CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: November 15, 2021 Action Required: No Council Action Required Presenter: Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities Staff Contacts: Lauren Hildebrand, Director of Utilities James Freas, Neighborhood Development Services Director Title: Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee 2021 Semi-annual Report Background: In 1986, the Planning and Coordination Council (PACC) was established with the purpose of promoting cooperation in planning and community development among the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia (UVA). As an advisory body, PACC fostered cooperative planning and provided guidance and recommendations for decisions made by the City, the County and UVA. In November 2019, City Council, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors and UVA approved dissolution of the PACC and established the Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee (LUEPC) in order to broaden PACC’s collaboration beyond land use and to include environmental topics and sustainability. Also, LUEPC would allow professional staff to develop solutions on a continuous basis with regularly scheduled reports to leadership of all three entities. LUEPC is intended to be a vehicle to collaborate and coordinate land use and development plans and projects and to consider environmental and infrastructure issues facing the community. Discussion: LUEPC met virtually for the first half of 2021. Last year, the focus of the committee was to establish the charge and order of the committee. This year, the committee has concentrated on project discussion and coordination. The agendas for the monthly meeting are developed around themes – either geographical areas or specific topics such as sustainability. LUEPC’s semi-annual 2021 Report (attached) has been compiled and includes the highlights of the meetings. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: This contributes to Goal 3 of the Strategic Plan: A Beautiful and Sustainable Natural and Built Environment. Community Engagement: The agenda and action items for the LUEPC’s meetings are published on the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission’s website for the community to review. Budgetary Impact: There are no budget impacts. Recommendation: There are no staff recommendations and the report is intended to inform City Council of the LUEPC’s meetings. Attachments: Semi-Annual 2021 Report Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee Semi-Annual 2021 Report The Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee (LUEPC) was established to replace the Planning and Coordination Council (PACC) by the County of Albemarle, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia in 2019. The Committee is intended as a vehicle to share and coordinate land use and development plans and projects; consider environmental and infrastructure issues facing the community; and, from time to time, advance ideas and solutions that support the mutual advantage of these entities. As part of its charge, the Committee shall, not less than twice each year, submit a report summarizing the group’s work. The County, City and the University face similar environmental planning and project challenges. The committee, by its nature, creates opportunities to address these shared challenges by coordinating community messaging and institutional practices. While the focus of the committee last year was establishing the charge and order of business, this year has been focused on project discussions and coordination. The agendas for the monthly meeting are formed around themes – either geographical areas or specific topics such as sustainability. This report will focus on some of the key themes under discussion. The Committee’s meeting agendas, minutes and presentations are posted on the LUEPC website which is hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC): https://vapacc.org/. Charge Statement The Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee is established as a vehicle to share and coordinate land use and development plans and projects; consider environmental and infrastructure issues facing the community; and, from time to time, advance ideas and solutions that support our mutual advantage. The LUEPC may also serve as an advisory committee to the City, County, and UVA. The Committee will meet regularly to discuss timely issues from each entity and share that information with the public and each entity’s senior leadership at biannual updates of all three entities. Through its work, the Committee further seeks to ensure that the actions, policies, and processes of the Committee are reflective of an ongoing commitment by the entities to support an equitable and inclusive community. The Committee defines equity as all community members having access to community benefits and opportunities needed to reach their full potential and to experience optimal well-being and quality of life; inclusion means that all peoples shall be respected and valued as members of this community. The Three-Party Agreement dated May 5, 1986, remains in effect as to land use planning between the City, County and UVA. Meetings January 15, 2021: Fontaine Context Projects • UVA: Elisa