At press time, we’re still waiting for the final details of how Charlottesville’s future zoning rules will enable construction of more dwelling units on every single lot across the city. A public hearing and vote on the development code is expected before the end of the year. In the meantime, larger projects on larger plots of land are making their way through the existing system.
Earlier this month, the Charlottesville Planning Commission recommended approval of a special use permit for Woodard Properties to allow additional density at 501 Cherry Ave. for a total of 118 dwelling units. As part of that project, Piedmont Housing Alliance is expected to partner to build at least 60 affordable units.
The developer has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Fifeville Neighborhood Association to govern how neighbors might benefit from the project, including space for two nonprofits. Twice is Nice has announced it will move there when the project is complete.
However, the Planning Commission on the same evening put an obstacle in the way of the development of 245 units on land along the Rivanna River that would be elevated out of the floodplain. The five commissioners present voted unanimously that the city’s acceptance of land from the project for public purposes would not be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. How that affects the project’s future remains to be seen.
The August 8 Planning Commission meeting as well as the City Council meeting the night before was attended in force by people representing the new Respect the Neighbors movement, a group formed to protest additional development at Dairy Market by the Stony Point Development Group (see story on page 8). In his first meeting as City Manager, Sam Sanders announced he has begun negotiations with Chris Henry, the firm’s president.
“As he decides to move forward on his project, I stress to him that I do believe it is important for a community benefits agreement to be considered,” Sanders says.
Stony Point Development Group has not yet filed any applications with the city for the expansion.
Council could soon see rezonings for a nine-story building at 2117 Ivy Rd. and a 10-story building at 104 Stadium Rd. What has been requested in both projects comes close to the maximum amount allowed under the draft zoning.
In the past year, council has approved rezonings for 170 units at 240 Stribling Ave., 119 units at 2005 Jefferson Park Ave., and 72 units at Mount View Baptist Church.
Council also continues to spend at least $10 million a year to subsidize construction of new units.
The first 20 households recently moved in to the first homes built as part of the newly rebranded Kindlewood (formerly known as Friendship Court). The overall project will see 150 townhouse units expanded to more than 400 apartments and townhomes. This initial phase includes 46 replacement units as well as 60 units that will be rented to households with incomes between 30 and 60 percent of the area median. Residents are also returning to Crescent Halls after its renovation by the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. In addition, that agency has completed its purchase of dozens of affordable rental units from Woodard Properties.
