James River Exchange

Today I had a conversation with Jack Maxwell. He loves the weather and has created a Task Force of volunteers. His group has worked at clearing trails in the Van Clief Nature Area which is in the center of Scottsville.

On Monday, Scottsville Town Council recognized his volunteerism.

If you don’t know Jack, you will know a little more after fifteen minutes.

Oh, and Town Council and the Mayor voted in favor of the 36 housing units on the Upper Bird property. More on this later.

I’m back from vacation and have a few things to report on. In this episode:Buckingham BOS and Planning Commission vote on 2000 acre solar farm.Tiger Fuel project is starting to move.Scottsville Town Council votes on Upper Bird special use permit for 36 homes tomorrow (Monday, March 21 @7:00). Former Vice Mayor Laura Mellusi weighs in…and of course there are always rumors!

Have a story, issue, or just want to talk. Contact me!

I will be back with a conversation with Ed Brooks and Maggie Snoddy. They had a fun time.

Have a great week!

Good Morning, Everyone. It is another fine Sunday morning. This is James Exchange Quick Take. I am Nancy Gill, your host.

I recently became aware of the construction of solar farms in Buckingham County. I thought presenting information on the joint meeting with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors would be an easy task. It isn’t. There are several layers to this project. First, there is a parallel path of two special use permits on the same property by the same company: Apex Clean Energy with the Riverstone Solar project. They are SUP290 and SUP299. The difference between them is a 35 acre parcel located within the original parcel specified in SUP290. The goal is to use this acreage for use during construction. 

Additionally, on December 7, 2021 a Declaratory Judgment case was filed in Buckingham County Circuit Court (case#CL21000503-00) against The Board of Supervisors, Apex Clean Energy, and Riverstone Solar. This case involves SUP290 and the lack of proper notification to adjoining property owners. To be clear, SUP299 is a separate application and not a part of SUP290. 

Tomorrow evening the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors are holding a joint meeting for public hearings on SUP299.

The property Apex Clean Energy has identified for the solar farm is in the Payne’s Pond area of Northern Buckingham on 2000+/- acres. The property is currently owned by Weyerhaeuser and from what I can gather, they will harvest the pines on the property leaving a buffer of 50 feet to adjoining properties. 

At the Board of Supervisor’s regular meeting on February 14, several property owners spoke to the project. Their concerns were environmental (runoff to the James River and tributaries), disposal of the panels at end of life, having an “industrial” solar farm on agricultural zoned property, permanent jobs vs. construction jobs, time-line on construction, and the pace of the approval process. On the last, Apex requested an accelerated process on the public hearings. 

Apex plans are to enter into a revenue sharing agreement with the County which over the 40-year life of the project would bring an estimated $16.8 million into the coffers. It would begin at $300,000 per year and every five years would increase by 10%. 

If SUP299 is approved by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, the next steps include permits from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Army Corp of Engineers, and other state agencies along with Buckingham oversight.

Jimmy Merrick is the Development Manager for Apex Clean Energy and the point person for Riverstone Solar. I recently spoke with Mr. Merrick and asked in light of the Campbell County Altavista solar farm selling energy directly to FaceBook, if selling to a corporation was part of the plan for Riverstone. He answered that they have a division, Corporate and Industrial, that manages this type of sale.

In the August 23 meeting Commissioner Bowe asked:Could I interrupt just one second? Who is the ultimate owner of this project? Is it Dominion power? 

Merrick’s response:I wouldn't say that. We've actually never sold projects to dominion power. We are an independent power producer. And so we'll develop these projects, we'll help with the construction, we'll sell the power to corporates or industrials, it could be Anheuser Bush, IKEA, Amazon, Facebook, Google, and we'll set that up. And then we'll look for a sponsor somebody that has $190 million that they can put down, you know, somebody in the market on a renewable energy project. And sure your local utility is poised to want to own the renewable energy project. But there are other folks in the United States that they also want to own solar.

I will have more on how power will be distributed once this has been determined. (As a side note, I have not corrected any spelling or grammar errors in any of the County’s audio to text translations).

