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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 **

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

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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.

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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.

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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 …

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Mostly from the press release …

Opening in Spring 2009, ACAC will occupy approximately 8500 square feet of the new commercial center.

ACAC is a regional owner and operator of fitness and wellness centers, with facilities in Richmond, Charlottesville, and West Chester, PA. The new Old Trail ACAC will be its sixth location. At the new Crozet facility, ACAC will offer many of its popular services to members in Old Trail Village and the surrounding area. The new location will feature cardiovascular and strength equipment, group exercise, and child care. (ed note: bolding mine)

Old Trail Village Center, a mixed-use development at the heart Old Trail Village will feature a wide variety of businesses that improve the vitality of Old Trail and the surrounding Crozet community. The tenant mix will include eateries, medical service providers, insurance and mortgage brokerages, a Segway outlet, and the new ACAC fitness and wellness facility. Apartments varying in style from loft to townhome designs are also available in the Village Center, providing modern convenience at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The unique combination of retail, office space, and apartments creates a close-knit, friendly community in the heart of Old Trail Village.

Justin Beights, Vice President of Beights Development Corporation, said of the ACAC lease-signing, “I am excited about this partnership with ACAC as both a developer, a resident of Old Trail Village, and as a current member of ACAC. Now my family and I will have a high quality wellness center only steps from our front door.” With the addition of the large community pool currently under construction, Old Trail Village will soon feature the most complete package of neighborhood amenities in the region.

Is Crozet big enough for two gyms? We have 24-Hour Fitness in the Clover Lawn Shops and now ACAC. Don’t say we’re not an active community!

*Sorry for the delay in posting this … with respect to my sources, I have to abide by their wishes. Also, this rumor has been circulating for months, if not years and I didn’t want to jump the gun only to have the rumor prove to be just that.

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I don’t intend this site to become an Old Trail News Site, but they seem to be having many of the announcements of late – a lot of exciting things* are happening there right now, and all of Crozet benefits. Take for instance, Trailside Coffee’s survey -

1. How many cups of coffee do you drink daily or weekly?

2. What is your preferred beverage?

3. Where do you currently get your coffee? (home, office, coffeehouse…%)

4. Would you be interested in joining community events held at coffee house (ie bookclub, talkgroups, garden clubs?)

5. What type of food would you like us to serve?

6. What Hours and days would you like us to be open?

….

Many more questions giving hints about how they intend the shop to grow … Send responses to Marcia.

———-

Old Trail Cigar and Tasting Event -

Seriously – Awesome beer from Blue Mountain Brewery and cigars?

Each guest will enjoy:

- Sampler pack of cigars from Miami Cigar Co. and CVille Smoke Shop, valued at $59 (retail);
– Fresh-Rolled cigar crafted on-site;
– Unlimited tastings of Blue Mountain Brewery beers and ales;
– Dinner menu paired with and created for the beers and ales offered for tasting;
– Coupon for a round of golf, compliments of Old Trail Golf (valued at $59); and
– Assorted gifts from event sponsors.

*Neither of these is the “big announcement.”

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Once Harris Teeter opens, the reasons for going to Charlottesville will diminish even further. Coffee shop, bagel place, grocery store, gym, banks … if we could just get bike lanes ….

Derrico’s New York Bagels and Italian Ices is the seventh business to join the Old Trail Village Center group. Created by Brian Derrico, a lifetime Albemarle resident with New York family roots, Derrico’s will offer a full menu of bagels, bagel sandwiches and snacks as well as over thirty flavors of Italian Ices. Although the Village Center is slated to open in January, college football fans won’t have to wait that long to sample the fat and cholesterol-free Italian ices. Brian Derrico will operate an ice cart at Scott Stadium in the UVa “Fan Fest” area beginning with the opening game on Saturday, August 30th.

Using dough produced by New York City’s top bagel maker, Derrico’s will bake bagels fresh each day. Serving exclusively Boar’s Head brand deli meats, Derrico’s will offer eggs all day and regular sandwich specials for lunches. The various flavors of Italian ices, from mango to banana split, will be made in custom-built machines right in the shop.

In addition to Derrico’s, the Village Center is home to Trailside Coffee, Face Value Salon and Studio, Seg-Ville, Access Home Mortgage, and the second location of Anna’s Ristorante Italiano and Pizza. Like several other businesses choosing the Old Trail Village Center, Brian Derrico and his family are Old Trail Village residents. Says Justin Beights, developer, “We are thrilled that the concept of ‘live, work, play’ in the same neighborhood truly is becoming reality for the neighbors here at Old Trail Village. Most of our new business tenants are residents or close neighbors of the community. ”

*The above is courtesy of a press release.

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Courtesy of Old Trail News

Crozet, VA Beights Corporation and CB Richard Ellis-Charlottesville are pleased to announce yet another business located in the new Old Trail Village Center in Crozet, Virginia. Seg-Ville, Inc., a venture of Albemarle County residents Don and Victoria Rich, will open in early January 2009 in the Old Trail Village Center. These unique, two-wheeled transportation units are powered by electric batteries. A Segway produces zero emissions and, when compared to the costs of automobile fuel versus that of electricity used to charge the battery, is eleven times more efficient than the average American car. (Source: Segway.com, July 2008.)

