CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE

Department of Neighborhood Development Services

            City Hall Post Office Box 911
            Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
               Telephone 434-970-3182
                  Fax 434-970-3359
              www.charlottesville.org

 September 24, 2018

 TO:   Charlottesville Planning Commission, Neighborhood Associations &
       News Media




       Please Take Notice
 A Work Session of the Charlottesville Planning Commission will be held on
 Tuesday October 2, 2018 at 5:00pm in the NDS Conference Room (610
 East Market Street)

                                         AGENDA

                        1.   East High Streetscape Presentation
                        2.   2018 Comprehensive Plan
                               a. Plans for Land Use Chapter
                               b. Survey Status
                               c. Review of Draft chapters (Transportation, Economy,
                                   Environment)
                        3.   Public Comment



 cc:   City Council
       Mike Murphy
       Alexander Ikefuna
       Planners
       Jeff Werner, Camie Mess
       Stacy Pethia, Tierra Howard, Lisa Robertson
                  City of Charlottesville
                  Planning Commission



October 2, 2018
Tonight’s Agenda
Agenda
         Process/Schedule
         Public Engagement Overview
         Conceptual Design Review
         Review for Comprehensive Plan Consistency
         Next Steps
Process/Schedule
     Project Overview
                                                                                               Total Budget:                $5.59 Million
 Funded in 2016 through                                                                    (Not including potential underground utility betterment)

 Multimodal improvements including:
        Wider sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping,
         ADA and pedestrian improvements,
         wayfinding and signal upgrades.
        Evaluate undergrounding overhead utilities
 E. Market Street
        From 7th Street to 9th Street
 9th Street
        From E. Market Street to E. High Street
 E. High Street
        From 9th Street to 10th Street
 City hires Kimley-Horn for design.
https://smartportal.virginiahb2.org/#/public/applications/2017/hb2/view/F1-0000000187-R01
Connection to Belmont Bridge Replacement
Connection to Belmont Bridge Replacement
Strategic Investment Area (SIA Plan)
                  Purpose of the SIA Plan
                  “To initiate a transformational process to engage stakeholders,
                  city staff, and members of the greater community in the future
                  of the Strategic Investment Area.”


                     To provide guidance for future redevelopment
                      and investment in the area
                     To provide guidance for improvements to
                      affordable housing, including existing public and
                      assisted housing
                     To provide guidance for improved connections
                      throughout the area
                     To provide recommend strategies for expanding
                      employment opportunities within the SIA
Process/Schedule




                   We are here!
Public Engagement Overview
Steering Committee
 • David Katz            Belmont Carlton Neighborhood Association
 • Lena Seville          Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
 • Rosamond Casey        Little High Neighborhood Association
 • Greg Jackson          Little High Neighborhood Association
 • Eberhard Jehle        Martha Jefferson Neighborhood Association
 • Michael Wheelwright   North Downtown Neighborhood Association
 • Lisa Green            Planning Commission and Entrance Corridor
 • Brian Menard          Tree Commission
 • Carl Schwarz          Board or Architectural Review
 • Chris Henry           PLACE Committee
Website - https://www.easthighstreetscape.org/
Outreach & Engagement                              Since March 2018


 1,000+      touch points   17,500+     individual data points   500+    written comments


Steering Committee Meeting #1
                                          Key Takeaways
Streetscape Summit
                                          o Overall, pedestrian facilities and multimodal
MetroQuest Survey                           mobility is a priority
Future Steering Committee Meetings        o Desire to provide a safe and walkable street that
Open House                                  enhances neighborhood connections

Presentations to Boards & Commissions
                                          o Utilize design features and proposed amenities
                                            to enhance the overall environment for all users
Public Hearing
EastHighStreetscape.org
Steering Committee Meeting #1
Common Themes and Key Takeaways
• Key Words | safety, gateway, walkable                               Expectations
• Strengths | location, connections                                   travel options, connectivity, land use/design
• Challenges | traffic, balancing modes
                              How would you rank the topics?                                How important is the topic?
• Priorities                                                    1.0      2.0              3.0              4.0                     5.0


   1. Pedestrian Facilities            Pedestrian Facilities     1                                                           4.8
                                               Landscaping       3                                                     4.5
   2. Landscaping
                                           Bicycle Facilities    2                                               4.3
   3. Bicycle Facilities             Signage & Wayfinding        6                                       4.0

   4. Traffic and                   Traffic & Travel Speeds      4                                       4.0
      Travel Speeds            Other (utilities/stormwater)      8                                       4.0
                                    Bus Stops & Amenities        7                                 3.8
                                                    Lighting     5                                 3.8
                                     Public Art & Branding       9                  2.9
Streetscape Summit
                     Information Wall


                     One Word
                     Priority Pyramid
                     Thought Wall
                     Strong Places/Weak Places
                     Visual Preference
                     Street Builder

                     Walkabouts
Streetscape Summit
Common Themes and Key Takeaways
• Key Words | safe, pedestrian-friendly, welcoming
• Priorities
   1. Pedestrian Facilities
                                Same priorities as the Steering Committee
   2. Landscaping
                                MQ participants had these in the top 5
   3. Bicycle Facilities        with Lighting also included
   4. Traffic and
      Travel Speeds
• Preferred Features | buffered bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, trees
• Other | Lexington / High intersection frequently mentioned as an issue
MetroQuest Survey                                        530           participants

