Last night, City Council voted to grant the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority an easement to relocate a sewer pipe to make room for the construction of the Meadowcreek Parkway (MCP).
The vote, 3-2, with Mayor Dave Norris and Councilor Holly Edwards voting against the ordinance, came after Edwards inquired about possible alternatives to the relocation in McIntire Park and voiced concerned that a design for the 250 Interchange wasn’t yet chosen. The replacement of the Schenk’s Branch is listed as the second priority in RWSA’s capital plan.
"I am not underestimating the importance of the city residents who will benefit from this, but I don’t feel that I can move forward in good faith without the final design of the Interchange," she said.
Norris, who is an opponent of the MCP, said that while he understands the need to replace the overused pipeline and its health impacts, he could not vote for granting an easement that is based on the design of a road that he opposes.
Councilor David Brown, who voted favorably, said that he understands the need for the upgraded and bigger pipeline.
A public hearing on the design of the 250 Interchange is scheduled for October 29 at 5pm in the City Space and is open to the public.
