With the biggest residential development in county history, Biscuit Run, set for public hearing on September 12, and an election for three of the candidates who will be voting on the project set for November 6, we decided to put two and two together. C-VILLE gave each candidate 80 words to respond in writing to the following question: Is a vote for approval of the Biscuit Run rezoning good for the community?
All of the challengers responded. As for the incumbents, Supervisors Chair Ken Boyd, up for re-election in the Rivanna District, says, "The Board of Supervisors has not yet held a public hearing on the Biscuit Run project and I feel it is inappropriate for a sitting member of the Board to comment on the vote in the press before that hearing." Lindsay Dorrier echoed Boyd’s comments, while David Wyant did not respond. Of course, they’ll have their say September 12.
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The Board of Supervisors will possibly vote on Biscuit Run at their September 12 meeting. Those vying for three spots on the Board sound off now.
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Why pick on Biscuit Run? Those 3,100 residential units proposed for 828 acres of mostly forested land tends to spook people, and particularly riles those who think Albemarle County has developed all it can without losing its rural essence. At the same time, county government says it’s looking for density in development, and wants it to take place in the designated growth areas—like the urban growth area where Biscuit Run would be located. The project has evolved over its year and a half in the planning stages to more closely conform to the "neighborhood model" that the county demands.
So whether it’s good because it’s smart growth, or bad because it’s only masquerading as smart growth, or really bad because it’s growth, period—that’s in the eye of the beholder. Or rather, of the county voter.
Is a vote for approval of the Biscuit Run rezoning good for the community?
No: Kevin Fletcher (I), challenging Lindsay Dorrier (D) in the Scottsville district
There is no plan in place to provide the necessary improvements to the county’s water and sewer systems. The only plan the county now has for funding these necessary upgrades is to increase the rates of current customers. Route 20 and Old Lynchburg Road cannot handle the additional traffic without improvements, but the cash proffers will not fund the necessary work. The cost is too high and falls too heavily on current residents to be good for our community.
No: Denny King (I), challenging Lindsay Dorrier (D) in the Scottsville district
While the rezoning for Biscuit Run will give the county amenities it would not receive with by-right development, it will add 3,100 homes to an overtaxed water and sewer system. Water is our No. 1 quality of life issue. The Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) negotiates with developers. ACSA’s Memorandum of Understanding for Biscuit Run requires the developer pay NOTHING towards infrastructure for the first 2,000 homes. I feel a vote for Biscuit Run would not be in the best interest of the community.
Depends: Ann Mallek (D), challenging David Wyant (R) in the White Hall district
Yes, IF it is built responsibly, in ways that enhance quality of life within and beyond its borders, and enables residents, employers and businesses to be good stewards of Albemarle’s landscape and resources. It is less costly to taxpayers and our environment if we live closer together, nearer our jobs and necessary services. IF we demand high standards be attained, Biscuit Run will have a positive net impact, and prove we can plan and achieve a better future for Albemarle.
Depends: Marcia Joseph (D), challenging Ken Boyd (R) in the Rivanna district
We should only approve development projects that improve the community. If Biscuit Run creates a connector road; includes a school site; includes a 400 acre public park; includes affordable housing; provides measures to protect environmentally sensitive areas; commits to building "green" buildings; commits to phasing the development; makes a major contribution towards improving existing roads, transit, water and sewer infrastructure; provides connecting pedestrian and bike pathways; and commits to hiring local businesses to build the development, then yes.
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