As part of Charlottesville's Comprehensive Plan, new zoning regulations may allow for high-rise student housing to be built near the Rotunda.
The areas under consideration are along Jefferson Park Avenue and down 14th and 15th Streets in the Venable Neighborhood. These regions currently are designated for single-family housing, but new zoning guidelines would allow for high-density structures to be built there.
City Planning Commission Chair Kevin O'Halloran said the proposed zoning ordinance would allow for more students to live closer to Grounds.
"We're creating incentives for denser development in areas immediately adjacent to the University," he said.
Current regulations allow for 10 story buildings to be built in these areas, but only with a special use permit. The proposed zoning guidelines would allow seven story structures to be built in certain areas without special authorization. Other areas would be limited to five story buildings.
"In drafting the ordinance, we were careful to consider topography," O'Halloran said. "It won't be possible to build seven stories in all areas."
With the addition of high-density housing, Student Council Housing Committee Chair John Bailey said he sees many potential problems for residents.
"This concerns me on a number of levels," he said. "There needs to be an adequate infrastructure including pipes, trash disposal and parking."
Although the zoning changes are targeted toward areas with large student populations, there are concerns that students have not been involved in the decision making process. Bailey said he wasn't informed of the proposed changes until this week.
"This is moving too fast, with too little thought and with no student input," he said.
Bailey said he blames the University, in part, for not taking a more proactive role in student housing.
Leonard W. Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer, addressed Bailey's concern.
"The city's proposal has been a matter of public information," he said. "I do not know how many students have chosen to become involved in the discussions regarding the city's zoning proposal."
The City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Mar. 26 to evaluate the drafted zoning ordinance, which includes new regulations for the entire city. It will then be presented to City Council for approval in June.
The new zoning ordinance also would allow for commercial space on the first floor of properties.
"By encouraging mixed-use, we hope to create commercial corridors similar to the Downtown Mall," O'Halloran said.
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