Langille, https://virginia.box.com/s/9l2fg95ef1rtjk4rm7vtelm3h6i04gpn Ms. Langille shared the University’s proposed plan for Fontaine Park. The uses for the park would generally remain the same, albeit with increased density and amenities added. The realization of this plan is contingent on further programming decisions and funding availability. • City of Charlottesville: Kyle Kling, https://virginia.box.com/s/o97n9liy923ffhguzwh6pr2rowsoxcc6 Mr. Kling shared the City’s plan to improve the streetscape along Fontaine Avenue. The goals of this project are to improve pedestrian, bicycle and transit opportunities and beautify the corridor entering the City. 2021 Semi-Annual Report, Page 1 • Albemarle County: Jodie Filardo/Kevin McDermott https://virginia.box.com/s/59xnrgwg7txa3xcez6rpndvj17gtzj2a Mr. McDermott discussed the Smart Scale project for the Fontaine Avenue interchange. This project would include improvements to the traffic flow at the intersection of the US 29 Bypass and Fontaine Avenue. This project has been accepted by the CTB for funding, and further information will be announced soon. • Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority: Jennifer Whitaker https://virginia.box.com/s/p4zt5xnrvd9nar11g1rysy5h7fv0sd86 https://virginia.box.com/s/bd9fvrwc5jjtncj88wcu5ujtimzq7bzw Ms. Whitaker shared RWSA’s plans to run a new water line from the Ragged Mountain reservoir to the Observatory Water Treatment Plant along Fontaine Avenue. Maps included provide further details. This project would be constructed 2023 – 2027. February 19, 2021: The Future of Affordable Housing in the Charlottesville/Albemarle County Area • UVA: Consultant Gina Merritt from Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (based in Washington, DC) Presentation Link: https://virginia.box.com/s/f9a98cuupcqrn95gacznpdtfvrxmfoa2 Ms. Merritt, who has been hired as a consultant by the University, presented an overview of UVA’s work to date to support the development of affordable housing in the community. • Albemarle County: Stacy Pethia (Housing Principal Planner for the County) Presentation Link: https://virginia.box.com/s/t6o2qj1th23u16njn3ptr9wy0orvprox Ms. Pethia shared the County’s recommendations for the new housing policy. • City of Charlottesville: Jeanette Janiczek (Urban Construction Initiative Program Manager) Presentation Link: https://virginia.box.com/s/i3c2sfvdne9sky3yc8zlsicyqtccx5by Ms. Janiczek shared the plans for the Belmont Bridge replacement. April 16, 2021: Ivy Road and Context (No March meeting due to multiple conflicts) • UVA: Alice Raucher/Mary Hughes (OAU) https://virginia.box.com/s/2rywr0wosbc1n607bx6v0mqadjky7e8v Ms. Raucher and Ms. Hughes presented the University’s proposed Ivy Corridor project at Emmet Street and Ivy Road. • City of Charlottesville: Kyle Kling https://virginia.box.com/s/sxjg2h3dcmy8d8mbccz700gf513nuwo6 Mr. Kling presented the City of Charlottesville’s proposed improvements to Emmet Street & Barracks Road. • Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority - Rivanna Waterline: Bill Mawyer https://virginia.box.com/s/p3hc98k6kp7yldcduseoxmf97otsuyt4 Mr. Mawyer presented on the proposed updates to the Rivanna waterline from the South Rivanna Reservoir to the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. June 25, 2021: City of Charlottesville Housing update (no May meeting due to UVA graduation) • City of Charlottesville: Alex Ikefuna/Brenda Kelley Presentation Link: https://virginia.box.com/s/o2d9hhykkuseyjh0gtt3jf7yp3qbvt5p Mr. Ikefuna & Ms. Kelley provided updates on the City’s Housing Plan. • Albemarle County: Blake Abplanalp https://virginia.box.com/s/3koxzbl367v7ijzrzgzzz8ftdmg2khdg Ms. Abplanalp presented on the County’s sidewalk/streetscape project for Ivy Road. 2021 Semi-Annual Report, Page 3 July 23, 2021: Community Sustainability Projects • UVA: Andrea Trimble (Director for UVA Office of Sustainability) https://virginia.box.com/s/aqeol6ppylk8xe26s8lh7ibz5fdnpzy2 Ms. Trimble presented on the Governor’s Executive Order 77 (reduction in single use plastics) and the impact it will have for UVA. • RSWA Recycling Updates: Phil McKalips (RSWA Solid Waste Manager) https://virginia.box.com/s/xjbs6evfw5n2tnfkqzft1mbjqxw1y75v Mr. McKalips presented on recycling updates for the RSWA. • UVA: Urban Strategies Consultant Team https://virginia.box.com/s/3b52cv3evz6h06wxxjiks5olhpgunhic USI (Urban Strategies Inc.), who have been hired as consultants by the University, presented goals and an overview of the process of the development of the University’s new Grounds Framework Plan. LUPEC Membership City of Charlottesville Neighborhood Development Services Director Director of Public Works Director of Public Utilities Representative from the City Planning Commission Albemarle County Community Development Director Facility and Environmental Services Director Representative from the County Planning Commission University of Virginia Architect for the University Director of Facilities Management Operations Director of Real Estate and Leasing Services University of Virginia Foundation Director of Design and Development Director of Real Estate Asset Management Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Executive Director END OF DOCUMENT 2021 Semi-Annual Report, Page 3