Common Themes and Key Takeaways                         13,495         individual data points

                                                         380           written comments
• Many comments used words such as simple,             4/18 to 5/31    survey period
  functional, aesthetic, and accessible to
  describe the ideal streetscape.                      How they use          Relationship with
• Most people prioritize design features that          the corridor.   Drive      the corridor.
                                                                        337
  directly relate to the movement of people      300
                                                                Walk
  (regardless of mode). Ancillary investments                   268                     265
                                                                                 240
  such as branding, public art, and wayfinding   200



  typically rated lower.                                 Bike
                                                 100

• Enhanced design requests typically focused             106
  on buffering bicyclists and pedestrians from    0

  traffic.                                                                      Live    Work
                                                                              Nearby    Downtown
Open House
Common Themes and Key Takeaways
• Opinions differed on whether to allocate space
  to bicyclists (bike lane and bike lane buffer)
  or landscaping (planting strip).
• Pedestrian crossings are important,
  particularly at East Jefferson Street.
• Support given to limiting access at Lexington
  Avenue (left-in/right-in/right-out).
• Support given to limiting access at the
  CFA Institute, however several comments
  expressed a lack of opinion.
Conceptual Design Review
Refined Alternative
Refined Alternative                                                                                                                                         ~
                                                                                                                                                            EAST HIGH
                                                                                                                                                            STREETSCAPE




                                                          I




 _     ..
 s:CTION A   rvtARKET ST SET\l'/EEN STH ST. ANO 7TH ST.




                                                              SECTI O ~J 0 - EAST HIGH ST. BEJ\NEEN 91/2 ST.
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                                                                                    ,,....-------------------------; ~        ...       Kimley(l)Hom
Open Design Items
Potential Alignment Shift
Shifting the Alignment to the south, east of Lexington will allow for a planting
space along the North side of the road
Review for Comprehensive Plan
         Consistency
 Meets Transportation Goals - Summary
Existing Conditions
   • Inconsistent sidewalk widths             • No designated on-street bicycle facility
   • Inconsistent intersection crossing       • Multiple driveway cuts cause for multiple
     distances and pedestrian facilities        vehicular conflict points
   • Roadway widths are not consistent with   • Roadway widths are not consistent with
     urban conditions                           urban conditions
   • Unorganized landscape when present       • Right hand turn lane onto High St.
Proposed Conditions
   • Minimum 6’ sidewalk width throughout     • Implemented access management to
     the corridor                               improve vehicular travel
   • Consistent bicycle facility, transitioning to • Appropriate ADA improvements throughout
     the proposed Belmont Bridge project             the corridor
   • Consistent landscape                     • Realigned Lexington Ave.
   • Removed dedicated right turn lane onto • Reduced crossing distances at Locust/10th
     High St.
  Meets Transportation Goals - Summary
 Meets - Transportation Goals
     Goal 1: Increase safe, convenient and pleasant accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities that
      improve the quality of life within the community and within individual neighborhoods.

     1.2: Provide convenient and safe pedestrian connections within ¼ miles of all commercial and employment centers, transit
      routes, schools and parks.


     1.3 : Provide design features on roadways, such as street trees within buffers, street furniture and sidewalk widths that improve
      the safety and comfort level of all users and contribute to the City’s environmental goals.


     1.4: Explore and implement safe, convenient and visually attractive crossing alternatives to enable pedestrians and bicycles to
      cross major thoroughfares

     1.5: Continue to include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in conjunction with the planning and design of all major road
      projects, all new development and road paving projects

     1.6 : Consistently apply ADA standards to facility design and ensure that accessible curb ramps exist at all pedestrian crossings
      where conditions allow.
Meets Urban Design Goals - Summary
  • Based on public comment, streetscape elements are functional, being accessible to all
    modes and abilities
  • The project will be coordinated with AASHTO, VDOT, and City of Charlottesville design
    standards
  • Provides for upgraded pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including upgrading multi-modal
    connections from the pedestrian mall in downtown Charlottesville to the Martha Jefferson,
    Little High, and North Downtown neighborhoods
  • With the removal of the right turn lane onto High St., it provides for the opportunity to
    incorporate additional space into the pedestrian zone of the streetscape.
  • Consolidated driveway openings remove multiple conflict points with both pedestrians and
    bicycles
  • Extensive public involvement to arrive at the preferred design
  Meets Urban Design Goals - Summary
 Meets - Urban Design Goals
     Goal 1: Continue Charlottesville’s history of architectural and design excellence by maintaining existing traditional features while
      encouraging creative, context-sensitive, contemporary planning and design

     1.1: Emphasize the importance of public buildings, public spaces, and other public improvements as opportunities to promote a
      sense of place and a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

     1.2: Promote Charlottesville’s diverse architectural and cultural heritage by recognizing, respecting, and enhancing the distinct
      characteristics of each neighborhood.

     1.3: Facilitate development of nodes of density and vitality in the City’s Mixed Use Corridors, and encourage vitality, pedestrian
      movement, and visual interest throughout the City.

     1.4: Develop pedestrian-friendly environments in Charlottesville that connect neighborhoods to community facilities, to
      commercial areas and employment centers, and that connect neighborhoods to each other, to promote a healthier community.

