Urban Rivanna River Corridor Plan

Project Summary

The Urban Rivanna River Corridor Plan is a joint effort between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, along with other stakeholders, to develop a vision and action plan for the Rivanna River. This effort helps to refocus attention on the Rivanna. The planning process will help localities and stakeholders coordinate on making a cleaner, safer and more livable waterway that serves as a catalyst for community investment. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District facilitated this process through the existing conditions and visioning phases.

Vision Statement

The Rivanna River, flowing through Charlottesville and Albemarle County, is one of the community’s greatest assets. In and near Free Bridge, Woolen Mills, and the Pantops area, the river corridor is and will be a dynamic place where people can experience a natural environment, healthy outdoor activities and venues, peaceful and serene opportunities, and important historic and cultural points of interest.

The Plan

The Study Area

The study area consisted of the parcels adjacent to the Rivanna River from Darden Towe Park south to where I-64 crosses over the Rivanna.

Existing Conditions Maps

Phase I

Phase I of the effort is complete, with final documents under review. The focus was on developing the necessary data and groundwork for beginning a joint Master Plan for the Rivanna River, between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The study area consisted generally of the areas within a half mile from the Rivanna River, at the North Fork Reservoir dam to the Milton Road bridge, near Shadwell. Phase I deliverables include:
  • A comprehensive series of thematic maps that illustrate existing conditions and critical issues along the River,
  • This webpage, to share information and serve as a public engagement portal,
  • Coordination between local officials and stakeholders,
  • A Final Report on mapping and data gathering from Phase I, and
  • A written proposal and budget for the Phase II Master Plan.

Phase II

Phase II will result in a conceptual planning document, which with a clear vision and draft recommendations for Phase III consideration. The overall initiative aims to address:
  • Livability: Coordinate both localities and other stakeholders, to foster a cleaner, safer, and more livable waterway;
  • Investment: Serve as a catalyst for future economic investment within the corridor;
  • Capital: Identify public capital in recreation facilitates and infrastructure;
  • Policies: Inform any needed updates to City and County policies;
  • Laws: Identify needed changes in local ordinances and codes;
  • Programs: Guide the development of local programs designed to preserve environmental and historic river resources, while fostering future investment;
  • Cooperation: Improve cooperation between the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Phase III

Details to come…

Committees

A Steering Committee and a Technical Advisory Committee help guide Phase I and Phase II of the Rivanna River Corridor Plan.

Steering Committee

Technical Advisory Committee

Workshops