This text was taken from an email alert sent out on September 11, 2025. Sign up for email alerts →
Dear Supporter,
There’s so much to look forward to this fall. With Virginia’s summer humidity behind us, Charlottesville and Albemarle are about to shine as we ascend into the most colorful time of year, hosting community events like Loop de ’Ville and enjoying other opportunities to gather together in appreciation of the natural landscape that grounds this region.
Take a look at just some of what PEC is focused on locally as we transition into the new season and beyond. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events, especially our Data Center Community Meeting next Tues., Sept. 16.
Join us Sept. 16: Albemarle Data Center Ordinance
Albemarle County is pushing to update its recently adopted Data Center Ordinance this fall, proposing that large data centers up to 500,000 square feet can be built without input from the public or elected officials in certain areas. The potential for noise pollution, visual obtrusion and diesel generator-caused air pollution, as well as the incompatibility of these large buildings near residential neighborhoods, medical facilities, and parks are reasons enough to protect community members’ ability to voice their concerns when data center proposals are introduced in the future.
Impacts include:
- higher energy bills for nearly all consumers,
- impaired air quality;
- depletion of local water supplies;
- intrusive noise;
- increased reliance on fossil fuels to be able to meet the massive energy requirements, which threaten Albemarle and Virginia’s ability to meet its hard-fought climate goals; and
- new massive transmission lines and substations
Join us Tuesday, Sept. 16 for a Data Center Community Meeting from 6-8 p.m. on the statewide and local impacts of the data center industry, as well as takeaways on how you can make a difference. Please write to the Board of Supervisors at [email protected] to ask that it require all data centers above 40,000 square feet to go through the Special Use Permitting process. Learn more about the ordinance on the county’s Data Center webpage.
Get Outside: Loop de Ville Sept. 27
This community comes together year-round to maintain and create more trails and outdoor spaces for all people to enjoy. But the biggest effort every year converges at the Loop de ’Ville Trailfest to celebrate National Public Lands Day and our own Rivanna Trail.
There are so many ways to get involved this year:
- Sign up to walk, bike or run the Loop: There are many activity options to circle or partially circle the Rivanna Trail’s Loop this year, including an accessible 1-3-mile Mini Loop Hike led by PEC’s Peter Krebs with Charlottesville’s forester, Steve Gaines.
- Volunteer: The Loop de ‘Ville is a for-the-community, by-the-community event so it is run entirely by volunteers. Sign up to lead or sweep hikes, runs, or walks, help at check-in or the after party, or support along the way as part of Cheer Zone hype teams.
- Sponsor the Event: Sponsorships and donations are concrete ways to make this event, and the trails it celebrates, accessible to more people.
- Join Rivanna River Company’s all-day (starting at 12 p.m.) celebration party and bask in the spirit of the outdoors in community with others.
Weigh in: AC44 Releases Full Draft Document
The Albemarle Comprehensive Plan process is coming to a close, beginning with the release of the draft final document that will serve as a guide to the county for the next 20 years. We have worked hard to maintain protections for the communities and resources in the Rural Area and to advocate for sustainable smart growth in the Development Areas.
View the full full draft document →
Two public hearings will be held in the coming months:
- Planning Commission Public Hearing: Tues., Sept. 23
- Board of Supervisors Public Hearing: Wed., Oct. 15
The plan will likely be finalized and adopted by the Board of Supervisors at its Oct. 15 meeting. We will be sending out action alerts in the coming weeks related to successes and areas that need work before finalization.
Reservoir Expansion will Temporarily Close Trails
On October 6, Rivanna Sewer and Water Authority will begin clearing trees around the Ragged Mountain Reservoir so the water level can be raised by 12 feet, adding 700 million gallons of capacity. That means that most (but not all) of the surrounding trails will be closed for the duration of the $12 million project, which is expected to be completed in early 2027.
The Heyward Community Forest will remain open, but we expect it to be significantly more crowded. This will be a good opportunity to explore other trail networks such as Ivy Creek Natural Area (no bikes), Biscuit Run Park, the Old Mills Trail (start your walk on Free Bridge Lane!) or nearby Foxhaven Farm.
Upcoming Events
Data Center Community Meeting
Tues., Sept. 16, 6 – 8 p.m., The Center, 540 Belvedere Boulevard
Hear from PEC’s data center experts about the industry’s environmental impacts and how advocating for better regulations and transparency in both the county and the state can help catalyze better outcomes for communities.
The meeting will include opportunities to ask questions of PEC staff working on data center land use applications and transmission line proposals across our region, and maps that show the proposed data center overlay districts in Albemarle County and associated transmission line buildout to support data center growth.
This free event is open to the public, but we ask that you please register in advance.
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Community Litter Blitz
Sat., Sept. 20, All day and beyond
Multiple community groups will be picking up litter along trails and waterways around the community on this day, a week before the Loop de ‘Ville. Check out the Rivanna River Roundup, which will have groups working all throughout the watershed. The Cville Litter Pickers are another group that is making a substantial difference.
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Rivanna River Basin Conference
Wed., Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., The Center
This day-long conference will highlight speakers on water supply planning in the Rivanna watershed, considering drought resilience and the demands of data centers. Speakers include PEC, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, and the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority.
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Loop de ‘Ville: Walk the Mini Loop
Sept. 27, 2-3:30 p.m., Rivanna River Company
As part of Loop de ‘Ville 2025’s roster of events, PEC and Charlottesville’s forester, Steve Gaines, will be leading this guided, inclusive 1-3 mile walk, suitable for all people of all abilities. It will follow the Rivanna River, highlighting trail and stewardship projects along the urban Rivanna River corridor. The precise itinerary will depend on who takes part, but the distance will not exceed three miles. Register today!
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Loop de ‘Ville: 20-Mile Hike / Bike / Run / Volunteer
Sept. 27, All Day, Starting and finishing at Rivanna River Company
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by walking, biking or running the beloved 20-mile Rivanna Trail. There will be numerous hikes, walks, runs, and bike rides for people of all abilities — with guides and support along the way.
Volunteers are still needed to make this community event a success! Learn more at loopdeville.org/volunteer.
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Halloween Bike Ride
Nov. 2, 3:30 – 6 p.m., Cville Community Bikes
Get your costume and join the Piedmont Mobility Alliance for a free, fun, relaxed and social bicycle ride through the streets of Charlottesville! We will take breaks at cemeteries and other spooky destinations along the way. The ride will end back at Preston Plaza for fellowship, refreshments, and a brief discussion.
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Additional Events in our Northern Region
Should you be visiting the rest of PEC’s service region this fall, considering joining us for some of the many events planned, especially for tree plantings with our Plantings for the Piedmont program, habitat programming at our Piedmont Memorial Overlook, and volunteering at our Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows.
Find more event opportunities with PEC →
Lastly, Election Day 2025 is Tuesday, Nov. 4. On the ballot are a slate of state and local offices, including governor, who make so many of the decisions that impact our daily lives, so we encourage you to make a plan to vote. Early voting is available to all registered voters beginning next week! That’s Sept. 19 through Nov. 1 at your local registrar’s office. You can check your voter registration status and learn more about voting in this year’s election at vote.elections.virginia.gov.
See you in the community,
Faith Schweikert
Communications Specialist
[email protected]
(434) 977-2033 x7026