This is a James Exchange Quick Take. As always, if anything I present in a podcast is not factual, let me know. And, I want to hear from you to share your story, event, or issue. Have a great Sunday!

The County is providing information on their website pertaining to tomorrow’s meeting. If you wish to make comment at the meeting, the process is:

1. In person Public Comments must sign up to speak. Sign up times are 5:30 p.m. to 5:55 p.m.2. Written comments may be mailed to the Board of Supervisors at PO Box 252 Buckingham, VA 23921. Please limit word count to 500 words.3. Emailed comments may be sent to [email protected]. Please limit word count to 500 words.4. Telephone voicemail comments may be left to be played to the board by calling 434‐969‐50395.To appear virtually to the Board of Supervisors for comments please email public [email protected]. You will receive notice with the link and/or telephone number necessary to connect virtually during the meeting.Please note: Please state your name, district, address, and which hearing you are commenting on. The three (3) minute rule will apply to public comments. All correspondence must be received only by the methods above, and are due by 12:00 PM the day of the meeting. 

Buckingham County InformationApex Clean EnergyRiverstone Solar

Greetings from the James Exchange on a fine Saturday morning. It is past time for another James Exchange Quick Take. I am your host Nancy Gill.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22 the Scottsville Town Council held their regularly scheduled public session. The vote on the Bird Street special use permit was on the agenda. Council voted to defer their decision until their March Meeting. The vote was 3-3 with Mayor Smith breaking the tie. The stated purpose for deferring was an opportunity to review a more detailed site plan and an example of the housing types that could be built. Council denied the special use permit for an AirB&B at 360 East Main Street (the old Tavern building) on a 4-1 vote and passed a special use permit to 1075 Valley Street (Lumpkins) on a 6-0 vote.

Watch the recording of the meeting.

What is going on with May elections and the General Assembly? As reported in my last podcast, the House of Delegates voted to overturn last year’s legislation on moving all municipal elections to November from May (HB 1082). The bill then moved to the Senate’s Privileges and Elections Committee. The action of the committee was “Passed By Indefinitely.” This allows a committee to reconsider legislation at a later meeting. If the committee takes no further action, the bill is dead. My understanding is they did not take action, thus killing the bill. November elections for Scottsville it is.

In Fluvanna County news, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on January 19th on ZMP-21.04 a proposed development of 355 units on 122 acres at the intersection of Rt. 53 and Garden Lane in Palmyra. This application was denied on a 5-0 vote. Reasons for the denial included traffic, water, and sewer issues. Links to support documentation and audio for this meeting as well as a link to the applicant, Southern Development Company, are in the written part of this podcast.

ZMP 21:04 Southern Development: denied a rezoning from A-1, Agricultural, General and R-3, Residential Planned Community to R-3, Residential Planned Community of 122.6 acres of Tax Maps 8 Section A Parcel 18A, 17 Section A Parcel 10 and 17 Section 9 Parcels 1 and 2. The subject properties are located along State Route 53 and along Garden Lane (SR 636) and they are in the Rivanna Community Planning Area and within the Cunningham Election District with the proffered conditions dated December 29, 2021.

Support documentation: 12.07.2021:Planning Commission Meeting (Starts at slide 115)01.19.2022 Board of Supervisors Meeting AudioTime stamps: 2.17: Staff presentation2.35: Southern Development presentation3.00: BOS discussion/Public comment5.10: VoteSouthern Development Company

Two public hearings were held on February 16. The first, a special use permit SUP 21.07 for Dominion Energy to build a substation.

SUP 21:07 Dominion Energy: SUP 21:07 Dominion Energy – A request for a special use permit to construct an electrical substation (major utility) on Tax Maps 17, Section A, Parcels 51 and 71. The request is located on the north line of Ruritan Lake Road (SR 619) and it is approximately 100 feet east of the intersection with Branch Road. The parcels are zoned A-1 Agricultural, General and are located within the Rural Residential Planning Area and the Cunningham Election District.

