Scottsville PC to hold first reading on rezoning to redevelop former tire factory

A company called Echelon Resources wants to convert a portion of a former tire factory in Scottsville to apartments as their latest effort to redevelop a historic property. 

“The redevelopment of such sites reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhoods, and doing so transforms what were once financial negatives to become healthy financial contributors to their communities,” reads the application for a rezoning and a special use permit. 

The project has the title Scottsville Lofts and Echelon Resources is seeking to create 205 units. As part of the rezoning, they are conditioning the payment of $200,000 to the Town of Scottsville for the creation of a sidewalk on Bird Street or some other future project. They’re also willing to set aside 20 percent of apartment units to be affordable to people or households with an annual income below the 60 percent median for a ten year period.

The Scottsville Planning Commission will hold first reading of the item tonight but the public hearing won’t be held until October 3. 

Staff is recommending approval, though they note the potential for traffic congestion and a lack of non-residential uses.

“The building has a history of intensive use (and traffic) and was the town’s economic engine for decades,” reads the staff report. “The renovation plan appears sound and brings massive new investment and vitality to the community.” 

The land is currently zoned for Heavy Industrial. The factory was built in 1944 and was for many years the main economic engine in Scottsville but closed in 2009. Attempts were made to find a new industry to take over the space, but the site’s distance from major highways made it a poor candidate. 

Existing photo of the tire plant, which was in operation between 1944 and 2009 under various owners (Credit: Two Street Studio)

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the September 6, 2022 edition of the program. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.

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