     1.5: Encourage community vitality and interaction through the incorporation of art in public spaces, neighborhoods, signage,
      and gateways.

     1.6: Encourage the incorporation of meaningful public spaces, defined as being available to the general public, into urban design
      efforts.

     1.7: Promote design excellence for public projects and installations at all scales.
                  Thank You!
                  Questions?




October 2, 2018
 Key
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TRANSPORTATION DRAFT CHAPTER                                                                      AUG 2018

Overall Transportation System Goal: Develop a safe, equitable, and efficient transportation system
that provides a range of transportation choices for all roadway users; reduces single occupancy
vehicle travel (from 60 percent to 50 percent for commuters); enhances residents’ quality of life;
facilitates development in appropriate locations; supports a strong, diverse economy; conserves
natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. [May need modification as land use plan
evolves. All objectives would be adjusted as needed.]
Complete Streets
Create and maintain a connected network of Increase safe, convenient and pleasant accommodations
for pedestrians, bicyclists and people with disabilities and transportation facilities for people of all
ages and abilities that improve quality of life within the community and within individual
neighborhoods.

1.1: Continue to implement the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and Streets that Work Plan to
facilitate bicycle and pedestrian travel within the City and provide regular updates on plan
implementation.

1.2 Strive to provide convenient and safe pedestrian connections within 1/4 miles of within all
commercial and employment centers, transit routes, schools and parks.

1.3 Continue to implement the Streets that Work Plan, providing recommended design features from
the Streets that Work Plan along on roadways, such as street trees within buffers, street furniture and
sidewalk widths that improve the safety and comfort level of all users and contribute to the City’s
environmental goals.

1.4: Explore and implement safe, convenient and visually attractive crossing alternatives (including
signal timing improvements) to enable pedestrians and bicyclists to cross major thoroughfares.

1.5: Continue to include bicycle, and pedestrian, and transit (including pupil transit) accommodations in
conjunction with the planning and design of all major road projects, all new development and road
paving projects.

1.6: Consistently apply universal design features (including ADA standards as outlined in to facility design
per the ADA Transition Plan) and ensure that sidewalks are free of obstructions and accessible curb
ramps exist at all pedestrian crossings where conditions allow.
1.7: Examine Review and update the Standards and Design Manual to better incorporate Complete
Street and Living Street design features in the public right of way.

1.8: Coordinate with public schools to implement the Safe Routes to School Activities and Programs plan
within for every public school in the City.

1.9: Seek to expand and anticipate traffic calming where applicable throughout the City in collaboration
with neighborhood residents and as part of the development process.

1.10: Require new development and redevelopment projects, where applicable, to provide temporary
bicycle and pedestrian access when such access is affected by the development.

1.11: Consider the impacts that emerging technologies (e.g., ride sharing, autonomous cars, online
goods delivery, electric vehicles, etc. ) may have on the future capacity needs of the transportation
network, environmental sustainability goals of the City, as well as their potential impacts on land use
planning/design. Develop policies and programs to promote the use of such technologies as
appropriate.

Land Use & Community Design
Goal 2: Improve transportation options and quality of life through land use, and community design
techniques, and an effective, high frequency transit system.

Goal 2: Improve quality of life and promote active living by reducing automobile congestion and
expanding multi-modal transportation options within and between nodes identified in the Future
Land Use Plan.

2.1: Provide convenient and safe bicycle, and pedestrian, and transit connections between new and
existing residential developments, employment areas and other activity centers to promote the options
of walking, biking, or and using public transportation.

2.2: Encourage new street connections and alternate traffic patterns where appropriate to distribute
traffic volumes across a network and reduce trip lengths for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and private
vehicles.

2.3: Improve walking and biking conditions by discouraging and/or minimizing curb cuts for driveways,
garages, etc. in new development and redevelopment.

2.4: Encourage a mix of uses in the Downtown and other strategically important nodes identified on the
Future Land Use Map priority locations, such as along identified transit corridors and other key
roadways, to facilitate multimodal travel and increase cost‐effectiveness of future service.

2.5: Update city regulations (zoning, Standards and Design Manual) where appropriate to consider
facilitate enable design techniques that allow for encourage urban scale and, walkable communities.
where appropriate

2.6: Promote urban design techniques, such as placing parking behind buildings, encouraging active,
uses at the ground floor level along key street frontages, reducing setbacks where appropriate, and
increasing network connectivity, to create a more pedestrian friendly streetscape and to reduce speeds
on high volume roadways.
2.7: Encourage businesses new developments to provide on‐site amenities such as transit shelters and,
bicycle storage (racks/lockers), and shower/locker room facilities to promote alternative transit
transportation options for their residents/workers/customers.

2.8: Consider efficient and effective Transportation System Management (TSM) techniques during
transportation planning and scoping of projects.

2.9 2.8: Reduce parking requirements in the Downtown and other strategically important nodes
identified on the Future Land Use Map when a development proposal includes Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) strategies that can be demonstrated to reduce trip making to and from the
development.

2.10: Develop a GIS‐based map of all city owned undeveloped land and rights of way, to inform bicycle
and pedestrian improvements.



