Thanks to various readers, most notably Kim T –
Let the deliveries begin. And, in answer to everybody searching (as shown in my logs) for their phone number:
434-823-7752.
Crozet Library will be Downtown
The library will be Downtown. Thanks to Jeremy Borden with the DP:
Board members said neither site would please everyone, but they all had their own reasons for wanting the site downtown.
Now … is that house historic?
And … also from the DP:
School Board member Brian Wheeler said that in the Crozet Master Plan, the new elementary school’s cost is listed at $12.4 million. According to the school division’s long-range planning committee estimations, it will cost $29 million if construction started in 2017, the year planned. This figure does not reflect the cost of acquiring land for the school, Wheeler noted.
Update 11-04-06: Cvillenews has a story. All stories on the library.
Crozet Library meeting recap
About one hundred and fifty people attended this past Wednesday’s Library meeting at Western Albemarle High School. Supervisor David Wyant opened the meeting with the sweeping statement that “The library today involves the internet.”
The lead architect’s presentation was highlighted in part by her seeming un-awareness of the political environment in Crozet. A few of the notable laugh lines were:
– a slide noting how a great library can jump-start development
– her response to a question regarding when “new” Main Street will be built
– her noting that all the sidewalks, benches, light posts, etc. Crozetians have been promised for years would be part of the implementation plan
– her noting that there have been a few studies regarding the building of a new Crozet library. (since 1987!!!) No one can say that Albemarle has not done their due diligence.
In all seriousness, the meeting was informative, enlightening and about 45 minutes behind schedule. I look forward to the follow up meetings.
These are the major observations and questions I left with –
– Regarding the Downtown Location (Site Option #3 -pdf) – what is the historic value of the property? At what point will this issue be put to bed and not be a component of the equation that could derail the entire project?
– There were surprisingly few young people (25-35 years old) in attendance. One would think that more would be interested as they will benefit greatly from a state of the art library, particularly because of the library’s intended focus on children and teens.– A general (library) rule of thumb is that when a library reaches a checkout rate of 25 books per square foot, it is time to start looking for a new home. Crozet’s checkout rate is 64 books per square foot. Clearly, the time is right for a new library.
– Nothing is more enlightening than a Power Point presentation.
– The architects (Grimm and Parker) are planning an additional half-dozen or so public meetings.
– Will the library offer free wireless to their surroundings?
– I was impressed and happy to see and hear that the architects intend to build with green, sustainable concepts.
– An idea for future meetings – distribute (and market) the pertinent materials before-hand.
My vote: The Downtown Location.
Albemarle’s Crozet Library Page.
NB:
– as always, County Staff showed their tireless dedication. We owe them some real thanks.
– one of the more challenging aspects of so-called “citizen journalism” is the whole “not getting paid to do this part.” 🙂
Help design Crozet Station
From the Crozet Community Association listserv:
Bill Atwood, Architect for Crozet Station, the proposed redesigned, remodeled, and rebuilt commercial area stretching from the corner of 240 & 810 to Crozet Great Valu, came to the Crozet Community Advisory Committee last week, and presented his ideas for the new project. He would like to include Crozet people in the design phase of Crozet Station. Here is what he wrote:
I am looking for 14-16 people to work with me in the field towards creating a Crozet Architectural Language. I would like to start this process on or about 1 Nov 06 & conclude on or about 15 Jan 07. We will be establishing 6 – 8 Iconic architectural pieces in Crozet. We will be meeting regularly, at an agreed time. Bill
If you are interested, email David – dfwayl AT earthlink DOT net
Readers’ Forum 10-26-2006 – Crozet Library
Library meeting: Real chance to be heard, or PR obfuscation?
Can our voices make a difference, or has the County already decided where to put the library? Is the listening sincere or just a calculated strategy, in reaction to Crozetians’ anger over Old Trail and the way those plans changed?
All that cynicism aside, here is my main question after the library meeting: why do none of the proposed buildings (never mind the sites) have the 22,500 square feet they’d like without future additions? Why are we already planning a building that is too small? And if it’s true that Mountainside is planning to move, and who knows when the new Main Street will be built, and maybe they’ll build a new elementary school . . . how can you choose a site for a community centerpiece when the things you’re using to decide seem to be shifting under your feet? I’ve never made a $5 million choice, so I worry about making the right one. But maybe the goal is to make the choice right, rather than make the right choice?
Crozet Library meeting tonight
This evening at Western Albemarle High School, architects will present the two site options – one Downtown and one at the “Old School Location.” Both have their merits, and both would benefit from community input. Hope to see you there at 7!
In the meantime, consider this recent article from the WSJ about modern collegiate libraries.
Pumpkin Carvin’ in Crozet
Are you handy with a scoop and carving knife? Do you have hidden vegetable carving talents? If so (or if not), enter the carved pumpkin contest this October. Simply drop off your carved pumpkin on Friday, October 27 or Saturday, October 28 during regular library hours. After dark on Monday October 30, drop by to see the illuminated pumpkins. Entries will be judged by the library patrons Monday night with winners announced on Tuesday. Then bring your artistic pumpkin home with you, just in time for Halloween! Crozet Library. Directions: 5791 Three Notch’d Road, Crozet, VA 22932-0430. For more info call: 823-4050.
Note: Click on the address link above. It links to a new “Community Map” I am working on as a feature addition to the site. As the name suggests, it is for the community to participate.
Overcrowding in Crozet schools?
The DP has this story this morning about the overcrowding in Crozet schools. If your children (like mine) have been faced with this overcrowding and have to ride three-to-a-seat on the bus, let them know.
The Long-Range Planning Advisory Committee will present its proposal to the School Board at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the County Office Building on McIntire Road.
Update 10/23/06: cvillenews has a good discussion on this topic.
Crozet news
If you hadn’t noticed, US Joiner has opened on 240, next to the Great Valu. This is another step into Crozet’s evolution to becoming a self-sufficient destination, rather than a bedroom community for Charlottesville or Waynesboro.
Learn more about TDR’s (Transfer of Development Rights) and how they will impact Crozet.
Jonathan notes the changing of the seasons.
Technorati Tags: crozet
Which theme is better?
I have made some significant changes to this blog over the past two days. Many hours of tweaking, testing, etc. later and I think I have it where I want it (for the next few days/weeks, at least). After trying several other themes, I came back to the one I use on realcentralva – tiga.
I have added the following:
– Recent comments (to the right, to help track discussions)
– A “submit a story” page (pretty self-explanatory)
– Perhaps most different is the “Announcements” section to the right – If you have an event you would like to announce, visit the handy-dandy submit a story page and – voilà– it will be added as soon as I get to it.
What do you think? Is the old theme better?
I think the new theme is more functional than the last and I’m thinking about keeping it …