Schools likely to OK land deal

By Barney Breen-Portnoy

Published: April 19, 2008

The Charlottesville School Board likely will approve a land deal to make way for the Meadowcreek Parkway, but will probably attach several conditions because of safety concerns, the board’s chairman said Friday.
School Board Chairman Ned Michie expects the panel to approve the donation of roughly 8.5 acres at Charlottesville High School to the Virginia Department of Transportation. But the board remains concerned about the safety of students at CHS and the Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center, as well as the loss of athletics field space at the high school.
The land in question is legally deeded to the city of Charlottesville. But because the land was acquired for school use, lawyers determined it would be appropriate for the School Board to sign off on the donation.
During a luncheon with city councilors Friday, School Board members voiced support for a maximum 25 mph speed limit with flashing lights near school property, at least one pedestrian bridge or tunnel north of Melbourne Road, a ban on trucks and priority for CHS athletics teams to use a planned replacement rectangular field in McIntire Park.
Board members also expressed an interest in obtaining a guarantee from Albemarle County that the 50 acres of replacement parkland east of the parkway would always remain parkland. If the land were placed in a conservation easement, that goal would be accomplished, councilors and School Board members agreed.
School Board member Juandiego Wade has recused himself from voting on the issue to avoid conflict of interest because he is a transportation planner for Albemarle County. He still participated in Friday’s luncheon, however.
“I think we can meet the safety concerns,” he said. “We can’t use this as an opportunity to delay construction of this road.”
Charlot-tesville Mayor Dave Norris was unable to attend Friday’s meeting but is aware of the School Board’s concerns.
“I commend the School Board for raising these issues and challenging all of us to address them,” he said. “We have to make sure that, if this road is built, there is safe access for students, neighborhood residents and bicyclists across and along the road.”
Michie characterized Friday’s meeting with the council as “useful.”
“We’re on the same team and I think we’ll be able to pass a resolution that all will be happy with,” he said.
The School Board is set to vote on the donation at its next meeting, on May 1.