Infrastructure Concerns Come Home to Crozet

July 13, 2006 |

If you haven’t done so already, check out the post I have below about infrastructure concerns in the state of Washington.  At the end of that post, I mentioned that infrastructure is quickly becoming a major concern in this area as well.  Then, as if from my keyboard to God’s computer, I read this article in the Daily Progress about the most recent subdivision approvals in the Crozet area.  What interested me most was the following passage from the article:

[. . .] but plenty of talk about the other hot-button issue in Crozet: infrastructure.

“I really think the applicant has done a good job of responding to what we told him,” Commissioner Calvin Morris said. “It bothers me, though, that we’re continuing to approve building without the infrastructure in place.”

Morris’ comment came after several Crozet residents shared their concerns on the matter. “I think this project is a good project if the infrastructure supports it,” resident John Russell said, pointing to the need for better roads, curb, gutter and sidewalks and improved access to downtown Crozet and the nearby Old Trail Village development.

Haden Lane resident Kevin Markey questioned the typical routine of waiting until after such infrastructure is needed before moving forward with improvements. “I understand things are going to catch up, by why can’t we catch up first?”

The commission responded to that request by asking that the developer consolidate all of the cash proffers - about $70,000 originally dedicated for schools, fire and rescue, greenways and other county needs - to go specifically toward capital improvements for transportation in Crozet. “I personally would rather see all this money … go toward the infrastructure that this community so desperately needs … to make the master plan work,” Commissioner Bill Edgerton said.

The commission also drew attention to issues regarding affordable housing and connector roads, among other things, which should be resolved before the project goes to the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 2.

So, it looks like infrastructure and affordability are on the minds of local residents as well.  At least it would appear that the residents of Crozet and the Planning Commissioners of Albemarle are thinking about the issues and how to possibly resolve them.  Incidentally, the subdivision that was approved is proposed to be 34 homes and commercial area on 6.7 acres south of Jarman’s Gap Road (I am assuming the homes are going to be attached homes, since 6.7 acres divided amongst 6.7 acres equals .2 acres/home, which doesn’t even factor in the possible commercial space).

In terms of affordability, if the current new construction listing in the Crozet are any indication, I’m not sure that these homes are going to meet most people’s definition of "affordable."  At least not if you are in need of more than 3 bedrooms or 1200 sq. ft.

Time will tell if Crozet is able to meet the need for both improved infrastructure and increase affordability.  As we have previously discussed, perhaps one can offer a solution for the other. 

Posted by Daniel | Filed Under Affordability, Albemarle, Buying, News 

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