In April 2020, the Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority entered into a partnership with Albemarle Business Campus (ABC).

The ABC project will invest over $40 million into Albemarle County, providing benefits such as traffic solutions, a large tax base of infrastructure, real estate improvements, and homes to both businesses and families.The agreement outlines how the developer will work with Economic Development staff to construct and market at least 25,000 square feet of office space for “primary businesses” as well as provide:

• Enhanced Connectivity: sidewalks, pathways, and pedestrian crossings throughout the project site for the public

• Dynamic Transport Pick-up: a safe and attractive place to access transport services

• Enhanced Bus Stop: a stop that includes an enclosed shelter with glass, lighting, and seating

• Bicycle Racks: bicycle parking and racks at all project buildings

• Dog Park: an exercise and play area for dogs as shown on the agreement exhibit (unless otherwise agreed)

More information on Albemarle Business Campus.

The Barnes Lumber redevelopment project will transform a vacant industrial site in downtown Crozet, with a public plaza, commercial and retail space, a hotel, and approximately 52 residential units. Albemarle County entered into a Public-Private Partnership with Crozet New Town Associates to redevelop the Barnes Lumber property.  

The agreement included a $1.6 million County contribution for tax financing and an additional $1.6 million for a public plaza. The developer will provide $2 million cash to match $2.3 million from VDOT to build a road network.

Albemarle County, Perrone Robotics, Inc. and JAUNT, Inc. entered into a partnership to develop, test, and operate an autonomous transit shuttle service pilot in Albemarle County. The partnership, totaling $600,000, launched autonomous transit shuttle service in March 2019. 

As part of the partnership, Albemarle County provided a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV). Perrone Robotics will develop and adapt their technology to enable the NEV for autonomous shuttle service. JAUNT will provide their proven expertise for scheduling and operating the shuttle during the pilot.

The service will allow riders to embark and disembark along a fixed route. While the shuttle will operate autonomously, a safety-trained transit “ambassador” will be on-board to address customer questions, offer any required assistance, and step-in as driver if needed.

More information about TONY and Perrone Robotics.

Woolen Mills will become the corporate campus for WillowTree, Inc., a highly valued employer with an anticipated private investment of $12.3 million, a minimum of 200 projected net new jobs, and salaries far above the Albemarle County average.  The Board of Supervisors partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Economic Development Authority, and Woolen Mills, LLC to redevelop the iconic historic site along the Rivanna River.

As part of this redevelopment project, the County will help provide public-serving infrastructure including, a trail connection linking the site to the existing Rivanna Trail across Moore's Creek.  A transit connection between the site and downtown Charlottesville will be established as part of the County's commitment to alternative transportation.