Author Archives: Sean Tubbs

March 2023 Property Transactions in Charlottesville: Details of a slower month than usual

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I’m a bit behind in getting out these anecdotal accounts of property transactions in the area. There’s no time like the present to get to work, so here we are with an analysis-free version for March. As with the past 26 months, I’m interested in finding out how current sales relate to 2022 and 2023 assessments. There were double-digit increases in average assessment both years, and it’s not too early to thinking about what they may be for 2024.

I also do this work to try to understand what mechanisms are used to keep houses built to be affordable stay affordable. Take a look at March 9 to see some of this and to see how rising assessments push up the cost of keeping things below-market. There’s also a transaction from March worth noting.

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Albemarle Board of Zoning Appeals to consider appeal of Free Union firearm storage

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The Albemarle Board of Zoning Appeals will gather in Lane Auditorium at 2 p.m. for an item with two public hearings. First, what is this body?

“The Board of Zoning Appeals hears and decides appeals of any decisions of the zoning administrator or their representative, grants certain variances and special use permits, and interprets the zoning district map in cases of district boundary uncertainties,” reads the county’s website. 

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Albemarle PC reviews tool to measure policy effects on equity, climate action

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The development of a new Comprehensive Plan for Albemarle County puts equity and climate action as major drivers of government policy. At their meeting on May 23, the Planning Commission reviewed a new mechanism that will be used to help guide decisions.

“Understanding the purpose of equity and climate action ties back to our county mission overall,” said Jesse Brookins, the county’s director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Albemarle County. “To enhance the well-being and quality of life of all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.”

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Albemarle Planning Commission up to full strength

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After nearly a year of being down to six people, the Albemarle Planning Commission is back to having a full complement of seven voting members. Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors selected Nathan Moore to represent the Rio District. 

“My day job is that I manage WTJU Radio,” Moore said in his introductory comments at the May 23 meeting of the Planning Commission. “That’s the University of Virginia’s community radio station as well as our student sister station.”

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Chamber of Commerce selects new president

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A woman who has spent many years working for the United States Chamber of Commerce has been selected to serve as next president and chief executive officer of the local counterpart. 

Natalie S. Masri will begin work leading the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce this Thursday. Masri has spent the last 12 years at the Center for Women in Business at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 

“Businesses play a vital role in making our communities stronger, and the Chamber is the voice of the business community, serving as a champion, convener and catalyst,” Masri is quoted in a press release. “Having worked with chambers around the country as they tackle local challenges, I’m eager to apply those lessons in my home community.” 

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Charlottesville releases latest data on greenhouse gas emissions

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The three major governments in the area all have ambitious plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to eliminate fossil fuels by 2050. Those plans are measured by inventories and the city of Charlottesville has released data for the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.

“Due to stay-at-home orders and the reduction of GHG-producing activities, emissions levels dropped significantly,” reads a press release on the topic. “In fact, community-wide emissions were 45 percent below the 2011 baseline, which meets the City’s 2030 reduction target.” 

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Charlottesville group asks education questions of Council candidates

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Primary elections in Virginia are 23 days away and many have already cast their ballot on who should be three Democratic nominees for City Council. June 20 is also the last day for prospective candidates for elected school board. 

In Charlottesville there is so far only one candidate that has filed paperwork with the Virginia Department of Elections and that’s Amanda Burns. Another candidate who has announced is Chris Meyer, who ran in 2019. 

There have been many forums for the five Democratic candidates for City Council but the group Charlottesville United for Public Education opted to send specific questions. (read the survey) 

“The candidates’ thoughtful responses to our questions underscore the importance of public education for our local leaders and the community,” said Sandra Aviles Poe, Community Organizer for Charlottesville United for Public Education. “Even with their varying approaches and solutions to challenges like mental health, school safety and transportation, we find it very promising that across the board the candidates recognize the challenges and opportunities and consider our schools a top priority.”

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Charlottesville releases final module for draft zoning code

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Any one who may have been reserving judgment on Charlottesville’s new zoning code now has a more complete picture of the rules for how the city would become more a place with more residential density. 

Consultants with Rhodeside & Harwell and staff at the City of Charlottesville have released the third of three modules of the draft zoning code. This is all part of the Cville Plans Together initiative which has already seen results in City Council’s adoption of an Affordable Housing Plan as well as an updated Comprehensive Plan. 

Module 1 covered the basic parameters for new zoning districts and Module 2 provided more details such as landscaping and parking requirements.

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Charlottesville denies preliminary site plan for Azalea project

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The Charlottesville department responsible for approving land use applications has denied a final site plan for a new development in the Fry’s Spring neighborhood. 

“City Staff have made a good faith effort to identify all deficiencies within this submission,” writes Matt Alfele, a planner with the Department of Neighborhood Development Services. “However, in the event that there remains any other deficiency which, if left uncorrected, would violate local, state or federal law, regulations, or mandatory engineering and safety requirements.”

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Albemarle to purchase 462 acres of land on U.S. 29 to enable possible expansion of Rivanna Station 

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The Albemarle Board of Supervisors is planning to purchase hundreds of acres of land on U.S. 29 North from developer Wendell Wood to help preserve the continued existence of a key military base in northern Albemarle County. 

“Albemarle County will assume an agreement to purchase approximately 462 acres in the Rivanna Magisterial District for about $58 million,” said Supervisor Chair Donna Price. “The vision for this purchase is to solidify the long-term vibrancy of Rivanna Station in Albemarle County.” 

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