City staff asked the Charlottesville City Council on Sept. 15 to authorize acquisition of three remaining parcels needed to complete right‑of‑way for the East High Streetscape project and then presented a related land‑use item: a special exception amendment for 1114 East High Street.

City project manager Lee Cooper told council staff have acquired 23 of 26 parcels for the East High Streetscape; three parcels remain (listed in staff exhibits as parcels 003, 026 and 032) and staff recommended exercising eminent‑domain procedures to obtain permanent easements, utility easements and fee right‑of‑way where negotiations had not produced agreements.

Planning staff then briefed council on a special exception request for 1114 East High Street (zoned CX‑5) to allow a rear workshop space. Ben Koger, planner with Neighborhood Development Services, said the applicant seeks a waiver of the build‑to requirement (0–10 ft) and a reduction in transition screening: a 20‑foot setback to the adjacent RA parcel would be reduced to 5 feet, screening depth reduced from 8 to 5 feet, and two required trees would be placed elsewhere on site. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions: maintain or replace the existing fence between the workshop and the neighboring residence, plant the two trees on site (not necessarily between the structures), and limit the studio/workshop height.

Council approved the special‑exception permit amendment by recorded vote, 5‑0. The resolution authorizing the special exception requires consistency with the submitted plans, maintenance of a minimum 6‑foot fence (existing or future) between the workshop and neighboring property, and that the studio/workshop not exceed the specified height in the resolution.

On the eminent‑domain request, staff presented the parcels and explained owner concerns — largely impacts from a Dominion utility easement and a potential effect on future development setbacks for one property — and the council heard no public testimony at the hearing. A motion to authorize acquisition by purchase or condemnation for the East High Streetscape project was moved and seconded during the meeting; the transcript shows the motion was made and seconded and council discussed the matter; the record in the meeting packet should be consulted for the formal vote tally and any subsequent staff actions.

Ending: Planning staff said the special‑exception conditions are intended to protect the adjacent residential property; staff will record the approved conditions and finalize development review. Staff also said they will proceed with right‑of‑way acquisition steps for the streetscape parcels and will return with any necessary approvals or payment authorizations.