The second, SUP 21.08 for the Virginia Methodist Housing Development Corporation 

SUP 21:08, A request for a special use permit to construct senior multi-family dwellings by increasing the maximum gross residential density above 2.9 dwelling units per acre with respect to 5.9 +/- acres known as Tax Maps 9 Section A Parcels 14 and 14C1. The request is located along the north line of Lake Monticello Road (SR 618) at Manor Boulevard. The parcels are zoned R-3, Residential Planned Community and are located in the Rivanna Community Planning Area and the Palmyra Election District.

Founded in he mission of VUMHDC is to serve moderate-income persons in Virginia by providing high-quality, affordable senior housing. This project will bring up to 120 units for seniors 55+.

Voting on both special use permits was deferred to the March 16 meeting. Support Documentation:Slides for Public Hearing PresentationsSUP 21:07 Slide 83: SUP 21:08 Slide 113

That’s it for today. I will be back tomorrow with an update on the Apex Riverstone Solar project in Northern Buckingham. There is a joint Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor’s meeting on Monday, February 28.

As always, I would love to have a conversation, hear about an issue or event. Contact me.

Until tomorrow, this has been a James Exchange Quick Take.

Good Friday everyone. This is a James Exchange Quick Take. I am your host Nancy Gill.

Let’s talk elections. I don’t mean Federal or State, but Scottsville. I have mentioned to my listeners on several podcasts that Scottsville was mandated by the state—did I use that word mandated? Perhaps a tad strong, but in 2021 the General Assembly voted to move all elections in all municipalities from May to November.

Section E of Virginia Code 15.2-1400HB 2198 passed on a 55-45 voteSB 1157 passed on a 50-44 vote

What this means is Scottsville residents you can no longer vote in Victory Hall. Recently, Scottsville Town Council passed a resolution to have November elections. which again, was required. However, they prudently maintained May elections in the Town Charter.

This brings me to this year’s General Assembly and HB 1082 reversing this section E of 15.2-1400 State Code. The House passed HB 1082 on a 54-44 vote with one abstention and one nonvoting member. Delegate Rob Bell voted in favor of May elections in 2021 and 2022.

HB 1082: Elections; time of certain local elections. Removes a provision that requires local elections for mayor, members of a local governing body, or members of an elected school board to be held at the time of the November general election. The bill allows cities and towns that made the transition between July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022, to provide by ordinance for its reversal.

It now goes to the Senate. Procedurally it should be heard by the Privileges and Elections Committee and then to the Senate for their vote or it could be voted down in committee. Senator Deeds sits on this committee. If you care about this issue email Senator Deeds. I emailed at 8:27 yesterday morning and had a response back from his legislative assistance at 8:35. 

The full HB 1082 bill

Another issue I am keeping track of is a 2000-acre solar farm special use proposal before the Buckingham Planning Commission. The main opposition to this project is the size, environment (the property is within a quarter mile of the James River), and the perceived fast-tracking Buckingham Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors have schedule for the vote. Both bodies will meet on February 28 for a joint meeting. My understanding is the Planning Commission will move first followed by a public hearing by the Board of Supervisors. Of note, the Supervisors’ monthly meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. I will have more on this next week.

Another issue is the two proposed housing developments in Scottsville. On Tuesday the Scottsville Town Council is slated to vote on the Upper Bird special use permit. It appears that the Blenheim Road project has been put on the back burner. Agenda 2.22.2022

As always, I want to hear from you. If you have a story, comment, or issue you want to discuss, contact me. 

I will be back next week. Until then, have a great weekend!

It is another beautiful Sunday in the second month of 2022. Welcome a  James Exchange Quick Take, I am your host, Nancy Gill.

February 17th and 20th Ivy Talk: African American Farmers in Albemarle County These talks explore the lives of African American farmers in Albemarle County and the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that they faced.  We will host descendants from three different African American farming families in Albemarle County, we will explore who these farmers were, how farming supported their livelihoods, and how they contributed to their communities. These farmers were Mr. James R. Butler, who served as the Extension Agent after Conly Greer retired. Mr. Willie Hudson, of Esmont, and Mr. Kenton Sheffield Gardner, of Esmont. Register for the talks.