2.11 2.9: Encourage UVA and other major employers, like the City of Charlottesville and Charlottesville
City School Division, to work in partnership with developers and real estate professionals to expand
workforce housing opportunities within close proximity of the employer, either by foot, bike or transit
with emphasis on Downtown and other strategically important nodes identified on the Future Land Use
Map.

2.10 Support public transportation and non‐motorized travel through the design and development of
mixed‐use projects in the Downtown and other areas identified on the Future Land use Map. The road
design and site design (including the location of parking, transit stops, pedestrian facilities, and secure
bicycle parking), and other facilities should be supportive of public transportation usage and non‐
motorized travel

Arterial Roadway Network
Efficient Mobility

Goal 43: Maintain a safe and efficient transportation system to provide mobility and access to support
the economic development goals of the city.

Goal 3: Improve mobility and safety of the arterial roadway network.

3.1: Continue to encourage local employers to use Travel Demand Management (TDM) techniques, such
as flexible work hours and financial incentives for using alternative modes of commuting, to preserve
the traffic‐moving capacity of the arterial roadway network.

3.2 3.1 Continue to use Expand the use of Transportation System Management techniques such as
Intelligent Transportation Systems to coordinate traffic signals, and communicate emergencies, weather
and incidents to drivers.

3.3 3.2 Develop Adopt VDOT Access Management standards for new development and redevelopment
along primary entrance corridors.

3.4: Identify multimodal solutions to reduce single occupancy vehicle use.

3.3: Identify additional roadway connections to improve the connectivity of streets.
Efficient Mobility
Goal 4: Maintain an efficient transportation system that provides the mobility and access
that supports the economic development goals of the city.

4.1 3.4: Establish designated truck routes within the City.

4.2 3.5: Minimize the effects of congestion on commuters and the movement of goods
through such strategies as: signal coordination, parking management techniques that reduce
the need to circle for a parking spot, encouragement of off‐peak deliveries, exploring
opportunities to integrate new technology and promotion of sustainable modes of
transportation

4.3: Prioritize funding for regular maintenance to preserve and sustain investments in our
transportation system connections to improve the connectivity of streets.

4.4: Consider the impacts that emerging technologies in transportation (e.g., autonomous
cars,online goods delivery, electric vehicles, etc.) may have on the future capacity needs of
the transportation network.

3.6 Explore shared motor vehicle service and bike share for the Downtown and University
areas and eventually an interconnected ring of neighborhood nodes.

3.7: Continue to encourage local employers to use Travel Demand Management (TDM)
techniques, such as flexible work hours, individualized trip planning, parking cash out and
other financial incentives for using alternative modes of commuting, to preserve the traffic‐
moving capacity of the arterial roadway network.

3.8: Promote and market public transit, ridesharing, bicycling and walking with all potential
users.

Parking Supply and Management
Goal 5 Goal 4: Provide parking to adequately meet demand and support economic vitality
without sacrificing aesthetics, while minimizing environmental impacts and accommodating
pedestrians, bicycles, transit users and disabled individuals.

5.1: Continue to provide bicycle parking at public buildings and explore opportunities to provide
bicycle parking within public right‐of‐way to support local businesses.

4.1: Complete a comprehensive study of City parking supply, demand and parking policies.

5.2: Work with University of Virginia officials to encourage students, faculty and staff to live closer to
the University or to use alternative modes of transportation wherever they live.

4.2: Identify, evaluate and adopt appropriate “best practices” for parking management to
more effectively manage parking resources.
5.3: Encourage employers to provide incentives for employees who do not drive to work.

5.4 4.3: Provide public parking to maintain the vitality of the City while using pricing strategies and
coordinated locations of parking to encourage use of transit, walking and bicycling.

5.5 4.4: Explore options for park‐and‐ride lots/park and bike at nodes on the city’s perimeter
and examine updates to the zoning regulations to facilitate parking exempt zones. Utilize the
zoning regulations to promote sound private parking facility supply and design by private
developers.
5.6 4.5 Explore shared motor vehicle service and bike share for the Downtown and University
areas and eventually an interconnected ring of neighborhood nodes.
5.7 4.6: Examine investment in municipal, shared parking facilities in targeted mixed use
corridors in an effort to encourage redevelopment.


5.8 4.7: Develop suburban park and ride/park and bike facilities and provide express transit service to
and from these during peak demand periods to reduce traffic congestion into and out of the City’s urban
core and employment areas.

4.8: Continue to provide bicycle parking at public buildings and facilities and explore opportunities to
provide within public right‐of‐way to support local businesses.

4.9: Examine and develop policies and prioritization criteria for City‐supported integration of electric
vehicle charging into the available parking supply.

4.10: Develop consistent signage and minimum design standards for electric vehicle charging for
integration into the Standards and Design Manual.

Transit System
Goal 6 Goal 5: Create a transit system that increases local and regional mobility and provides a reliable
and efficient alternative for Charlottesville’s citizens.
6.1 5.1: Continue to expand transit service and increase ridership by providing more frequent service
and a longer span of service on all routes connecting nodes indicated on the Future Land Use Plan such
that these areas of the city are served by transit in a manner that is equivalent to the time it takes to
drive.
.
6.2 5.2: Evaluate transit services, including attention to Sunday and after‐dark bus service and route
restructuring, and update the City‐wide transit plan.

