CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville is currently facing legal uncertainty surrounding its zoning ordinance, following the repeal of the old code and a failed implementation of the new one. Neil Williamson, President and CEO of the Free Enterprise Forum, said on Morning News, “We right now are in limbo,” referring to the gap caused by procedural missteps that have left the city without a formally adopted zoning framework. The delay has resulted in a freeze on rezoning applications, although building permits are still being processed based on the existing building code. 

The implications are already being felt by both developers and city officials. “There is a real concern… much of the development in Charlottesville and Albemarle is not funded locally they are national funding sources that look at this and say, wait a minute, there’s a whole lot more risk here. now,” Williamson noted, adding that City Council’s vision for a walkable, mixed-income community may be stalled indefinitely. Legal uncertainties stemming from a missed filing deadline could lead to renewed lawsuits even if the city reintroduces the previously struck-down ordinance. 

In addition to the zoning debate, Williamson also discussed local elections and regional infrastructure issues. He confirmed a competitive Board of Supervisors race in the Samuel Miller District and noted that Greene County is moving forward with a 30-year water supply plan, including a reservoir and additional measures to stabilize the system following its separation from the Rapidan Water Authority.  

Listen to  the full conversation here: