BAR approves Downtown Mall trash-can replacements, urges granite paver replacement and recycling review

The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review approved a certificate of appropriateness for replacement trash receptacles on the Downtown Mall and added a condition that any damaged granite pavers exposed when hangers or bollards are removed be replaced in kind rather than patched.

Staff explained the replacement will shift some hanging cans to pedestal-mounted units anchored to the mall surface; Parks & Recreation pre-purchased six older-style cans after the manufacturer discontinued some hanging frames. Staff recommended replacing severely deteriorated components and noted the Downtown Mall is listed on the National Register and portions are individually listed as historic.

Board members and the public questioned whether the new cans must match the existing style exactly or merely be round and black to harmonize with other street furniture. One member highlighted corrosion concerns because many new cans are powder-coated ordinary steel that could rust quickly in winter salt conditions and asked whether stainless steel or alternative mounting (using existing bollards/hangers) had been considered. Another member asked whether the $19,500 noted in the discussion was for six pre-purchased replacement cans; staff confirmed Parks & Recreation spent approximately $19,500 to buy six cans that match the old style in anticipation of future failures.

The BAR's approval included the motioner's condition that "any damaged granite pavers, as the current bollards or hangers are removed, be completely replaced in kind, not just repaired." The board also recorded a non-motion note encouraging staff to take a holistic look at recycling containers so recycling receptacles are more obvious and co-located with trash where appropriate.

Staff will coordinate with Parks & Recreation on procurement details and granite repair work.