Now for a quick run down of meetings being held this week in Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, and the Town of Scottsville.

Tomorrow, February 14, the Buckingham Board of Supervisors hold their monthly meeting starting at 6:00. They will hold four public hearings mainly on special use permits for AirB&Bs. Under zoning matters there are three cases pertaining to solar generation facilities. Of special interest, under the County Attorney’s  report is an agenda item for Hatton Ferry and a solid waste fee ordinance.

Also, on February 14, the Scottsville Town Council meets at 7:00 for their monthly work session. They held a special session on February 10 to work through conditions for the special use permit on Bird Street. It appears that the Blenheim project will be pulled by the developer or tabled by Council. Tomorrow they will discuss land use items the Planning Commission has been working on, the 2022/23 budget, and an historical marker for Mrs. Minerva Bell Lewis. Mrs. Lewis according to Matt Lawless in his Town Administrator report:

“The Town has gradually improved its understanding of its diverse history and the role of the historical Black community. Most recently, graduate student Hilary Wehrle has worked with the Architectural Review Board, Town staff, the Scottsville Museum team, and descendants of both enslaved and free Black citizens of Scottsville. She documented a remarkable local story which may warrant special recognition. Family histories and census and tax records attest to the notable life of Mrs. Minerva Bell Lewis. Born enslaved, she managed several successful businesses, raised a large family of teachers, and for many years was the only Black female property owner in town. After a long series of transactions in the 20th century, the Town now owns this parcel, a parking lot. It could be an ideal site for a historical marker. The site could be beautified with a bench and a fine specimen tree, at the cost of one parking space. This could be done fairly quickly.”

Fluvanna Board of Supervisors meet on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00. They will hold two public hearings on one for Dominion Energy for an electrical substation. The second for the Virginia United Methodist Housing Development Corporation for a 120-unit affordable independent senior living rental complex in the Village Oaks neighborhood. 

Also on Wednesday, February 16, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors will meet at 1:00 and 6:00. Their agenda is quite lengthy for me to note the majority of their discussion. A few are:Resolution of Appreciation for Police Chief Ron Lantz.Developer Incentives for Affordable Housing.Resolution to Request Split Precinct Waiver from State Board of ElectionsOld Trail Block 33 - Minimum Lot Size.

Each municipality has a different method of providing information supporting their agendas. Albemarle includes links to support documents within their agenda. Buckingham and Fluvanna both have a support document that goes into great detail on their agenda items. And, Scottsville, well their support document follows the agenda.

This has been a James Exchange Quick Take. I still want to hear from you!

Links to meeting information:

Scottsville Town Council Work Session 2.14 @7:00Agenda

Buckingham Board of Supervisors 2.14 @6:00AgendaPacket

Fluvanna Board of Supervisors 2.16 @7:00AgendaPacket

Albemarle Board of Supervisors 2.16 @1:00 & 6:00Agenda

For those interested in Kelly Kroese’s presentation here is a link:Why Scottsville Cannot Become a Crozet

In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Kelly Kroese on why Scottsville will not become a Crozet. She has developed Scottsville’s five shields protecting the town from unbridled growth.

In last night’s special meeting on the Bird and Blenheim developments, Justin Shimp, representative for the projects, suggested putting Blenheim on the back burner. Town Council will be discussing this at their February 22 meeting.

Lots of good information and discussion to be listened to.

Again, I want to hear from you! If you have a story or point of view on goings on in local government, contact me.

Good Wednesday everyone! Welcome to the James Exchange Quick Take. I am your host, Nancy Gill.

We make mistakes, and I made one in my Sunday Quick Take. The Scottsville Town Council’s special meeting on the Bird and Blenheim special use permits is Thursday, February 10 at 7:00.

The Agenda

In addition to the two special use permits, Dr. Denise Bonds, director of the Blue Ridge Health District (formerly Thomas Jefferson Health District) will discuss how housing and urban planning are a significant issue pertaining to health outcomes. Town Council and staff have demonstrated their commitment to healthy and happy communities through their continued support of HEARR (Health Equity and Access in Rural Regions). I will have more on this at a later date.