One negative that comes to mind is that if the Segways become popular in Old Trail, the Segways may serve to isolate Old Trail residents from the rest of Crozet.

For some reason, one of the first things I thought of was the communication methods used by humans in the movie WALL-E.

* (Photo courtesy of)

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It’s about time. From the press release:

“Beights Corporation proudly announces the addition of Trailside Coffee to the Village Center at Old Trail in Crozet, Virginia. Albemarle native and Crozet-area resident Marcia McGee, proprietor, will be serving fresh brewed coffee and espresso beverages to passersby and residents of Old Trail Village, beginning in January 2009 once construction is complete on the new Village Center.

“I am so excited about this opportunity,” stated McGee at the lease signing, “I have been working hard for months to ensure that I have what I need to do this right. Now we’re ready to go!” McGee began creating her new shop months ago, developing her logo, website, and planned list of offerings in anticipation of her lease-signing this past Friday. She also has secured custom roasting agreements with Williamsburg Coffee & Tea Co. and other, boutique roasters. Of these relationships, McGee said, “I want to provide beans and espresso roasts that are special to our area. As the palate of my customers develops, I can change our custom roasts to best suit their tastes.”

Even though construction on the Old Trail Village Center is a full four weeks ahead of schedule, McGee doesn’t want to keep Crozet-area residents waiting any longer for their espresso fix. Opening in early August, possibly sooner, Trailside Coffee will be operating an espresso and coffee cart in the Old Trail Golf Clubhouse.”

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Area residents and neighbors are invited to join the families of Old Trail Village for a Summer kick-off party, Sunday, from 12-4!

Located on The Common in Old Trail Village, the party will feature food from local restaurant Three Notch’d Grill, music, balloons, moon bounces and slides, and Maggie Moo’s ice cream! Many homes in Old Trail Village will also be open for touring, each with fresh-baked cookies made by the From Scratch Baking Co., also of Albemarle.

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Let’s see -

Crozet Pizza – no delivery

Sal’s Pizza – no delivery

Domino’s Pizza – delivery

and now Anna’s Pizza in Old Trail- delivery as well!

Anna’s Ristorante Italiano and Pizza, has signed the first lease in the new commercial center at Old Trail Village in Crozet. Anna’s Pizza at Old Trail will be providing delivery to Old Trail residents and others in the nearby Crozet area.

Maybe we could have a bake-off charity event to benefit the Crozet Fireworks Fund.

(Thanks to a reader for prompting this post)

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This “reporter” missed the groundbreaking, but these are a few of the related stories from the media -

The Daily Progress -

Old Trail – set against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet – will feature a “town center” in the midst of residential development. The center will include 85,000 square feet of commercial and office space, including a coffee shop, three restaurants and fitness center along with individual offices. The Old Trail community has about 135 occupied homes, but the large development could have up to 2,600 townhouses, homes and apartments in the next 10 to 15 years. Developers said in an interview they are hoping to build about 100 units per year.

Old Trail Living

View photos of the event here and here.

Old Trail groundbreaking

Photo courtesy of.

Technorati Tags: charlalbemarle, crozet, old-trail

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Mark you calendars, then.

Community Workshop for the Western Park Master Plan Scheduled for March 25

Crozet area residents are invited to attend a Community Workshop to discuss their vision for the new Western Park on Tuesday, March 25, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Western Albemarle High School Cafeteria. 

The goal of this community workshop, which is the first step in the park master plan process, is to solicit comments, advice and suggestions from Crozet citizens about the features they would like to see in the long-term plan for the new Western Park.  The workshop will also include information about the existing conditions at the site.

As identified in the Crozet Master Plan, the creation of Western Park in Old Trail is an essential part of the network of public parks and greenways envisioned for the Crozet Development Area. The future parks and greenways network will provide recreational opportunities for the community, protect sensitive natural systems, preserve public areas that characterize Crozet, and link neighborhoods to downtown and other areas in Crozet and the region.  35.8 acres have been established for the Western Park greenway and park area, to include a mix of recreational uses such as sports fields, trails, picnicking, and preserved areas. The first step towards the creation of Western Park is the creation of a master plan for the long-term development of the park and greenway area.

Rieley and Associates, a local landscape architectural firm, has been selected to develop the Western Park Master Plan. A committee consisting of County staff, Old Trail staff, representatives of the Crozet Park Board, the Crozet Community Advisory Council, the Crozet Community Association, and an at-large member will meet regularly to provide direction to the consultant throughout the Western Park Master Plan process.

For more information, including maps and graphics of the actual park location, visit the Western Park Master Plan page on the County websiteTo receive email updates about the progress of the project, go to www.albemarle.org <http://www.albemarle.org/>  and sign up for Amail, the County’s e-news service.

Thanks for the heads-up, Lee!

