Plans for a development at the intersection of Preston Avenue and Grady Avenue are being resurrected as a result of new zoning regulations established in September by City Council.
Currently the city is searching for a qualified development team to work closely with them and the community to construct more detailed plans.
"Our expectation is that the area will be residential," Mayor Maurice Cox said. "We will carve out a 1.4 acre parcel of what is now an intersection."
Development at the intersection was first suggested about a year ago, but when the city sent out requests for proposals, they received no responses. Cox said this was because of a problem with accommodating underground parking which would have been "economically burdensome."
Cox said there was initially some opposition to the idea of development in the area, but over time involved parties have reached agreement.
"Appointing an advisory group that includes property owners, business owners and neighborhood representatives has gained it more acceptance," Cox said.
Kevin Lynch, a member of the planning group, said there have been a number of proposals regarding the possibility of a mixed-use development along Preston Avenue, but previous zoning ordinances discouraged industrialization close to the street.
Director of Strategic Planning for Charlottesville Satyenda Huja said some people think the additional traffic will have too great an impact on the area. However, despite opposition he said he believes the development would complement existing businesses.
"Developing closer to the street will be more transit friendly, industrial friendly and increase the use of land," Huja said.
Advisory board member Chris McRae said many residents are resistant to change.
"People like how Preston is currently," McRae said. "They like the wide median and being able to park off the street."
While on-street parking is being considered as part of the development, Cox said that the city will not require developers to include it in proposals.
Officials said that they want the development to be advantageous to the community. McRae explained that the mixed-use residence and working areas will benefit residents. He also noted that the plan is financially favorable, as the cost of re-designing roads will be covered by revenue generated by new building space.
"Initially the development will break even, but it will bring in $70,000 to $100,000 in taxes compared to zero now," Huja said.
Overall, Cox said he feels positively about the plan.
"It's a long process," Cox said. "But I feel confident as stakeholders educate developers and they educate us, it will lead to a much more dynamic, pedestrian-oriented area."
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