via email:

The annual Freedom 5k in Old Trail Village – Saturday, December 10th, 9:00 am.

Race entries are limited -
Register early online:  www.Freedom5K.net.
Cost for entry is $15 prior to 12/1; $20 after 12/1.

Walkers are also welcome!

The course will begin at the Old Trail Village Center, continue to the soccer field in the Park, head up into Ballard Field for a loop around The Common, then to the Golf Course Nature Trail and then finish at the Village Center.

Registration/Check-In begins at 7:30am day of the event.  Parking will be in the field across from the Village Center.

The Freedom 5K is my thank you-my expression of gratitude to that very special 1% of our population that keep us all free and safe.  Thank you for your interest in F5K. God Bless America.

Michael H. Kaminski, Creator and Director of Freedom 5K

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

From the Friends of Western Albemarle Cross Country, Track & Field:

WAHS is holding its first cross country meet on its new Old Trail course today. The meet starts at 5:00, so drivers should know that they should be prepared to stop for runners. There will be signs and people at the road crossings – by the trailhead for the nature trail close to 250, by the soccer field and also on Golf Drive. A second and final home meet will be held next Wednesday, October 5 at 5:00, so the same caution applies for next week.

Kim Connolly
President
Friends of Western Albemarle Cross Country, Track & Field

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Thanks go to everyone involved in advocating for this – from the Old Trail residents, Ann Mallek, VDOT and lots of others I’m sure.

From the Old Trail group:

We have some great news to pass on today. We’ve just heard yesterday from the VDOT project manager for the stormwater management system at Jarman’s Gap Road and Old Trail Drive. It seems that VDOT has reconsidered their plan for a detention pond and will, instead, be putting in a “Bio-Retention Area”, which should be similar to the biofilter proposal submitted by Scott Collins. We have confirmation that this design will NOT require a fence.   

We will be reviewing the VDOT plans, monitoring the project’s progress, and working with VDOT on the landscaping. We will keep you informed.   

Many, many thanks to Scott Collins, who submitted a biofilter proposal to VDOT and who will be reviewing the details of VDOT’s revised plan. His professional engineering knowledge has really made it possible for us to get VDOT to change its plans.   

One important item of note. The basin will have to stay as currently configured (for erosion control during road construction), until the latest phases of project completion. Once the project is essentially complete, the basin will be reconfigured as the Bio-Retention facility. Since the project will not be completed until about year from now, it will be some time before we see the final product.   

Happy Labor Day weekend to all!   

Bev Thierwechter for the Committee on Jarman’s Gap Road Entrance to Old Trail and Jim Rotherham, President, Old Trail Community Association

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

In case you’re interested … the retention detention pond has been dug out as well.

Update from a reader: It’s a DEtention pond, not REtention.  The difference is there is no standing water; It is only held there during a storm until the sewers can take it. 

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

At Charlottesville Tomorrow.

I, for one, am really looking forward to not being dependent on a car to get from one place to another.

Useful discussion at the RealCrozetVA Facebook page.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

I spent the morning with David Hilliard at The Lodge at Old Trail. I learned so much about what they are doing and was impressed with every facet. More to come in a later post, but I wanted to share the photos.

First, thank you, David for the time.

Second, as I wrote on my real estate blog –

I’m no expert on “senior living” but I left with this:

David is compassionate, passionate and he cares about the community, the people and what he’s building. And what he’s building is a place where people are going to want to come to – “people” meaning those who choose to live there and those who are going to be visiting their families there.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

I’d heard about this and driven/ridden my bike by the site of the soon-to-come retention pond but haven’t yet taken photos.

Happily, I received this email from a reader today:

I wanted to bring to your attention a detention pond that VDOT has planned along Jarmans Gap Road. My hope is that you could post a story on Real Crozet to get the community at large involved. I have been trying to convince VDOT that this plan is a ridiculous solution to the storm water problem on Jarmans Gap but so far I haven’t gotten very far. It is my understanding that the developer for Old Trail also tried working with VDOT on an alternate plan to no avail.

I have a meeting with Ann Mallek on Thursday at the site to try and get the BOS on my side but the honest truth is the Western Bypass is occupying most of their time these days.