In the Planning Commission meeting held this past Monday, the Commissioners recommended the special use permit for the GOCO property to Town Council. Council will now continue the same process with an additional public hearing. This has not been scheduled yet.

Commissioners also voted to hold two public hearings at their March meeting on 474 and 496 Valley Streets. The prospective buyer Carmel Greer, shared her vision with the Commissioners. She would like two Airb&b units at 474 one on the ground level and one on the second floor with a retail space in front of the building. 496 Valley will house another Airb&b unit. She is also in the process of purchasing 330 Valley Street. To learn about her vision, you can view the meeting recording on the Town’s YouTube page. Discussion starts about 1 hour 10 minutes in. In fact, the meeting had so many thoughts and ideas, you may want to listen to all of it.

February 7, 2022 Scottsville Planning Commission meeting.

Albemarle County is looking for community involvement from comments on redistricting to being involved with the future vision of the county. 

Overview of the County’s Engage Albemarle.

Albemarle County Supervisors have opened up discussion on redistricting. They are looking at three different maps. The maps are in the written part of this podcast.

More on redistricting

The maps:

Chime in on Albemarle’s Comprehensive Plan

I want to hear from you! If you have an issue or a story, I would love to hear it. Contact me.

I will be back on Friday with Kroese on Crozet!

Have a great couple of days.

Welcome to a James Exchange Quick Take on upcoming meetings in Town of Scottsville, Buckingham, Fluvanna and Albemarle Counties.  I am your host Nancy Gill. 

February Meetings:

Scottsville Planning Commission: Monday, February 7 starting at 7:00.

* Agenda includes a public hearing on a SUP for 385 East Main Street. This is the GOCO property. 

* New business is reviewing home business regulations defined in the Town’s Zoning Ordinance Section 5.2. On a quick read of this, the intent is to increase the number of employees in addition to those living on the property giving home business owners greater flexibility and brings more economic growth to the town. 

* Two more special use permits are before the commissioners for their review. 474 Valley Street-which formerly housed 1st Dominion Realty and 496 Valley Street or the telephone exchange building. The owner of these two properties would like to establish three airb&bs. Two on the second floor of 474 and one at 496. The ground floor of 474 will be retained for retail space.

Meeting is in hybrid form with public attendance and through Zoom. Zoom Connect Here

Scottsville Town Council: Monday 2/14 Work SessionTuesday 2/15 Special Work Session on two proposed SUPs for Bird and Blenheim housing developmentsTuesday: 2/22 Public Session

Fluvanna Supervisors:Wednesday, 2/16 regular meeting starts at 7:00 with a budget work session at 5:00.

Zoom Connect Here

Buckingham Supervisors and Planning Commission:Supervisors meet on Monday, February 14.Planning Commission on Wednesday February 16.

Albemarle County Supervisors:Supervisors meet on February 16 at 1:00 for their second monthly public meetingAnd on 2/23 at 12:00 for a budget presentation by the County Executive

I will have meeting details when agendas and packets from each governing body is available.

This has been a James Exchange Quick take…Stay tuned for a conversation with Kelly Kroese on the Five Shields of Scottsville!

February has arrived in record time…our days seem to flit by.

Today I had a conversation with Mayor Ron Smith on things Scottsville. We did venture into the Commonwealth’s redistricting. For those interested here are links read the Supreme Court of Virginia’s ruling, to view the redistricting maps, and study the commission’s (Special Masters) quite lengthy report.Virginia Redistricting Commission

Special Masters’ Final Memorandum (pdf) 12/27/2021SCV Final House of Delegates Map (Interactive) SCV Final House of Delegates Maps (PDF)

SCV Final Senate Districts Map (interactive)SCV Final Senate Districts Map (pdf)

SCV Final Congressional District Map (interactive) SCV Final Congressional Districts Map (pdf)

Special Masters’ Final Memorandum (pdf) 12/27/2021