial Fill in the Floodplain (Item 17): Planning Manager Rebecca Ragsdale and Deputy County Engineer Tony Edwards presented a request to fill 1.3 acres of floodplain for light industrial development. The floodplain study showed no rise in base flood elevation. Staff recommended approval with conditions; the Planning Commission had recommended denial. Public comment from nearby residents opposed the fill, citing flood risks, habitat loss, and cumulative impacts. The board debated floodplain policy, economic development needs, and environmental concerns. The motion to approve (with conditions) passed 4-2 (Duncan, Gallaway, LaPisto-Kirtley, Pruitt in favor; Mallek, Missel opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved by unanimous recorded vote.
• Closed Meeting: Certified and motions approved for a development grant agreement with Southern Development Group, Inc. and for board member committee appointments (Fifth and Avon CAC, Crozet CAC, Darden Towe Park, Pantops CAC, Places 29 committees, Village of Rivanna CAC).
• Right-of-Way Conveyance (Item 14): Approved resolution to convey a portion of county-owned parcel at 1600 5th St. to VDOT for roundabout construction at 5th St. Extended and Old Lynchburg Rd. Unanimous.
• Open Burning Ordinance (Item 15): Adopted as amended to add clarifying language to Section 6-406B and correct recitals. Unanimous.
• Flow Honda Special Use Permit (Item 16): Approved with conditions. Unanimous.
• Woolen Mills Special Use Permit (Item 17): Approved 4-2 (Duncan, Gallaway, LaPisto-Kirtley, Pruitt voting yes; Mallek, Missel voting no).
• Items 18.1-18.3 (Sidewalk shoveling ordinance, cemetery mapping, safer chemical policy): Deferred to the next meeting on January 21, 2026.
• Adjournment: To January 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium.