This is a strange week, serving as both the tail end of March and the beginning of April. The first three days are the fifth of their number for the month, which usually means no regularly scheduled meetings. Thankfully the Charlottesville Planning Commission will meet, sparing us from an evening off.
Albemarle County & the City of Charlottesville
The staff in PEC's Charlottesville office works with citizens to solve the many land use and conservation challenges facing the Charlottesville and Albemarle area.
A Community Forest Grows (and Expands) on the Edge of Charlottesville
Since the advent of Covid-19, Charlottesville area greenways and open spaces have seen unprecedented visitorship as people have gravitated to the outdoors in search of the physical and emotional benefits of nature and fresh air. That’s why the creation of the new Heyward Community Forest is so timely.
Week Ahead for March 22, 2021: Albemarle Planning Commission to hold public hearing on land use fee increases, bigger pool at Crozet Park
We enter the second season of 2021 while Virginia localities are engaged in review of their budgets. All of them are anticipating what the American Rescue Plan might mean for their revenue as the pandemic continues to throw in surprises to every aspect of our public and private lives.
Week Ahead for March 15, 2021: Albemarle Supervisors and Greene Planning Commission to review Comprehensive Plans; many communities, many budgets
We are now at the point where budget season significantly increases the number of meetings each week. There will also increasingly be more campaign events for the many races on the ballot this November. With all gatherings geared toward virtual platforms, it’s easier to keep an eye on all of it than before, though I am beginning to really miss being around the many people I’ve gotten to know over the years.
President’s Letter – Spring 2021
The arrival of Spring 2021 brings with it a special sense of rebirth and reopening as we emerge from the incredible challenges we faced together in 2020. As the weather warms, the spring ephemerals emerge, the amphibians meet in cool pools, and bird migrations begin, we are also hopeful for the return to the places, people and events that confirm our sense of community and shared mission.
On the Ground Updates – March 2020
A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Week Ahead for March 8, 2021: Charlottesville PC to take up New Hill’s vision for Starr Hill
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the “before times” when meetings were held in person in greater Charlottesville. We still don’t when we’ll be able to return to administrative buildings, but for now, many have adjusted to a new normal where meetings can be attended with relative ease — as long as you have the Internet.
Summit Mobilizes Collective Action
Representatives from several dozen organizations, businesses, agencies, and a handful of passionate individuals came together for a virtual gathering on Friday, February 26, to strategically plan for better walking, biking, running, everyday access nature and active lifestyles in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia.
Premier Circle Rezoning in Albemarle County
Affordable housing non-profits (Piedmont Housing Alliance, Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless, and Virginia Supportive Housing), in collaboration with the current landowner (Tiota, Ltd.), with support from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, submitted a rezoning request to redevelop the Red Carpet Inn along Route 29 in the Places 29 South growth area.
Week Ahead for March 1, 2021: Budget season, public hearing for 370-unit RST rezoning and more
For now, meetings in Albemarle, Charlottesville, and some other localities continue to be held virtually in order to halt community spread. It’s too early for a return to City Council Chambers or Lane Auditorium, so for the next while it’s possible to continue to be in many places at once. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in local government, take advantage of online meetings while they are still the norm.