Monthly Archives: December 2022

Albemarle Planning Commission briefed on zoning rewrite

At their last meeting on December 13, the Albemarle Planning Commission got an update on what’s being called a “modernization” of the zoning code. Before we get into the details, it should also be noted that the Rio District has been unrepresented on the Commission since July when Daniel Bailey resigned. 

The zoning work session was kicked off by Lea Brumfield, a senior planner with Albemarle County. (view the presentation)

“The ordinance has not undergone a complete overhaul since it was adopted in 1980,” Brumfield said. “We have made a number of amendments in the intervening 40 years but the  ordinance is in need for an overall reorganization and an overall cleaning up.” 

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Albemarle Turkey Farm, New Hill Development, and Nelson County all secure state food infrastructure funds

Three projects in our area have secured funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia to help expand the local food industry. Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced ten grants totaling $368,885 from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Grant Program

One is $24,000 for Kelly Turkeys in Albemarle County to purchase equipment to begin grinding turkey for sales. 

“In operation since 2015, Kelly Turkeys grows and processes KellyBronze birds, an internationally known breed of heritage turkeys raised using sustainable farming methods,” reads the press release. 

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Plans filed for health club next at Sieg property

The owners of a beer distribution facility at the intersection of Interstate 64 and U.S. 29 have filed plans with Albemarle County for a health club and pool. The project would be constructed on property just to the north of the existing Virginia Eagle Distributing and is within the jurisdiction of the Albemarle Architectural Review Board. (ARB202200111)

The land is zoned for Highway Commercial and the site plan states the project can proceed on well and an onsite septic system. 

The project would include a 5,445 square foot eight-lane outdoor pool with a 3,150 square foot spa and gym and two pickleball courts. There would be 70 parking spaces. 

The pool and health club is outside the scope of a rezoning request made by Riverbend Development for 145 acres of nearby land. A community meeting for that project was held in August after the application was made in late February. (ZMA202200002)

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