Sept. 1 & 15: Opportunities to weigh in on Albemarle’s Comprehensive Plan!

The following text was sent out via email on August 30, 2022. Sign up for PEC email alerts →


View toward the north of the Pantops Area with Monticello in the right foreground. Credit: Hugh Kenny/PEC

Dear Supporter,

I want to give you another update about the AC44 Comprehensive Plan process and opportunities to weigh in over the next couple of weeks.

The Comprehensive Plan is a critically important document that represents the community’s vision for the future of the County. It sets the framework for how land is used, identifies needed improvements to transportation networks, and provides a useful guide for many other county programs and needs. Moreover, it shapes all decisions and regulations regarding growth and development for the upcoming 5 – 20 years.

From a PEC perspective, the plan should enhance quality of life for residents, ensure natural and historic resource protection, and encourage a sustainable local economy. We also hope the plan will curb costly sprawl and inefficient land use.

Latest updates

The County is currently in Phase 1: Plan for Growth, which focuses on reviewing the current growth management policy through the lenses of equity, climate action and growth projections.

During a July 26 work session, the County’s AC44 planning team presented “Comprehensive Plan Growth Management Options and Themes” (view/download PDF – 5.32 MB) to the Planning Commission. This presentation included an overview of potential growth management options, associated public comment and survey results.

Now, County staff are looking for additional feedback from both the public and the Planning Commission in order to develop a refined set of themes intended to support the development of a draft Vision for Growth and Resilience that will guide the work of Phase 2: Draft Policies and Phase 3: Prioritize Action Steps.

Share your thoughts

During this phase of public engagement, the County is asking you to share your “Big Ideas” for the future of Albemarle and how the County should guide development, natural resource and rural areas protection, transportation systems, etc.

screenshot of a graphic mapping out the Phase 1 Engagement process of the Comprehensive Plan
Credit: Albemarle County

The County held its first in-person roundtable yesterday and has scheduled two more – one to be held virtually this Thursday, Sept. 1, and the other in person on Sept. 15.

Each event will feature an introductory presentation about the AC44 project followed by small group discussions with community members and staff. The format and presentations will be the same at both events. Registration is required in advance.

Virtual Roundtable
Thursday, Sept. 1 @ 7 – 8:30 p.m.
[register]

In-Person Roundtable
Thursday, Sept. 15 @ 6 – 7:30 p.m.
F. Yancey Community Center Gym
[register]

On behalf of PEC, I encourage you to learn more and get involved with the entire Comprehensive Plan update process by visiting engage.albemarle.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out!

Sincerely,

Rob McGinnis PLA FASLA
Senior Land Use Field Representative
Albemarle County and Greene County
rmcginnis@pecva.org