AGENDA DATE: 8/5/2026
TITLE:
Title
AC44 Implementation - Activity Center Plans
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work session to present the Activity Center Plan process and the location of the first plan.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Svoboda, Barnes, McDermott, Swartzendruber, Holt, Wilkinson
PRESENTER (S): James Wilkinson
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The County's recently adopted AC44 Comprehensive Plan went into effect on January 1, 2026. On April 15th, the Board reviewed the five Work Projects proposed for AC44 implementation. One of the Work Projects is Activity Center planning, an effort to provide a clear roadmap for identified locations of higher-density development and redevelopment, tax base diversification, and public initiatives as we welcome 31,000 new residents over the next 18 years. The effort will directly address the Big Moves, Goals, Objectives, and Actions established in AC44 and align with the County's Strategic Plan.
Since the April Board of Supervisors meeting, CDD staff have conducted background research for major Activity Center clusters across the Development Areas, drawing on existing master plans, recent rezoning activity, area VDOT projects, existing development, property ownership patterns, GIS analysis, online planning resources, and internal discussions. The goal was to evaluate these areas using selection criteria and identify the best candidate locations for the first Activity Center planning effort. Staff have also refined the process for Activity Center planning efforts, including timelines, milestones, and key deliverables.
The prioritization effort identified three areas with similar, high-ranking scores, qualifying each as priority candidates for Albemarle's first Activity Center Plan:
The U.S. Route 29 - Airport Road area south to Ashwood Boulevard
The U.S. Route 29 - Rio Road area
South Pantops
Following a w...
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