Tag: Crozet

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Gas Station Coming to 250 in Crozet

Huge Gas Station coming to Crozet

In response to John-N’s comment –

What about the imminent approval of a mega gas/diesel fuel station in the Brownsville-Yancey Mills area and its potential impacts on the western Albemarle community on Free State Lane? Some reports say it would be the largest of its type in Albemarle County! Marketing to I-64, perhaps open 24/7. Dramatically increased frequency of turn-arounds at that point on Rt.250 by vehicles coming from and returning to the interstate. It promises to be a safety issue in that neighborhood and also for the nearby school traffic. IMMINENT approval possible due to grandfathered zoning. What about the right — apparently NOT grandfathered in Albemarle County — to quality-of-life on Free State Lane? What about school traffic safety? Lots of questions. VERY LITTLE time — literally days — to seek public input or compromises. —- This should be no less a concern than the POLITICAL (i.e. Crozet Master Plan) issues of the Yancey proposal.

Basically, this (bolding mine) –

Request for preliminary site plan approval to construct a 7,000 square foot, two (2) story commercial building with eight (8) gas pumps and associated parking 4.06 acres. The property is zoned HC (Highway Commercial) and is described as Tax Map 55B, Parcel 1. The site is located on the south side of Rockfish Gap Turnpike (SR250), approximately 0.78 miles west of its intersection with Miller School Road/Crozet Avenue (SR240). This site is located in the White Hall Magisterial District and is recommended for Rural Area uses in Rural Area 3 by the Comprehensive Plan.

Is possible due to by-right, existing zoning. This is a story in progress; I had heard about this project but hadn’t had the time to research/write about it. I’m going to try to update this as the day progresses, but I understand that there is a meeting on Monday at Albemarle County about this. If anyone out there wants to make some phone calls/emails and update via the comments, please do so.

By the way, if you haven’t used Albemarle County’s online GIS program, you’re missing out on one of the best things local government has ever done.

Update 14 November: I heard back from Albemarle County today – for readability’s sake I’m not quoting out the following email I received from Bill Fritz, Chief of Current Development at Albemarle County. I am greatly appreciate for their remarkable response. Bolding, however, is mine.

The next deadline for the Re-Store’n Station site plan is Monday November 17. If the applicant wants to stay on the published review schedule Monday is the deadline for the applicant to submit a revised site plan addressing the comments of the Site Review Committee. If a revised plan is not submitted, review of the project will be suspended until such time as revisions are submitted. Monday is also the deadline for the site plan to be appealed to the Planning Commission for review. An appeal may be filed only by: the owner, an abutting property owner, member of the Planning Commission, member of the Board of Supervisors, the zoning administrator, the county executive, or the agent. An appeal must be in writing and state the reasons for review.

If revisions are made and the application is appealed this item will be scheduled for Planning Commission review on Tuesday December 9. If the item is not appealed staff will administratively take action to either approve or deny the plan by Thursday December 11. This project is a ministerial project meaning that if the plan does not meet the requirements of the ordinance it will be denied and if the plan does meet the requirements of the ordinance it will be approved. .

The site plan review process is a two step process. What is currently under review is the preliminary site plan. If the preliminary plan is approved it will be subject to conditions that must be met prior to the final site plan being approved. No development may occur until the final site plan is approved. Typical conditions include such things as: Architectural Review Board approval, approval of an erosion and sediment control plan, approval of entrance details by VDOT, approval of water plans, approval by Health Department, approval of landscape and lighting plan. Other conditions are possible and this list is only intended to give an example of the types of conditions commonly applied to preliminary approvals.

I hope that this information is helpful. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact either myself or Summer Frederick who is the planner coordinating the review of this application.

William D. Fritz, AICP
Chief of Current Development
434-296-5832 ext. 3242

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No Business Park in Crozet – Yet

Courtesy of Charlottesville Tomorrow – I recommend reading the entire post on what could have been (and may yet still) be a new business park in Crozet.

My primary question –

– What types of businesses and industries would they like to bring in? If they’re talking about seeking out high-value, low impact jobs – bio-tech, manufacturing, etc. wouldn’t that represent a possible net gain for Crozet?

On November 11, 2008, the Albemarle County Planning Commission held a work session on the proposed Yancey Mills Business Park in Crozet. The Commission came close to recommending that the development be reviewed as part of the upcoming Crozet Master Plan update, however, the discussion concluded with a 6-1 vote to end all further consideration of the matter. Linda Porterfield (Scottsville) was the only Commissioner who supported further study.

