Local community debates CBI Forest School special use permit amidst safety and childcare concerns

The Albemarle County Planning Commission convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss a proposed special use permit for the CBI Forest School, which has sparked significant community interest and concern. The meeting featured a range of perspectives from local residents, highlighting both support for and opposition to the school’s development.

The session began with a resident expressing deep ties to the community and concerns regarding the potential impact of the school on local safety and traffic. The speaker emphasized that while some criteria for the special use permit were met, others were not, leading to a firm recommendation against approval. The resident called for collaboration among neighbors to find a more suitable location for the school.

Vivian Dillard, a retired pediatric nurse, shared her emotional support for the school’s mission but raised concerns about the narrowness of local roads, which she felt could not safely accommodate increased traffic from the school. Her testimony underscored the tension between the desire for educational resources and the practical limitations of the area’s infrastructure.

Manuel Lerdau, a professional ecologist, provided a contrasting viewpoint, praising the proposal for its environmental considerations. He noted the careful planning regarding water management and ecosystem preservation, suggesting that the school’s design would minimize ecological impact. Lerdau also recommended further collaboration with local environmental organizations to enhance conservation efforts.

Cameron Hardesty, a parent of current and future students at CBI Forest School, passionately advocated for the school, highlighting the critical shortage of childcare options in Albemarle County. She described the school as a vital community resource that fosters inclusion and connection, arguing that denying the special use permit would hinder families' ability to settle in the area and contribute to the local economy.

The meeting concluded with additional residents voicing their concerns about the scale of the proposed development in a rural setting, echoing sentiments expressed earlier in the session.

Overall, the discussions reflected a community grappling with the balance between educational needs and the preservation of local character and safety. The Planning Commission will need to weigh these diverse perspectives as they consider the future of the CBI Forest School proposal.