Apartments at the Entrance of Willoughby

Post date: Nov 25, 2014 8:33:04 PM

Three years ago, Keith Woodard (Moore's Creek LLC) attempted to gain approval to build a large apartment complex at the entrance of Willoughby. It was a complicated process that involved both County and City land, and therefore required approval from both jurisdictions. At that time, the apartment complex was denied due to several consideration including sight line distances at the entrance and environmental impacts to Moore's Creek and critical slopes. However, Moore's Creek LLC has not stopped its effort to gain approval.

Next Tuesday, December 2nd, Moore's Creek LLC will attempt to redefine its designation under the Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan to a higher density of development. This act would allow the apartments to align with Albemarle County's recommendation for development of that parcel, and would pave the way for its approval, and could even affect the city approval process.

In 2011, Willoughby residents successfully united to stop the approval of these apartments which would add up to 244 units at the entrance of the neighborhood (doubling Willoughby's current occupancy.) An equal effort is needed now.

Please consider participating by:

1. Signing a petition: Over the next several days, volunteers will be visiting all of the houses in Willoughby. They will present a petition which may be signed to show support. This petition will be presented to the Department of Community Development. The petition can be viewed here, but will need to be signed in person.
2. Writing a letter: In addition to signing the petition, please consider writing a letter to express concerns and mail it to the Department of Community Development. A sample letter is available here.
3. Attending a meeting: On December 2nd at 6:00pm, there will be a meeting at Lane Autitorium in the County Office Building (401 Macintire Road.) There will be no public discussion when the issue is presented at the end of the meeting. However, there is a public comment session at the beginning of the meeting where concerns may be presented.

A Willoughby resident has written a great overview of this issue which can be found here. Historical documents, including plans of the apartment complex, can be found here. Additional volunteers are also needed to knock on doors throughout the county section of Willoughby. Please email contact@willoughbyneighborhood.org for more information.

With little time before next week's meeting, and the Thanksgiving holiday near, much help is needed. Please take some time to consider your involvement in this issue.