The plan, as I understand it; there is a large detention pond planned for the green space at the entrance to Old Trail (where the sign used to be). This detention pond will be filled from the bottom using the curb and gutters along Jarmans Gap. This water will then be drained through a controlled release into the storm water drains that run through Old Trail. This “pond” will be 10 feet deep and surrounded by chain link fencing that is 6 feet tall. There is landscaping in the form of trees and shrubs only only the South side (which is the side closest to the home on Old Trail Drive that it will sit beside). There are small plantings planned for the North side along Jarmans Gap. The other 2 sides will remain bare. Forgetting the fact that the fencing planned is hideous, I find the entire project offensive. VDOT has planned this as if it were way out in the country and wouldn’t be affecting anyone.  This is a main corridor in Crozet and I think this will affect everyone! I can think of no other development/neighborhood in Albemarle County, or the City of Charlottesville for that matter, that has such an eye sore at it’s front door.

When I first discovered this plan, the VDOT employee that I spoke with said in no uncertain terms that it WOULD be a mosquito pit. When I asked him if he would want to live next to something like that he said “absolutely not”.

This is from Justin Beights, Old Trail’s Developer responding to my inquiry several weeks ago:

Dear Neighbors,

Many of you have contacted us regarding the work on Jarmans Gap Road. As you know, this is a VDOT project over which we have little control. However, please know that we have been attempting to work with VDOT for nearly two years to keep this work from negatively affecting our homeowners. Unfortunately, such efforts have met with resistance on the part of the transportation department.

Currently, the work at the intersection of Old Trail Drive and Jarmans Gap Road involves the creation of a sediment basin to collect run-off from the construction site. This is a typical environmental requirement of any construction that involves moving dirt (we have several in Old Trail Village, including the pond behind the town homes on West End Drive). Ideally, VDOT’s stormwater management would tie into the existing structures and systems in Old Trail Village. We have offered to work with VDOT engineers to create just such a solution, but they have not been open to this overture. Options for VDOT other than the collection basin at the intersection (Carriage Park entrance) would be to convert the permanent structure to a bio-filter or piping the runoff to one of our existing ponds. Neither of these options is attractive to VDOT because that would incur greater expense than the retention pond they’re digging now.

At this point, we are trying to convince VDOT that the sediment collection basin should be temporary in nature, and that a more attractive, beneficial solution should be conceived. Feedback from homeowners in the area should be directed to the VDOT, as it is a state organization responsible to the taxpayers. Regardless of your avenue for expression, please know that you have our support to reduce any negative impact on you and your quality of life here in Old Trail Village and Crozet.

Sincerely,
Justin Beights
President
Beights Corporation

Further update to include pictures and maps:

View Larger Map

You should not leave anything lying about that can collect water. If you have tarps over lawn equipment, be sure to shake the water off after every rain. Children’s toys and toddler swimming pools, flower-pot saucers, and empty buckets and tires are obvious water collectors. If you can not avoid leaving these items outside, you must empty them shortly after every rain or use so that eggs can not be laid in the water or remain there long enough for the mosquitoes to hatch out and mature.

A not-so-obvious water collector is any area that is out of sight and therefore out of mind. Roof gutters are one such example. Check your gutter as soon as possible after every rain to be certain that it is not clogged and in need of cleaning. Gutters fill up quickly with debris from nearby trees.   

If you own a bird bath, empty it every day or so for the birds’ health as well as to avoid creating a mosquito breeding area. Refill it with fresh water. In times of drought, use the cold water from your faucet that precedes the hot water you need for a shower. Simply fill containers with the water that is not yet warm enough for you to bathe in.   

Avoid installing a water feature (a so-called pond or water garden that does not function like a natural pond with live animals in it) because these basins of water provide prime habitat for mosquito eggs. During Virginia’s Garden Week, I often tour many gardens that have fancy concrete water features that undoubtedly function as mosquito breeding grounds. If you notice your neighbors have such adornments in their yards, do not hesitate to suggest that they either empty the containers and keep them empty, or install a pump to keep the water moving.       

Mosquitoes do not need to be eradicated (they are an important food source for other creatures) nor do we need to minimize their numbers by wholesale spraying of the environment at great cost to other wildlife and humans.   

Life for a mosquito starts as an egg laid on the surface of standing water. Depending upon the species, it might be laid singly or in an irregularly shaped mass or floating raft of eggs. The eggs hatch very quickly, usually within two weeks (depending upon species and temperature).   

Before man came along, an adult female mosquito wanting to lay eggs would find standing water only in tree holes, temporary puddles formed in animal tracks or in areas of slow-draining soil, or in still ponds. In such naturally wet situations, the mosquito eggs or larvae would be subject to predation–AND THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS AT RETENTION PONDS.   

Birds obtaining water from tree-hole puddles would inadvertently slurp up mosquito eggs or larvae. Amphibians roaming around on the ground at night could find the maturing mosquitoes and eat them. Newts, dragonfly and damselfly larvae, and predacious beetles would take advantage of the floating mosquito meals in ponds.   

Sadly, human habitats are—more often than not—inhospitable to these natural predators. Landscaping for wildlife instead of just human life would alleviate the majority of problems people have in their yards.     

We simply need to take responsibility for our own welfare. Eliminate standing water in your yard so that mosquitoes can not successfully reproduce in your midst. Then these insects will not be so problematic for humans.   

Sincerely, Marlene

Marlene A. Condon (Author, The Nature-friendly Garden, Stackpole Books)
Naturalist and Writer/Photographer/Speaker
Crozet, VA 22932-2204
E-mail: MARLENECONDON@aol.com
www.MARLENECONDON.com

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

If you haven’t been behind the Old Trail shops recently, you may have missed that the Lodge is rising. I took a few pictures this morning.

Update 15 July 2011 … I got this in the email box a couple days ago:

“New Senior Living Community Bring Jobs and Revenue to Albemarle County

Crozet, VA- There is positive news for the local economy with the construction of a new senior living community.  The Lodge at Old Trail, located at Old Trail Village in Crozet, is slated to open next spring.  It will have a total of 126 apartments with a wide range of accommodations and services for older adults who are very independent to those needing assisted living or specialized memory care.  As a  monthly rental community The Lodge will not have entrance or endowment fees.
 
?
Owner and managing partner, David Hilliard, worked for three years to bringthe project to fruition.   He is also a partner in senior communities in Vermont.  “Since my first experience in working with senior living in Vermont, it has been my goal to bring a senior community to my hometown of Charlottesville.  We are particularly pleased to be bringing jobs to the area in this challenging economy.”
 
The construction, done by Martin Brothers and area contractors, is employing more than 400 people over the eighteen month length of the project.  This number does not include other ancillary jobs created.  Jobs are not the only addition The Lodge at Old Trail is making to theAlbemarle County economy.  Water and sewer tap fees of almost $700,000 were recently paid to the county.  “I believe that the positive effects of this project will continue to be felt throughout the area” notes Hilliard.  The Lodge at Old Trail will hire more than 100 staff members when the community is fully occupied.  Hiring of executive positions has already begun.  Other staff members will be hired in the early spring.
 
The community seems ready to welcome The Lodge at Old Trail.  Mr. Hilliard states “Interest in the community is excellent.  Several apartments have been reserved and we are getting calls daily.  In fact, we’re opening our leasing office in the Village Center at Old Trail Village a month earlier than planned.” 
 
More information on The Lodge at Old Trail may be found on the website, www.lodgeatoldtrail.com or contacting David Hilliard at davidhilliard@lodgeatoldtrail.comor 434-989-5050.”

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

They’re moving to the new brewpub in Nellysford. Find them on Twitter and Facebook in the meantime.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

What’s it going to look like when there are 2200 homes rather than 250?

This is the traffic nearly every morning during school drop-off time.

I wonder if any kids from Old Trail will ever walk to school.

Update:

From an offline commenter:

Why do you assume the problem is Old Trail KIDS??   Tell ALL of the WAHS parents to use the buses we tax payers pay for and quit using Old Trail Drive as a short cut to drop their kids off. Take a look at the bus stops in Old Trail and count the number of students going to all three schools by bus.
 

The students living in Old Trail will walk to all of the schools after the county gets off of it’s arses and puts in the promised walkways up to 250 and and down 250 for access to all schools as promised.

Update #2: The offline commenter raised a very valid point; I called and asked if I could use the comment in the post and we had a good conversation about the post, traffic, bureaucracy and other such matters. The point I wanted to convey is that this is not an Old Trail (which is a great place to live) issue, it’s a Crozet issue. I’d bet that at least 60% of the traffic in that photo aren’t from Old Trail but are from Crozet.