6.3 5.3: Continue to work with Albemarle County and the TJPDC to develop a transit system that
adequately serves the residents of the entire Charlottesville‐Albemarle community. This includes the
continued study of light rail, express bus routes, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).*
6.4 5.4: Work closely with state government, regional organizations and adjacent jurisdictions to support
transit‐oriented and transit‐accessible employment throughout the region.

6.5 5.5: Accommodate the travel needs of all residents and employees, including low‐income
populations, the elderly and those with disabilities.

6.6 5.6: Require the development of transit‐oriented/supportive developments at strategic nodes
identified on the Future Land Use Map.

6.7 5.7: Explore the Begin to development of a plan for a dedicated funding source to support transit
development and operation of high frequency service on all routes with emphasis on routes/ corridors
connecting downtown and other strategically important nodes identified on the Future Land Use Map.

6.8 5.8: Work closely with new developments to provide an accessible path from nearby transit stops
to an accessible entrance of the site/building.


6.9 5.9: Work with appropriate agencies to evaluate the use of Intelligent Transportation System
(ITS)/transit signal priority to promote transit efficiency.

6.10 5.10: Explore innovative approaches to increasing ridership of public transit, especially for
firsttime riders.

5.11 Incorporate bus stops to the maximum extent possible to food access points including, emergency
food banks, soup kitchens, nutritional services, community and school gardens, farmers markets, and
grocery stores.

Regional Transportation
Goal 7 Goal 6: Continue to work with appropriate governing bodies to create a robust regional
transportation network.

7.1 6.1: Actively work with VDOT, VDRPT, TJPDC and the Regional Transit Partnership (RTP), Albemarle
County, JAUNT, and the University of Virginia to develop a regional transportation network in the
surrounding the City and surrounding areas.

7.2 6.2: Evaluate regional transportation network priorities surrounding the City in MPO plans.

7.3 6.3: Actively work with the MPO to collect information regarding regional travel patterns, such as
origin destination data and bicycle and pedestrian counts to improve access to destinations within the
City and region emphasizing the Downtown area and other strategically important nodes identified on
the Future Land Use Map.

7.4 6.4: Increase communication and cooperation among the City, County, Institutes of higher
education, interest groups, developers and the public to develop and enhance recreational and
transportation trails to ensure consistency of bicycle and pedestrian facilities across City‐County
boundaries, as well as encourage commuting and other travel by these active transportation nodes.
7.5 6.5: Continue to work with the TJPDC, Albemarle County and VDOT on design to advance
solutions for the Route 29 corridor, such as intersection improvements at Hydraulic/29 grade‐
separated interchanges and parallel road networks that balance the needs of both local and regional
traffic, as well as people walking and biking.

7.6 6.6: Encourage existing and new employment and business uses on routes/ corridors connecting
downtown and other strategically important nodes identified on the Future Land Use Map to
support alternative travel modes by participating in the region’s Rideshare and car/vanpooling
programs.

7.7 6.7: Work with regional partners and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
(DRPT) to support existing AMTRAK rail service in Charlottesville and examine future demand for
and feasibility of additional AMTRAK rail service for Charlottesville and the Lynchburg corridor. prior
to the Roanoke Extension project.

6.8: Work with regional partners to support the Charlottesville Area Regional Airport.


Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure
Goal 8 Goal 7: Develop sustainable transportation infrastructure by designing, constructing,
installing, using and maintaining Manage the city’s transportation assets and equipment in efficient,
innovative and environmentally responsible ways.

8.1 7.1: Integrate best management practices into all aspects of the city’s transportation andfacility
maintenance activities.

8.2 7.2 Develop policies and strategies, including collaboration with partnering organizations, to
incorporate sustainable transportation infrastructure green infrastructure, such as low‐impact
development, street trees and green stormwater management strategies, as an integral part of
transportation planning.

8.3 Develop strategies to assess the cost‐effectiveness of using sustainable transportation infrastructure
green infrastructure instead of traditional alternatives for specific projects and ensure that the
multifunctional benefits of sustainable transportation infrastructure green infrastructure are considered
in cost‐benefit analyses.

8.4 7.3: Continue to perform regular maintenance and assess life‐cycle costs on existing transportation‐
related equipment and facilities to maximize capital investment and minimize air, water and noise
pollution.

8.5 7.4: Where feasible, use alternative energy sources to power equipment, such as solar powered
beacons, EV charging infrastructure, and electric buses generators and battery storage for lighting.

8.6Develop a plan to replace City owned vehicles with more environmentally friendly vehicles.

7.5 Explore options for alternative fuel systems to optimize fleet efficiency (including transit and school
buses).
8.7 Consider the impacts that emerging technologies in transportation (e.g., autonomous cars, online
goods delivery, electric vehicles, etc.) may have on the environmental sustainability goals of the City.

7.6: Consider and report on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impacts of bicycles, pedestrians,
public transit, fossil fuel based automobiles, and electric vehicles, in light of the City’s GHG emission
reduction commitments.

7.7 Explore policies and programs to promote and allow integration of electric vehicle charging
infrastructure within Charlottesville.

Infrastructure Funding
Goal 9 Goal 8: Identify and seek new sources of sustainable funding mechanisms for the
maintenance of existing infrastructure and facilities and future development of the
transportation system.