(reprinted entirely from an email from Albemarle County)

Technorati Tags: crozet

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I received an email the other day from Shaaron Honeycutt, who is a yoga instructor teaching classes in Old Trail. The PDF flyer is here.

The details on the classes:

- The public is welcomed and Old Trail members receive a slight discount on the classes
- Six week Series:$85/Old Trail Associate:  $75
- Single Drop In Class:$18 / Old Trail Associate: $15 – (these are the correct prices, there’s a slight error in the flyer about this) and we accept all credit cards, checks, etc. for payment.

Q – What brought you to the area? How long have you been here?

A – I’ve been in the area since 1986, and came here following my parents. They read an article in “Money” magazine about Charlottesville and semi-retired to Earlysville. My first job out of college didn’t work out, so I ran home to my parents, but home was now here instead of Connecticut. I met my husband, who’s from Afton and went to Greenwood Elementary and Western Albemarle High School;  in Charlottesville, and when we were first together we lived in Crozet. We then bought some land from his parents in Nelson County, just outside Nellysford, and proceeded to build a house there. I really love where we live and feel blessed to be able to live in paradise!

I wanted to teach yoga in Crozet because it is near and dear to my heart – and has seen such growth since we lived there 14 years ago. That, and it is so much closer to home than Charlottesville!

Q – Why teach yoga? What’s good about it?

A – Yoga has so many benefits, I could write at length about them, but for brevity’s sake, I’ll try to keep it short. Yoga is definitely for health, but it’s impact upon oneself is more far reaching than that. It aids not just physical well being, but mental and emotional balance as well. Yoga has been shown to diminish the effects of stress, increase one’ s energy and stamina, minimize anxiety and depression, and create a stronger, more flexible, balanced body, too.

Q – Are there any other yoga offerings in Crozet?

A – Though I could be mistaken, I don’t think there is much, if any, yoga classes currently available in Crozet which is another reason I was interested in teaching classes there.

Q – How many people have signed up so far?

A – The number of participants in class at Old Trail varies – from 2 to 15 at this point. Though the room is spacious and could easily fit more than that. We will be at that location until mid-April then moving to another location as golf season and the use of the club house precludes us from having classes there. So, we are also currently in search of a place to hold classes over the late spring, summer, and early fall, before we can move back to Old Trail once the golf has slowed down a bit.

We offer classes on either a drop in/single class, or 6 class series basis, and there is a financial advantage to signing up and paying for 6 classes.

Q – Are you the only teacher?

A – I am the only yoga teacher at Old Trail – and we really need to get the word out that there is yoga in Crozet because I keep hearing that no one knows about it, and are pleasantly surprised when they do hear. There is interest, but the information needs dissemination, which is why I contacted you.

Please come by and experience a class – anyone over the age of 12 is welcome!

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From an Old Trail release today:

As I have mentioned in previous updates, the location and design of the pool has been finalized and we are moving quickly to begin construction. I have attached an exhibit showing the pool location on Old Trail Drive and a detailed layout. The site plan has been submitted to the county and we are pushing for a quick approval so we can have this amenity open by Memorial Day 2008. A larger version of this exhibit is available for review in the sales center and the golf clubhouse.

I will keep you in the loop as we proceed through the approval process and move towards construction. If you have any questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact any member of the development team.

View Larger Map

The full site plan can be found here.

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A driving tour of Old Trail done this morning for clients debating relocating to Crozet:

What’s really cool is the geo-location of the photos.

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This qualifies as a “good thing” –

On Tuesday, January 23, 2007, Old Trail Golf LLC, filed an application for a Special Use Permit with the County of Albemarle Department of Community Development. This new permit will modify our existing SUP and will allow Old Trail to host events other than golf related events. The ability to use the new Pavillion for these affairs is consistent with Old Trail’s “inclusive” philosophy, namely, as a place where all are welcome, and would allow all the opportunity to host gatherings in the Pavillion. These uses could range from birthday parties, garden clubs, book clubs, private dinners, business meetings (for example, in March the Albemarle Bar Association will hold it’s annual meeting here in late March), Old Trail Owners Association meetings, to Crozet Community Association. These uses are consistent with our original vision for the clubhouse, we were advised to add these uses to our existing Permit to avoid any future problems for those that will want to use the clubhouse in the future.

Thanks to OTV for the heads-up.

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In spite of all the griping and moaning about growth in Crozet (much of it warranted, mind you), it’s refreshing to read this in today’s News Leader:

“It is a paradigm shift for the people, and a paradigm shift for us,” said Supervisor Wendell Coleman, who points to Old Trail as an example of the kind of development he says Augusta County needs. “If we do it right, like they’ve done in Crozet, we can all live together and be happy.”

How ’bout that?

A few homes on the market in Old Trail.

Update: The other side of the coin, courtesy of the Daily Progress.

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Just launched on Saturday! No RSS, but I created a feed here.

Any other homeowners’ associations not listed?

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Come one, come all and help the residents of Parkside Village clean out their respective attics and hopefully make a little bit of money, too!

Any other community yard sales out there?

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