AGENDA DATE: 12/12/2018
TITLE:
Title
Biscuit Run Park Master Plan
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation and Public Comment of the Biscuit Run Master Plan and phasing
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Crickenberger, Smith, A.
PRESENTER (S): Bob Crickenberger, David Anhold
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Biscuit Run Park is located in Albemarle County just south of the City of Charlottesville. The Park consists of approximately 1,190 acres with frontage on Routes 20 and 631. The Commonwealth acquired the land from Forest Lodge LLC in December 2009 and on January 4, 2018, Albemarle County and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) signed a 99-year lease for the property.
The terms of the Deed of Lease and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are as follows:
• 80% to remain forested (960 acres)
• No more than 20% non-forested (240 acres)
• No more than 5% impervious surface
• All sensitive natural heritage resources will be protected
• Management concerns such as invasive species will be addressed
DCR recreational use restrictions:
• No golf course
• No permanent stadium seating
DCR Recommendations on:
• Equestrian use
• Mountain bikes
• Athletic community (soccer, etc.)
• Native plants
The lease agreement was designed to assure protection of the park’s natural and cultural resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Engage Citizens: Successfully engage citizens so that local government reflects their valves and aspirations.
Natural Resources Stewardship: Thoughtfully protect and manage Albemarle County’s ecosystems and natural resources in both the rural and development areas to safeguard the quality of life of current and future generations.
DISCUSSION: During the months following the execution of the Deed of Lease and MOU, a County Executive appointed Steering Committee and Project Design Team were established to develop recommendations to the Board for a draft and final Master Plan to be submitted to DCR for approval. A public engagement and design process soon followed with a focus of providing the community with urban and rural recreational and educational experiences. Two public community engagement meetings have occurred with the first on June 16, 2018, which included key/senior DCR staff, and the second on August 22, 2018 with over 150 attendees.
The Project Design Team also updated the 5th and Avon Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on September 20, 2018. Key stakeholder groups were contacted and feedback was received. During this same time, an online public amenity feedback questionnaire was posted online and received over 1,200 responses, which also included comments from over thirty community partners/stakeholders.
At its November 14, 2018 Board work session, the proposed Master Plan and phasing options (Attachment A) was presented. After the presentation and discussion, the Board then directed staff to return to the Board for a final public hearing to receive public comment.
BUDGET IMPACT: To be determined once the final Master Plan and related phasing options have been approved by the Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that after the public hearing the Board adopt the Biscuit Run Master Plan and phasing and then submit to DCR for approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Biscuit Run Proposed Master Plan and Phasing Options