Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Meeting – June 3, 2026

The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors convened on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Lane Auditorium for a regular first meeting. The meeting included proclamations, public comment, consent agenda approval, action items on a building site modification and transportation project prioritization, presentations from JAUNT and the School Board, a closed session for board and commission appointments, and four public hearings. The meeting adjourned to June 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from March 16 and April 22, 2026.
• Authorized bond financing for Kappa Sigma Endowment Foundation through EDA of Appomattox County.
• Affirmed commitment to fund locality share of VDOT projects.
• Approved a variation request (SE-2026-00010) for Out of Bounds.
• Approved a resolution to change the start time of the June 17, 2026 meeting to 3:00 PM.
• Received VDOT Monthly Report for information.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Session (Matters Previously Considered):
  • Nicole (attorney for property owners) and Jeremy and Catherine Kent (homeowners) spoke about a property at 528 Clarks Tract. They described buying the property in 2022, later discovering unpermitted structures and zoning violations related to a stream buffer. They requested approval of a special exception to allow an existing garage with finished space to remain, with mitigation. The Kents emphasized they were unaware of violations and have spent nearly $100,000 to come into compliance.
• Second Session (Matters Previously Considered):
  • Claude Corussier, a resident near Whitehall, expressed opposition to a low-barrier shelter and supportive housing (VISTA 29), alleging connections to organized crime and fossil fuel interests. He urged the county to avoid funding such projects and instead provide rent subsidies for disabled adults.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation: National Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 5, 2026) – The board unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing gun violence awareness. Bobby Doyle, Director of the Gun Violence Solution Project, spoke about progress and challenges, noting a decrease in community violence but a slight rise in firearm suicides. Board members expressed support for responsible gun ownership and prevention efforts.
• Action Item: SE-2025-00040 – 528 Clarks Tract Building Site Modification – A special exception to allow an existing garage structure to remain in a stream buffer. The property owners (the Kents) explained they purchased the property in good faith. Staff recommended approval with mitigation (2:1 ratio for impervious area). After debate, the board voted 5-1 to approve (Supervisor Malik opposed). Conditions include a mitigation plan, prohibition of accessory uses like home stays, and a maximum of 400 persons for religious assembly (for the church item, but this is separate).
• Action Item: Transportation Project Prioritization – Staff presented the 2026 draft priority list of 169 projects, ranking them by vehicular safety/congestion and bike/pedestrian mobility. The board approved the rankings (attachment F) after discussion about making the list a living document, updating it as data changes. The vote was unanimous.
• Presentation: JAUNT Services and Updates – Jacob Sumner, CFO, and the CEO presented updates on JAUNT’s 50th anniversary, rebranding, ridership growth (e.g., Crozet Connect up significantly), plans for microtransit pilots, and budget stewardship. They highlighted the return of $470,000 to the county. The board praised JAUNT’s work and discussed potential expansions.
• Presentation: School Board Quarterly Report – Chair Rebecca Berlin and Vice Chair Alison Spillman reported on graduations (over 1,000 graduates, 70% advanced diplomas), new school openings (Mountain View Upper Elementary, ACE Academy Lambs Lane), scholar studio enrollment (ACE Academy exceeding expectations with nearly 300 freshmen onboard), policy updates, and budget process reflections. They requested expedited permitting for school openings. The board discussed retention, safety, and budget collaboration.
• Closed Meeting – The board convened a closed session under Virginia Code §2.2-3711(A)(1) to discuss appointments to various boards and commissions (e.g., Blue Ridge Committee, Crozet CAC, Historic Preservation, JAUNT Board, etc.). The closed meeting was certified.
• Public Hearings:
  • FY 2026 Budget Amendment – $8.3 million amendment, primarily for affordable housing ($4.9M), economic development ($3M), and emergency communications ($400K). Approved unanimously.
  • Conveyance of Easements at Free Bridge Lane – Temporary and permanent easements for VDOT intersection improvements. Approved unanimously.
  • Crozet Fellowship Church Expansion – Special use permit to allow religious assembly up to 400 persons, new sanctuary, expanded parking. Approved unanimously with conditions including a 20-foot buffer and restrictions on ancillary uses.
  • Parham Circle Storage Rezoning – Rezoning to allow self-storage facility on a 1.7-acre parcel, with special exceptions for reduced setback and stepback waiver. Approved unanimously on three separate motions.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Consent agenda approved unanimously.
  • SE-2025-00040 (Clarks Tract modification) approved 5-1.
  • Transportation priority list adopted unanimously.
  • FY26 budget amendment approved unanimously.
  • Easements at Free Bridge Lane approved unanimously.
  • Crozet Fellowship Church expansion approved unanimously.
  • Parham Circle Storage (rezoning and two special exceptions) approved unanimously on three motions.
• Next Steps: Staff will use the transportation priority list for funding applications; multimodal plan work will continue. The School Board will follow up on questions about reading scores, retention, and safety. JAUNT will implement microtransit pilots in 2027. The closed meeting certified appointments to boards and commissions.