8.1 Maintain and improve infrastructure with local funds to develop walking, biking and transit
connections to and from nodes indicated on the Future Land Use Plan.

8.2: Prioritize funding for regular maintenance to preserve and sustain investments in our
transportation system

9.1 8.3 Identify additional funding sources for transportation improvements including grants,
public/private partnerships and potential system operations revenues.

9.2 8.4: Work with the MPO to Create a regional advocacy group that brings all jurisdictions together
to push for evaluate statewidechanges in transportation funding and propose necessary revisions. and
to lobby the General Assembly for additional funding/enabling authority to do so.

9.3 8.5: Coordinate the funding and development of transportation facilities with regional
transportation and land use plans and with planned public and private investments.

9.48.6: Explore the possibility of establishing a Transportation District or impact fee service areas for
road improvement projects and determine the feasibility of implementing them on routes/ corridors
connecting downtown and other strategically important nodes identified on the Future Land Use Map.

9.5 8.7: Make developers and UVA aware of new trail linkages needed and seek opportunities for
private donations of trail easements and construction of trail enhancements such as bridges or
interpretive signage.

9.6 8.8: Pursue funding through state and federal grant programs to support multimodal
transportation planning and the integration of transportation and land use.
Key
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Strikethrough = Deleted text (Sample)

Double strikethough = Text moved to different section (Sample)

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ECONOMIC SUSTAINABLITY DRAFT CHAPTER                                                             AUG 2018


Vision
A strong economy is essential to the social, cultural and financial vitality of our city. Public and private
initiatives help create employment opportunities and a vibrant and sustainable economy. The City of
Charlottesville is committed to creating a strong, diversified economy and an environment that provides
career ladder employment opportunities for residents. At its best, Charlottesville is a community with an
effective workforce development system and a business-friendly environment that supports
entrepreneurship; innovation; heritage tourism; and commercial, mixed use, and infill development; and
access to a growing array of diverse employment and career ladder opportunities for all.

Innovation
Goal 1: Create an entrepreneurial environment that fosters the creation and success of businesses.*

1.1: Work with partners to help entrepreneurs identify locations/sites where they can successfully start
and grow their companies.*

1.2: Continue partnerships with the University of Virginia and its affiliated groups, greater central
Virginia and other large metro areas in the state in order to maximize the business assistance resources
available to entrepreneurs and expand innovative industry locations in Charlottesville.*

1.3: Partner with community organizations to provide relevant training opportunities for startup
businesses.*

1.4: Work strategically to continue to develop and implement land use policies and regulations that
ensure the availability of sites for business growth and expansion.*

Sustaining Business
Goal 2: Generate, recruit, and retain successful businesses.

2.1: In order to retain existing businesses, develop and implement a talent development strategy
to attract skilled professionals to Charlottesville.
2.2: Continue business visitation program to regularly assess the health of our existing businesses.

2.3: Partner with business assistance agencies and local non-profits to provide training
opportunities that will help businesses achieve greater success.*

2.4: Increase the number of SWaM certified businesses that are registered vendors with the City
of Charlottesville
2.5: Work with Albemarle County and local educational institutions to ensure that economic and
workforce development efforts are appropriately aligned to foster business recruitment and
retention in the Charlottesville area.

2.6: Continue methods of delivering business assistance to customers that use the latest
technology.

2.7: Develop and implement a marketing effort that informs residents and businesses about the
products and services offered by the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development.

Partnerships
Goal 3: Build partnerships with private sector groups in order to maximize strategic capital
investment in targeted areas in the City.

3.1: Encourage the development of the City’s key commercial corridors and surrounding sites
(such as West Main Street, Preston Avenue, Harris Street and Cherry Avenue).*

3.2: Proactively participate in planning and development studies such as small area plans,
particularly as they relate to economic development opportunities in strategic areas
throughout the City.*

3.3: Participate with internal and external stakeholders to implement the Strategic Investment
Area plan.

3.4: Align zoning ordinances to facilitate economic activity in new areas of commercial
opportunity identified in the updated future land use map.*

3.5: Work to ensure that newly aligned City ordinances and regulations balance the need to
promote development opportunities and competing interests.*

3.6: Explore appropriate incentives for development projects with significant economic impact,
with particular emphasis on target industries and those industries that directly address the need
for more career ladder job opportunities that will help move City residents towards self-sufficiency
(e.g., light manufacturing, semi-skilled trades, etc.). *

Tourism
Goal 4: Increase tourism to help expand the positive economic impact visitors have on the City.

4.1: “Continue collaborative engagement with partners, stakeholders and influencers in the City of
Charlottesville and Albemarle County, to raise awareness of the area’s rich artistic, ethnic, cultural,
and lifestyle LBGTQ community’s diversity through marketing that inspires travel from out-of-area.
As the official destination marketing organization for both the city and county, this engagement is
ongoing.”

4.2: Seek out opportunities for public-private partnerships in the provision of infrastructure
that supports the tourism industry.
4.3: Explore ways of creating recreational access routes to our community’s heritage and
cultural sitesto enhance their efforts on Charlottesville’s economy.