We’re in this – this traffic and lack of infrastructure and lack of common sense culture – together.

(did you notice the mountains in the background of the photo?)

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Remember way back in 2008 when I told you about the assisted living facility coming to Old Trail?

It’s going to be a reality. Huge thanks to the Crozet Gazette:

Near it, on the east side of the village stores’ parking lot, will be a new 126-bed assisted living facility to be known as The Lodge at Old Trail. The facility will offer services ranging from basic to end-of-life care and memory care, all on a rental model. It is being built by David Hilliard, who has previously built and now operates two assisted living facilities in Vermont. The facility will have underground parking on its basement level, entered from behind the building, and that is being excavated now. There will be three floors above. Completion is expected in 18 months. The building was designed by local architects Russell Skinner and Richard “Jyke” Jones.

Beights Development formally transferred 48 acres, mainly lying along Lickinghole Creek, to Albemarle County in December to be the site of “Western Park.” Beights said he hopes the county will begin improvements soon. The transfer makes possible the creation of a walking path connecting Grayrock and other Jarmans Gap Road subdivisions to Henley Middle and Brownsville Elementary Schools.

Please read the whole thing at their site.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

3 December – Toy Lift at Great Valu – 10am – 7pm

4 December – Santa is coming to Trailside Coffee.

11 December – Christmas Parade at 3pm

From a commenter:

Santa Claus is coming to Crozet. The Crozet Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Christmas Parade is approacing very quickly and we are all very excited!! The Parade will run from Wayland Drive, Crozet Avenue and end at Crozet Park where Santa will greet children of all ages. We will sell hotdogs, chips and bottled water! No invitation needed to participate in the parade. Line up will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11th on Wayland Drive and the parade will start at 3:00 p.m.! Hope to see everyone there!

11 December – Innisfree Village Holiday Open House – wreath-making workshop, crafts for sale, children’s activities and more!

18 December – Holiday Cookie Decorating and Christmas Story Reading! At Crozet Mudhouse

Santa is Coming! Santa is Coming!

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

I’m just curious. With so many families and rooftops in Old Trail, and it being less than a 30 minute walk, how many kids in Old Trail walk to school?

The above is a question that I am asked frequently when I am working with buyer clients who are considering buying homes in Old Trail.

This isn’t a slam on Old Trail, but a question to which I’d love an answer.

I would love to see a story about the restrictions that Western Albemarle, Brownsville and Henley place on walking to school … from someone who has the time to investigate such things. I know whom to talk to and have the story outline, but don’t have the time.

More kids should walk to school.

See the map? It’s not that far! Is a mile and a half really too far for an able-bodied kid (or parent!) to walk? Sure there aren’t sidewalks, but I don’t think anyone would be harmed by walking on the path that has started to be worn into the grass.

Every day that I drive through Old Trail, I see several kids waiting at the Old Trail Town Center for the bus.

As of September of last year, there were 129 kids who attended Brownsville Elementary that lived less than two miles to school. I’d bet quite a few of these are in the Old Trail neighborhood.

And here’s the thing – I know that the schools have prohibitions against kids walking to school (schools, jump in and correct me if I’m wrong) but if parents stepped up and advocated for their kids’ rights and their rights as parents to allow their kids to walk to school, the schools would have to listen.

Have a look at some the the population/density/walkability data yourself.

View Larger Map

I’d be interested in seeing more “walking the walk” – it’s one thing to walk around one’s neighborhood; it’s another to exercise that option beyond.

As an aside, I’ve asked the video students at WAHS to help me out – this time on a project that focuses on walking to school – but this year is the fourth year that I’ve gotten no response. One year …

Update 23 November 2010: Principal Dave Francis at Western writes:

The only thing is an expectation that students use the crosswalk near
the stop light as they cross 250.

Dave Francis

Update #2 23 November 2010:

There is plenty of room on either side of Old Trail Drive to walk –

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

We all win.

