When the Albemarle Board of Supervisors came out of closed session on Wednesday, they immediately had a resolution to read.
“I move to adopt the resolution appointing Bart J. Svoboda as Director of Community Development,” said Samuel Miller District Supervisor Fred Missel.
Svoboda has been serving as Deputy Director of the department as well as the county’s zoning administrator. He replaces Jodie Filardo who retired last year.
“Community Development plays an important part in shaping the places where people live and thrive,” Svoboda said. “And I’m encouraged by Albemarle County’s commitment, thoughtful growth, and a high quality of life.”
Svoboda also worked for 14 years in Greene County’s planning and zoning department.
Rio District Supervisor and Board Chair Ned Gallaway pointed out that there had been an external search and Svoboda competed against many qualified candidates.
“You earned the role and against a very competitive field,” Gallaway said. “I would also just like to remark that your pragmatism has always been wonderful because it’s not just about yes or no, it’s always about the world. Doesn’t work that way sometimes. Let’s figure out how we can make things work for all involved. So I’ve always appreciated that.”
Svoboda takes over the department at a time when implementation has begun on the most recent update of the Comprehensive Plan including an update of the county’s zoning code. For more on that, visit Engage Albemarle.
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