In an interview with Charlottesville Tomorrow the day after the decision, Will Yancey described what he had hoped to accomplish at the meeting.

…

Charlottesville Tomorrow asked Will Yancey where he thought the family would go next with their business park proposal.

“The Yancey family is going to spend the next couple of weeks speaking with our advisors and the community. We will reach out to the Crozet community and try to reassure them that have been in the area for a long time, well over a hundred years, and we intend on keeping our word and to do what we say. The notion that we want to put in a shopping mall with a Stuckeys and a Cracker Barrel there is not what we have in mind at all. We will make a determination if we should go forward and bring this to the Board of Supervisors.”

Yancey Business Park in Crozet denied

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Crozet Community Association Meeting – 13 November

Mark Your Calendar!

Crozet Community Association Meeting

Thursday, November 13th

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Crozet Firehouse

Here is what’s on tap:

– Plans for New Library

– Getting Ready for the 2009 Master Plan Revision

– Updates from Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors

– Final Review of CCA Bylaws — Crozet History Moment

– Good Neighbor Award to Heather and Michael Penny of Fabulous Foods

and more ……

See You There!

There are few better ways to get involved in the Crozet Community and learn about what’s happening – the first three items on the agenda will likely directly impact the Crozet real estate market as well …

As always, the offer stands for anyone who is interested in writing a story for RealCrozetVA summarizing the meeting. Please let me know!

Continue reading “Crozet Community Association Meeting – 13 November”

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Crozet Library Delayed Until 2013

And we’re not alone in having projects pushed back due to the economy (bolding mine)-

The County will delay several capital projects. New fire stations in Pantops and Ivy will be delayed until FY2013. A new library for Crozet was expected to open in 2011, but that will now be pushed back to 2013. A new library to replace the Northside library will be pushed back out of the five year plan. Recycling centers anticipated to open in FY2010 will be delayed until FY2013. Western Park in the Crozet growth area, scheduled to open in 2012, will also be moved out of the first five years of the capital plan.

Read the entire story at Charlottesville Tomorrow.

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Companion Soup at Tabor Presbyterian Church

“Can you give a plug for the Companion Soup on Sunday, at Tabor Presbyterian Church? It is held the first Sunday of every month, for the community, not just churchfolk. So, this Sunday, from 5-7 p.m. We want to serve the community, those in need, as well as those of means, who can likewise gather for community-building.”
Plug given. If you have a community announcement you’d like to see here, please let me know.
Update – I responded to the email too late. Thanks, Callen!

Just want to point out that the companion soup for November was actually held on Sunday, November 1. The next one will be Sunday, December 7.

I highly recommend attending. The food is fantastic and the fellowship wonderful.

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An Assisted Living Facility at Old Trail?

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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Peachtree Baseball Looking for Umpires

“Peachtree Baseball is currently seeking umpires for the 2009 season.

Candidates must be 16 years of age, have knowledge of baseball and a willingness to be trained. Umpiring is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences to give back to the youth in the community. If you are interested, please contact John Masselli.

If you think that you do not qualify, think again!!!

If you have coached or have the desire to learn

WE NEED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

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Have you Been to the Waynesboro Home Depot?


Waynesboro Home Depot
Originally uploaded by jimduncancville

Compared it to the Charlottesville Lowe’s? Hah. I went to the Home Depot in Waynesboro last week (there’s a Lowe’s too, and I’m sure they’re good, but I like orange) – and was met by three smiling employees, one of whom offered to guide me around the store finding what I needed.

I was told that they have been focusing on customer service since their new general manager arrived, and it shows. Not only is gas cheaper there – I paid $2.49 on Thursday, Crozet had gas from $2.89 at the BP to $3.29 at the Exxon, but going to a huge home improvement store wasn’t an exercise in futility and frustration.

Update 4 November 2008: From an email:

The other thing you didn’t mention is that from Crozet to the Home Depot there are only 2 lights and that’s in Waynesboro. It may be a few extra miles to Waynesboro but it’s a pleasant drive.

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Community Spotlight – Ursula Goadhouse

Ursula Goadhouse is a relatively new resident of Crozet and is offering something that is quite unique in our town – “classes on de-stressing and reconnecting to ourselves.”