Trailside Coffee and Angie Brement Photography again will be offering Pictures with Santa Saturday, December 4th, 10 am – 2pm at Trailside Coffee, located in the Old Trail Village Center. Like last year’s event, this charity effort will benefit the Toy Lift. Families bringing children for pictures with Santa are asked to bring a toy or make a donation ($10 suggested) to the Kids Lift Foundation (http://www.kidslift.org/). If a family chooses not to make a donation, they may also take their own pictures with Santa.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Hot, sweet, spicy, mellow and even healthy chili entries promise to make this an event you won’t want to miss. Food and fun for the whole family. ALL Proceeds to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

We did this last year and it was a great experience. Lots of Old Trail and Crozet folks participating in getting kids involved with and loving soccer.

From the Old Trail blog:

Beginning Saturday, September 11th, we will be starting the season of the Old Trail/Crozet Soccer League for children ages 3 to 6.  It is a casual program where the parents coach, kids work in small groups, and then come together at the end.  It is a great program to introduce kids to soccer, help them build skills, meet new friends and have fun!

This is a co-op soccer program, not a drop-off program.  Please plan to remain on the field while your child is at practice.  As a co-op soccer program all parents should plan on helping out in some way. 
…

If you are interested in signing up your children, please fill out and complete the registration form found here by next Thursday, September 9th:

Feel free to contact me with any questions at lisasauce@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you there!

For those not wanting to go the SOCA route, this is a great option.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

The newest addition to Crozet – Old Trail Pool. Open to the public.*

The Old Trail Village pool, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Old Trail Golf Club course, incorporates features to entice all users of all abilities:

• Zero-depth walk-in beach entry and expanses of walkable submersion
• Plenty of room for 25-meter lap swimming
• A 12-foot diving well for the more adventurous
• A wading pool with fountains (for our young ones or those wishing a more restrained pool experience)
• An enclosed area for protecting small ones.

RATES for 2010

$600 Family (household)

$400 Couple/Two-person (household)

$300 Individual

* Grudgingly.

- Part 2 – Crozet Park and Pool
- Part 3 – Mint Springs Park

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

From a reader:

My husband and I just moved to Crozet this March and enjoy your blog. We just moved into our house that is close to the trail connecting Wayland’s Grant with Old trails. In the past two weeks we’ve had about 4 bear sightings on this path. I called the local game warden and was told they will move on when there is no food – I am not sure where/what food source they have found here. I’m also not sure how many bears are around, but just this past friday (4/2), we took this picture of a little cub in our driveway. I’ve told our neighbors, but it might be good to let all the people who use the trail that this bear/s hasn’t moved on yet! No signs yet of a mam bear, but I am pretty sure the bear I saw from the distance wasn’t a cub so I think there is more than one.

And when I asked permission to post:

You can definitely post, I think it is a good idea to let people know and so they can secure any trash or food they may have outside- The first sighting was by my sitter when she took my son for a walk on 3/24. Then my sister and I saw another bear in the same area (this is in the Creekside neighborhood on the trail that goes behind the homes) on 3/28. I thought the bear/s had moved on but this photo is from 4/2 and in our yard instead of on the trail.

Update 7 April 2010 – The Newsplex saw the story here and then did what reporters do – interviewed a bunch of people and discovered it’s an orphaned bear.

People are on the lookout for an orphaned bear cub in Crozet. It seems the furry creature is creating quite a stir in the Old Trail subdivision.

People are being told not to pet the bear or go near it, even though it’s a tiny cub, only about forty pounds. The bear has become a fixture in the western Albemarle County development.

“When I left that day it was right at the edge drinking,” says Sandra Terrell. The nanny was taking ten-month-old Sammy for a stroll in the neighborhood when she heard a loud noise.

“Something went running across the bushes. I thought it was a fat cat, but when I looked over at the tree it was a baby bear,” says Terrell.

She says it’s the same bear Sammy’s parents saw in their driveway just days ago.

