At Agnor Hurt Elementary, local citizens got their first crack at the Places29 Northern Urban Area Master Plan when they were split up into small groups to discuss the county’s grand design for the territory that stretches from Hydraulic Road clear up Route 29 past the airport.
A county staffer—who for the evening became a “facilitator”—was seated at each table to help the public comprehend the various oversized maps spread out before them. After an introduction, staff asked residents to answer a slew of questions. The initial subject was the “framework map” with its ornate detailings of various land uses, along with proposed roadways like the Berkmar Extension.
Charlottesville resident Steve Edwards got things started at one table by focusing on what is being called “Uptown,” an area stuck between the airport and Route 29 that is targeted for mixed-use development. “I live down along here,” he said, pointing to the Rio Road area. “It’s such a pain to get up through there.” He drew his finger along 29. “It’d be nice to see something a little denser down here by the Mall,” he added. The facilitator for his group urged him to write his remarks down.
 One of several Places29 maps, this vision of 2025 shows the proposed road grid, with more parallel routes to take the pressure off Route 29. |
A County Planning meeting the following night was more structured but equally daunting as the commissioners’ concerns matched those of the general public. “I can’t help but visualize what’s going to happen to these parallel routes over time,” said Planning Commissioner Bill Edgerton. “Where most of the population lives on the 29 corridor is on the east side and there will be no relief for those folks or those neighborhoods to get around locally. …Most of the huge development on the west side is unfortunately pushing more and more of it into the rural areas and towards our reservoirs.”
One of the most radical proposals in the Places29 plan embraces an extension of Berkmar Drive which currently ends by Sam’s Club. Under the master plan, Berkmar will extend past the airport. The commissioners wondered how much a bridge would cost to connect Berkmar over the south fork of the Rivanna River. Staff’s reply: $30 million. Commission Chair Marcia Joseph’s response summed up the collective sentiment: “Whoa!”
For Places29 plans and updates on the public meeting schedule, visit www.albemarle.org.
The Charlottesville Podcasting Network has a podcast and video of the February 27 work session.
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