Downtown Mall
Goal 5: Maintain the economic vitality of the Downtown Mall and surrounding areas. The Downtown
Mall, as the focal point hub of the region, features a vibrant historic district with arts and
entertainment, shopping, dining, cultural events, and a dynamic City Market.

5.1: Monitor the need for additional parking as new development occurs, with particular attention
to parking needs downtown and along the West Main corridor.

5.2: Partner with University of Virginia and all other adjacent property owners and residents for
continued implementation of the West Main Street Plan.

5.3: Continue to encourage private sector developers to implement plans from the commercial
corridor study.

5.4: Evaluate the effects of mixed-use development and changing demographics on the downtown
area. Continue to support and maintain the Downtown Mall, as not only the economic and cultural
hub of the City, but a central place that encourages diversity through activities, goods, and services.

Workforce
Goal 6: Be an effective partner in creating a well-prepared and successful workforce.
6.1: Continue to explore programs for City of Charlottesville youth that will expose them to
the principles of financial literacy, economics, and entrepreneurship.

6.2: Provide support for educational programs that will prepare City students for 21st
century jobs in our area’s target industries.*

6.3: Develop educational programs/training that target jobs that are in high demand to
ensure that the local workforce has the qualifications needed to find employment within
these industries.*

6.4: Explore programs/initiatives that offer skilled trades training for City residents. Nurture
and expand employment opportunities within this industry.*

6.5: Partner with local workforce service providers to offer retraining opportunities for City
residents in order to increase their chances of gaining employment in new and emerging
industries.

6.6: In collaboration with workforce development agencies in the area, provide recruitment
events/activities (e.g., job fairs, conferences, etc.) that connect employers with potential
employees of all ages and skill levels.
6.6: Collaborate with workforce service providers to help City residents overcome barriers
to employment such as basic education and training, transportation, childcare, etc.

6.7: Continue to operate the Charlottesville Downtown Job Center to ensure that all City
residents have access to employment services and training opportunities that will help
them meet local employers’ workforce needs.

6.8: Continue to implement the Workforce Development Strategic Action Team report,
“Growing Opportunity: A Path to Self-Sufficiency in Charlottesville.”
Urban Environmental Sustainability Chapter

Vision

Charlottesville will be a “Green City,” with clean and healthy air and water, sustainable neighborhoods,
ample open space and natural areas that balance increased development and density in residential and
economic centers, and walkable, bikeable, and transit supportive land use patterns that encourage
healthy lifestyles.

Urban Landscape & Habitat Enhancement
Goal 1: Pursue healthy, interconnected urban ecosystems that that deliver valuable ecosystem
services.

         1.1: Use green infrastructure to improve stormwater management, flood mitigation, air and
         water quality, habitat, connectivity, livability, and aesthetics.

         1.2: Improve stream and vegetated buffer conditions to increase wildlife and aquatic habitat,
         groundwater recharge and stream base flow, decrease stream temperature, provide a food
         source for aquatic organisms, improve water quality by decreasing sedimentation, and improve
         environmental aesthetics.

         1.3: Promote and participate in programs to establish conservation or open space easements of
         forested stream‐side lands to ensure permanent protection.

Goal 2: Promote practices that contribute to a robust urban forest.

         2.1: Continue to implement the Urban Forest Management Plan to protect quality of air, water
         and lands, manage stormwater, provide shading and absorb CO2 including addressing invasive
         species, diversity, and distribution.

         2.2: Monitor and protect and expand the urban tree canopy cover both at the citywide level and
         at the neighborhood level and to inform planning and management.

         2.3: Include trees, as practicable, in all city priority streetscape plans (e.g., framework streets,
         safe routes to school, Strategic Investment Areas); work to preserve existing healthy trees
         whenever streets are modified.

         2.4: Develop methods, including financial incentives, to support retaining and increasing
         healthy tree canopy on private lands.

         2.5: Study site plan requirements to update them with increased tree protection elements.

         2.6: Use the 2017 Green Infrastructure Possible Planting Areas analysis to inform efforts aimed
         at tree planning opportunities.

Goal 3: Support diverse native plant communities and wildlife habitats as a core function of the urban
landscape.
        3.1: Continue public stewardship of city lands and associated habitats through showcase
        conservation and improvement projects and education.

        3.2: Plant and promote use of regionally‐adapted, native, and drought tolerant plants, including
        as part of turf‐to‐forest conversions and pollinator gardens.*

        3.3: Support the conservation of local and regional biodiversity, and promote the protection and
        enhancement of natural plant communities and wildlife habitat.

        3.4: Manage invasive plant and animal species in support of healthy native plant and animal
        communities.

Water Resources Protection

Goal 4: Protect, enhance, and restore the integrity of the City’s water resources.

        4.1: Continue to implement the Water Resources Protection Program (WRPP) to meet a range of
        water resources goals and challenges; including regulatory compliance, stormwater conveyance
        infrastructure rehabilitation, drainage issues, and water quality stewardship.

        4.2: Implement the Water Resources Master Plan capital improvement programs (CIPs) to make
        drainage and water quality improvements and comply with federal and state‐mandated
        pollutant reductions required as part of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

        4.3: Repair, enhance, and maintain the City’s stormwater management and conveyance
        infrastructure, utilizing green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) where practicable.