“I startled it, and it startled us, and when I looked over there, the bear was hugging the tree and turned and looked at me,” says Terrell. The Newsplex has learned the bear is an orphan yearling. It’s too old to be considered a cub, and too young to be out on its own. The bear’s parents likely died, forcing it to fend for itself.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

From a reader:

Went to Anna’s grand opening last night in the Old Trail retail center. Looks like a local winner to me. Prices are reasonable and it’s family oriented but by no means a Chuck-E-Cheese kind of place. We were greeted by a wonderful aroma as we went in the back entrance where the wine bar is – they had a good wine selection with some local offerings. We had a couple of the specials which were excellent but were also drooling at the pizza and lasagna being served at nearby tables. Can’t wait to try those. Very personal and personable service and the head chef, family matriarch, and part owner, Maria, came out to talk to us about her authentic Sicilian background and recipes. The outside of that whole area could use some additional unobtrusive lighting in the parking lot and retail area but it’s tolerable at this point. I could go on but try Anna’s yourself, I think you’ll find it a fine addition to the Crozet area, even though it’s in Old Trail. You may be familiar with the original Anna’s in C’ville (which I haven’t been to) but it’s great to have a Crozet version nearby.

ed note: The phone number for Anna’s Pizza in Crozet is 823-1327. (434 area code for those of you not familiar with the area)

Update 22 October 2009: A second review of Anna’s Pizza in Crozet is coming next week.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

I tweeted last week about how my wife and I were trying out the new wine bar, DaLuca’s, in the Old Trail Town Center. That tweet prompted this reader-submitted* review:

DaLucas is newly opened and we are thrilled to add yet another restaurant name to a rapidly growing list of other new eateries in Crozet.

Yippee they are here – however – some tweaking needs to occur if they are going to flourish and compete with what is already out here and what is on the way.

Having worked in New York in the food and entertainment business I tripped over myself to be first in line at Dalucas after having read their posted menu pre-opening that seemed Zagat worthy to me.

Upon arrival I was disappointed that Sauvignon Blanc was not available by the glass – it may be on the wine menu by now if others like me who enjoy a good grassy wine have requested it.

My husband and I ordered two drinks – a pinot grigio and he a beer that was an interesting lemony/citrusy brew – forget the names but was good.

Then the three tapis – quite pricey and not very large for a tapis serving in my mind. Quality too was lacking, but hey, it was only night two since opening.

The bill was a shocker at $65.00 and we went home still hungry.

We love the view of the mountains from the patio, we love that they are here but we hope the prices come down some and the wine bar expands its choices of wines (hint we have some great local wineries to add to your wine menu – Mount Fair, King Family, White Hall).

We want to support these nice folks – all of them from the wait staff to the owners – but with current prices we can’t afford DeLucas very often.

Foodie Mom in Crozet

As I said again on Twitter:

@crozette at $60 minimum for 2, da Luca’s won’t be a weekly (or monthly) outing for most, I suspect

*Thank you for the review! If you would like something on RealCrozetVA, please let me know.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

It’s really not that far from home to Crozet Elementary, and while I wish there were sidewalks the entire way, it’s a pretty good little walk. Better yet, my small one and I stopped at Mudhouse on the way back home …

Personally, I’m grateful to live in such a walkable place.

Do you walk your kids to school?

Even better, I had my camera with me and took a few shots along the way:

** If you take pictures in or of Crozet, upload them to flickr and tag them with “crozet” – then they will be displayed in the slideshow on the homepage of RealCrozetVA.**

View Larger Map

** I’m even more grateful that my chosen career as a Realtor allows me the schedule flexibility to spend such time with my kids **

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Did you go? What do you/did you think?

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Editor’s note: Everything is politics and everything is political. What follows is a response from the Crozet Park Board to the recent decision about the STAR Swimming plan. Background information is available at Charlottesville Tomorrow – August 2008 and September 2008. If you feel strongly about this issue, feel free to leave comments here; I will ensure that they get delivered to our representative on the Board of Supervisors, Ann Mallek.

January 7, 2009 Agenda Item: “Concerns with Competitive Swimming Summary” A Response to the Executive Summary

Members of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and Albemarle County School Board;

It is the opinion of the Board of Directors of Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. that the executive summary and recommendation submitted by the committee, which was appointed by you, is biased, inaccurate and does not reflect the needs and interests of Albemarle County residents or its student population. Please consider the following in response to the Executive Summary:

According to the summary, “three County high school competitive swim programs are currently in desperate need of reasonably convenient lane space.”(click to go to executive summary)

- There are presently three aquatics facilities available in the urban ring (ACAC, Crow Pool and STAR swimming /Fairview Swim Club). There is not a desperate situation.
- Two more aquatic facilities are slated for construction in the urban ring in 2009-2010 (Smith Aquatics Center and McIntire YMCA), providing additional high school practice facilities.
- Monticello High School presently swims at Crow Pool; Albemarle High School presently swims at ACAC Pool, Western Albemarle High School swims in Star Swimming’s existing facility (STAR swimming/Fairview Swim Club). Charlottesville High School is scheduled to practice at the McIntire facility (when open), and no high schools are currently scheduled to practice at the Smith Aquatic Center, when complete.
- Western Albemarle is the only high school that doesn’t have a reasonably convenient facility available.

