For the third time in a month, the County Planning Commission (www.albemarle.org) convened almost solely to discuss Biscuit Run. But on this occasion, January 30, they were joined by the City Planning Commission, and for the first time offered comments on what is possibly the biggest issue with the project: the traffic problems and solutions for the 3,100-unit development in southern Albemarle.
The evening began with a presentation by County Transportation Planner Juandiego Wade that analyzed a traffic study of the impact an anticipated 30,000 new vehicles would have on nearly 30 existing roadways. After acknowledging that developer Forest Lodge LLC (largely Hunter Craig) had been “helpful and responsible,” Wade ultimately gave a harsh assessment: “[T]here is still a significant gap between what the applicant has proffered to do and what is needed in the future for an acceptable level of service.”
 Road improvement plans for Biscuit Run weren’t all well received. "Widening Route 20 to four lanes would significantly reduce the quality of my family’s life, the value of my property and the safety of my children," said Steven Levine, who lives just south of Biscuit Run. |
The densely populated room stirred. When the public spoke, the form of response varied, as some appealed to reason, others to emotion (even a few tears were shed). Many locals filed forward to plea for more bike trails to help reduce potential traffic woes.
The collective planning commissions agreed. “Any road improvements should include a bike path,” said County Chair Marcia Joseph. A connector road between Avon and Fifth streets seemed like another solution.
What was less clear was how to proceed. Kevin Lynch, a City councilor speaking as a member of the public, suggested that the commission focus on the potential for connections within the county that are not headed in the direction of the city. Heads nodded in approval.
County Commissioner Calvin Morris offered a common sense approach that would call for the County, City, UVA and the developers to sit down and hash everything out. Cheri Lewis, City planning commissioner, provided a nice stamp on the night’s confused proceedings. “I feel like it’s a slippery fish we have in our hands,” she stated. “City staff would like to know where we stand.” That went for everyone.
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