        4.5: Explore the appropriateness of watershed scale compliance strategies to meet project and
        site specific stormwater management regulatory requirements without exacerbating adverse
        impacts to waterways with existing water quality impairments.

        4.6: Reduce loss of open waterways and associated natural habitats by discouraging additional
        underground piping of city streams; encouraging daylighting of piped streams.

        4.7: Educate, encourage, and incentivize property owners to implement water resources
        stewardship practices, with a focus on retrofitting sites that lack adequate stormwater
        treatment.

        4.8: Provide technical assistance and educational outreach regarding water resources
        stewardship for private property owners.

        4.9: Collaborate and cooperate with Rivanna watershed stakeholders, including Albemarle
        County, University of Virginia, residents, businesses, developers and community groups focusing
        on watershed and stormwater management, including education and outreach efforts

        4.10: Continue public acquisition of natural areas along waterways to enable management
        strategies that protect water and habitat quality.
Goal 5: Value the Rivanna River as a major natural asset with unique waterfront opportunities.

       5.1: Promote a harmonious balance of riverine ecosystem services, recreation, and
       development that supports health, safety, and prosperity.

       5.2: Restore the Rivanna River to a healthy condition within our ecosystem through
       improvement of habitat, watershed health and water quality.

       5.3: Develop an action‐oriented Rivanna River Corridor Plan in conjunction with Albemarle
       County.*

       5.4: Ensure that planning for future land and recreational uses along the Rivanna River
       adequately protects water quality.

GHG Emissions and Energy

Goal 6: Reduce community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the overall carbon footprint, thereby
safeguarding human and planetary health.

       6.1: Set an ambitious GHG emissions reduction goal in line with the Paris Climate Agreement;
       establish intermediate goals to be tracked via regular updates to the GHG emission inventory.

       6.2: Per the commitments made by joining the Compact of Mayors (now merged with Global
       Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy) in 2017, publically report GHG inventory data for
       the city as well as climate hazards and vulnerabilities faced by the city, set a GHG emissions
       reduction goal, and develop a climate action plan to address climate change mitigation and
       adaptation.

       6.3: Develop a climate action plan and GHG emissions reduction goal that spans community
       sectors, geographic boundaries, and emissions sources (i.e., energy use, waste, and
       transportation) and engages a diverse group of stakeholders

       6.4: Develop a climate action plan that acknowledges the inherent integration of city and county
       infrastructure (e.g., transportation planning) and the need for cohesive plans.

       6.5: City government should lead by example on implementing emissions reduction strategies
       and actively engage with key community sectors including residential, commercial, and
       institutional on action and education strategies.

       6.6: Improve energy performance of existing buildings community‐wide which, in aggregate,
       present greater opportunity as compared to new buildings; leverage resources with local
       partners.

       6.7: Promote effective and innovative energy and fuel management in both City and community
       buildings and operations.

       6.8: Pursue and promote cleaner sources of electrical energy (e.g., renewable energy strategies).
        6.9: Encourage new development to design, construct, and operate with a reduced emissions
        footprint by encouraging high performance, green buildings, green sites, and green
        neighborhood standards and practices such as the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED
        certification program, Earthcraft, Energy Star, or other similar systems.

        6.10: Promote compact block and street networks and a built environment that facilitates
        walking, biking, and bus riding to diminish reliance on single occupancy vehicles and reduce GHG
        emissions.

        6.11: Reduce vehicle‐related emissions through increased fuel efficiency, reduced vehicle miles
        traveled, fleet downsizing, anti‐idling efforts and use of alternative fuel sources.

        6.12: As appropriate, create policy and financial incentives to encourage increased building and
        site performance that reduce GHG emissions and the city’s overall carbon footprint.

Water Conservation

Goal 7: Promote and implement citywide water efficiency.

        7.1: Continue evaluating water use in city buildings and other operations to identify
        conservation opportunities.

        7.2: Maintain an extensive community focused outreach campaign through education and
        incentive programs to maintain or further decrease average consumption.

        7.3. Explore opportunities with community partners to accomplish water efficiency.

Materials Recovery and Waste Management

Goal 8: Promote and implement strategies for sustainable materials management to decrease
environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions.

        8.1: Continue to explore opportunities to expand public and private recycling (including
        appliance collection), composting, source reduction, other waste stream diversion, and other
        waste management innovations.

        8.2: Maintain lines of communication with neighborhood and business associations, major
        employers and representatives of high density housing districts so that solid waste management
        services are adaptably delivered to promote economic development, enhanced walkability,
        public health and safety, landfill diversion, and compliance with all federal and local
        requirements.

Resilient Local Food System

Goal 9: Increase resiliency of and opportunities for local food systems and urban agriculture.
       8.1: Evaluate recommended standards for 5open space and how those could be implemented to
       support urban agriculture production and food availability, especially to low income
       populations.

       8.2: Promote and protect green and urban agriculture spaces distributed throughout the city for
       the sustainable production of locally grown foods or community gardens; leverage resources
       with local partners.

       8.3: Define a process to allow for expanded community and shared gardens.

       8.4: Promote sustainable resource strategies for urban agriculture (e.g., nutrient inputs, efficient
       irrigation).

Goal 10: Support other goals and objectives within the Comprehensive Plan whose co-benefits align
with and further Urban Environmental Sustainability priorities and the Green City vision.