“Competitive swimming pools ranked 15th out of 16 with approximately five percent (5%) of the respondents selecting it as one of their top three (3) choices.”(click to see survey included in report – PDF)

- The recommendation ignores the needs and wants of County residents as outlined in the supporting survey and numerous (if not every) County needs assessment.
- Competitive swimming is never mentioned in the Albemarle County Parks and Recreation Funding Request form, which is the basis of evaluation for the executive summary. (See Attachment B funding requests instructions).
- The recommendation accommodates after school practices and meets for 120 high school athletes for one quarter of the year.
- Other proposals accommodate 4 of the top 5 survey responses in the executive summaries attachment A. (A warm water recreation family-oriented facility was number one choice of respondents).
- Recreational aquatics facilities serve thousands of residents, including competitive swimming.
- Pools built specifically for competitive swimming cannot be easily used for other needs. Better options are available that serve not only competitive needs but also learn to swim programs, recreational swimming, and programs for swimmers with disabilities.

The executive summary failed to list several concerns with the Star Swimming proposal:

- County high school swim teams, the only beneficiaries, will need to use the facility for many years, even if more convenient options are available (such as Smith Aquatic Center, Crozet Pool, or McIntire YMCA facility) for recovery of a $500,000 County investment.
- Investment made into a private facility will limit public use.
- Lack of operator for “optional” public use (Parks and Recreation Department is proposed)
- Lack of budget, funding, and reasonable hours for public programming option.
- Swimming Pool does not exist.
- Source of pool funding is not included in proposal.
- Star Swimming location is in a highly congestion (sic) area and inconvenient to 2 out of the 3 County school.
- Least attractive option for Western Albemarle.
- Location is near five existing and proposed aquatic facility locations.
- A facility already exists at Star Swimming/Fairview that is used by Western Albemarle High School.

The executive summary misrepresents Claudius Crozet Park:

- Long history of working successfully with the County to provide affordable programs to all County residents, regardless of income.
- Subcontracted YMCA coaching and aquatics staff since 2004.
- Proven 50-year track record of successfully running the ONLY public pool in Albemarle County.
- Existing affordable public swimming is subsidized through regular fundraising (30 year bi-annual Arts and Crafts Fair).
- Pool expenses include facility costs and depreciation.
- Crozet Park has over $150,000 in banking assets and no debt. Limited fundraising is required for proposal.
- Commitment and mission of YMCA mirrors partnership responsibilities in Crozet Park request. See Executive Summary Attachment F.
- Air supported dome structures provide the highest aquatic programming return on investment.
- Concern of financial failure is unwarranted and not realistic. There are numerous options other than County “takeover” of operation.
- Monticello and Albemarle High School have numerous, more convenient training options available.
- Crozet Park proposal is the only option that provides reasonable access to Western Albemarle High School.
- The Crozet pool is already built and provides public programming.
- The adjoining 6,000 SF Community Building is already built and provides public programming.
- Crozet Park proposal can be accomplished in the least amount of time for the lowest cost.

In conclusion, Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. urges the Board of Supervisors not to support a recommendation that takes appropriations from Parks and Recreation to subsidize the replacement of an existing private facility, for a “questionable” benefit to a very limited County Schools program that does not require immediate assistance, at a time when financial resources are extremely limited.

If the focus of the request is only for additional options for high school swimming, Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. further urges the Board of Supervisors to re-evaluate the needs of high school swimming in relation to more important needs of City and County residents and in relation to the location of existing and proposed public and private facilities in Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville. It is perfectly reasonable to expect that Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, The Piedmont Family YMCA, the University of Virginia, ACAC, Star/Fairview Swim and Tennis Club, and Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. can meet every indoor aquatic programming need for every resident throughout Central Virginia at a reasonable cost and in a reasonable time frame. Claudius Crozet Park, Inc. looks forward to participating in such a dialogue.