What are the classes about?
The classes are designed to reduce stress and reconnect with ourselves. Life is so busy and stressful for many of us, it is wonderful to have a time and space to dedicate to our own well-being and health! One side effect of stress is shallow breathing, so we will focus on revitalizing the body and mind with simple movements and deep breathing to really get our systems pumping and feel how wonderfully alive we are! The movements and breath work come from Iyengar Yoga, Kundalini yoga, basic stress reduction exercises, and Mindfulness meditation. Just about anyone can do it, and if someone needs accommodations for their physical abilities that is possible, too. It is very rewarding to take care of ourselves! Another aspect that often gets over-looked is just having some fun, which we will do, with some creative expressions. No art experience is needed for this kind of play, it is about letting the sprite out or listening to your inner wisdom. So many people say they feel like they are not creative, or the other side, that they haven’t had the time to be creative, either way, a little bit of drawing or writing is a great way to feel more whole and connected. This class is called “Finding Joy”. It will provide a safe, inspiring, creative place to sweat a little, experience guided meditation, deeply relax, have a little creative outlet, and listen to your inner wisdom! The class is open to women and men.

Where are you from? How long have you been in Crozet? How long have you been teaching?

I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Which I loved for the wild rebellious undercurrent, but at 18 I was very happy to move to California. I was very fortunate to attend the San Francisco Art Institute, where I received my bachelor of fine Arts (BFA). I stayed in San Francisco for seven years. It is a fantastic place to live. Then, I moved to Los Angeles (it is hard to explain this move and have it sound logical) and started an artist jewelry businesses which I continued for 10 years. Then, at the 10 year mark, I looked at my life and my path and realized that I wanted my life to be about service to others, rather than creating a product. By this time I had moved to Virginia to be closer to family and live in an area that has spoken to my heart. (I used to visit my sister in Charlottesville while she was in college and I loved this area).

We’ve been in Crozet since March 2008. Love it!

Now, this may be more than you want to know …

My husband, Stephen, and I met in Charlottesville. We have been married for 10 years and have two children. We have had an interesting and winding curvy path. Both of our children have been diagnosed with Autism. Our daughter is almost symptom free after a long road of therapy and diet changes. Part of her success was very early diagnosis after a regression at 17 months. Our son came in a unique package being born with Down syndrome, hearing difficulty, gastrointestinal challenges and then Autism at about 2 1/2 years. I mention this because my family life has been my work for the last several years, learning about therapies, diets, supplements, the special education system, how to advocate my children and find a balance to also be a loving mother. I know lots of people say it, but it is true, my children have been my greatest teachers.

Did I mention that I went to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond and received my Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW)? Interesting, isn’t it? Well, before my children came, I worked at Region Ten CSB in Charlottesville. Through the years I had many work experiences. I had a wealth of experience working with both individuals and groups in psychotherapy. My experience also includes leading groups in anger management class, substance abuse management, women’s support groups and men’s support groups. Outside of Region Ten, I had a class similar to the one I am offering now held at the Glass building in Charlottesville. Now I really want to offer and support local business in Crozet. I love it here!

I have actively been practicing meditation for 16 years and yoga for 12 years (with some time off for having children). I have had amazing teachers along my path for dance, tai chi, yoga, meditation, and Buddhism. I am thankful to each teacher who has (or is) helping me be balanced, mindful, and intuitive on this wondrous journey.

Where will the classes be held? How much?

The class is held at Crozet Park in the Field School building. There is a weekly Monday night class from 6:30 to 8:30 pm starting on November 10th and running until December 15th (11/10/08 to 12/15/08). Also there is a weekly Saturday morning class from 9 to 11 am, November 15th to December 20th (11/15/08 to 12/20/08). Both are six-week sessions for $90.

How many have signed up?

There has been very good response, I still have space for anyone who wants to come join us. It is fine to call me or email me and let me know if you want to just come for one class to try it out. But, really, the best is to just jump in and join in for a session to give yourself time to experience what the class has to offer … relax, enjoy.

Ursula can be reached at the following places –

Her web site
Email
Phone: 434-964-9565

If you’d like to have your business or friend featured on RealCrozetVA, please let me know.

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If you Live in a Neighborhood in Crozet

A friend asked me a question the other day (through Facebook) about a recent foreclosure that sold in his neighborhood and it triggered something I’ve been meaning to do –

If you live in a neighborhood in the Crozet area and would like me (actually the MLS system but it’ll look like it’s from me) to send you emails when a property comes on or goes off the market, has a price reduction or sells, please send me an email and let me know your name, email address and neighborhood. The Crozet real estate market is clearly not immune to the continually shifting real estate market, and we’re all concerned/curious about our property values.

This is something that I have set up for myself in my neighborhood (Parkside Village), and I’m certain that it would be useful for many of you. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know this isn’t a veiled attempt to sell you something anything, but a recognition that I have access to a service that could provide value to you.