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of Claudius Crozet Park, Incorporated

Editor’s notes:

1 – Quite simply, in my humble opinion, the Park Board has been politically outmaneuvered. STAR Swimming has been working on this for years, and the Park Board is likely too late with their efforts.

2 – The only edits made to the above are formatting to improve readability on the blog or addition of links.

3 – The only connection I have to Crozet Park is that I live in an adjacent development and my family has had a lot of friends involved in competitive swimming.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

Old Trail Golf and Trailside Coffee are pleased to announce an opportunity for FREE pictures with Santa Saturday, December 13, 9am-12noon at the Old Trail Golf Pavilion. This event, free and open to the public, is a combined benefit for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the UVa Hospital Pediatrics units (7 West and 7 Central). Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring either a new toy donation for the playrooms at UVa OR a canned food donation for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. In addition to bringing a toy donation, craft materials will be available to make holiday cards for hospital patients – a terrific activity for children.

It has been brought to the attention of the Old Trail community that the toy cabinets in the pediatrics units of UVa Hospital are nearly empty, causing the playrooms to be closed. Similarly, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is experiencing a high demand and is in need of additional supplies to feed area families. In this lean economy, we recognize that not everyone can afford to purchase a new toy, but may instead be able to contribute a can of food or make a holiday card for patients unable to participate in outside activities during the holiday season. Trailside Coffee and Old Trail Golf wish to help local families while providing a fun environment and an opportunity for pictures with Santa.

A photographer will be on-hand to take pictures that will be available online, free for downloading with an option to order prints as desired.

Trailside Coffee will provide hot chocolate and cookies to those bringing donations of either food or toys. Other food and beverages will also be available.

For more information, contact:
Marcia McGee, Owner, Trailside Coffee
434-825-5529

Or call Old Trail Golf: 434-823-8101

Below is a list of criteria for toys that will NOT be accepted due to health and safety concerns:

- Previously owned/used items (toys, crafts, stuffed animals, clothing);
- Friction (i.e., spark-producing) toys;
- Toys which emit or discharge projectiles;
- Toys with sharp edges;
- Electrical toys or radio-frequency generating toys which do not meet the requirements of Medical Center Policies 0055 and 0139;
- Toys with small pieces or removable parts, if accessible to children under the age of three;
- Toys with cords longer than 7”, if accessible to infants, and toys with cords longer than 12”, if accessible to toddlers;
- Water-retaining toys or anything that is in liquid form (other than non-toxic blowing bubbles);
- Toys containing latex, because of potential latex allergies or sensitivities; no latex balloons (only Mylar) and no latex wrist bands;
- Toys or packages containing candy (e.g., Pez or other candy dispensers, “goodie bags” with candy, food, drink, etc.);
- Any fomites (other than Play dough or foam craft kits that would be for individual use only)

Editor’s note: I’m tired of posting fun community building events centered in Old Trail – where are the ones not in OT? This post is a reprint of a press release sent by the Old Trail team.

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.

You know those signs that say “Notice Number 22″ that pop up from time time time around Albemarle County? They really are important.

Did you see the one on 240 between Downtown Crozet and the 240/240 intersection by chance? From the Albemarle County website – (bolding mine)

PROJECT: ZMA200800005 Old Trail Village Block 2 PROPOSAL: Amend Code of Development to include rest home\assisted living use for approved ZMA200400024 (Old Trail NMD) which allows residential (3 – 34 units/acre) mixed with commercial, service and industrial uses. Approved number of units for Old Trail is between 1600 and 2200. No change to density is proposed. PROFFERS: Yes (Amendment to refer to revised Table 4 of the amended Code of Development) EXISTING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE/DENSITY: CT5 – mixed residential and commercial uses. Residential density – 12 dwelling units per acre; 18 dwelling units per acre in a mixed use setting in the Community of Crozet. ENTRANCE CORRIDOR: Yes LOCATION: North side of Route 250 West, approximately 2,000+ feet east of the intersection of Miller School Rd. and Route 250. TAX MAP/PARCEL: 55E1-A1 (portion) MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: White Hall

The Planning Commission hearing is 11 November; Board hearing is 12 November.

I’m working on finding out more …

Copyright RealCentralVA.com, LLC. If you like this post, please, visit RealCrozetVA.comwhere this was originally posted.