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Albemarle Commission director seeks county cooperation on broadband, zoning and vacant properties
Summary
Michael Ervin, newly appointed director of the Albemarle Commission, told commissioners the commission received ESFRP funds (with $190,000 for the region) and is expanding economic development and broadband work; he asked Washington County to identify vacant buildings and infrastructure needs and offered help with 160D zoning changes.
Michael Ervin, the new director of the Albemarle Commission, briefed the Washington County Board on regional programs and requests for local cooperation.
Ervin thanked county staff who have been delivering Meals on Wheels and said the commission has seen volunteer shortfalls. He said Albemarle Commission continues RPO (rural planning organization) work with DOT but noted DOT funding is limited and some projects will move forward only if classified as emergencies.
Ervin said the ESFRP program was awarded $1 million and that $190,000 is allocated to the region. He said the commission is expanding into economic development work and has a special project manager focused on broadband. Ervin asked counties to help identify empty buildings that might be repopulated and to provide input on infrastructure and provider needs. He also offered assistance to counties in understanding changes from the new 160D zoning statutes.
Chair Sexton and County Manager Potter said they would follow up and that Washington County would compile information for the Albemarle Commission. Ervin framed his remarks as an offer of partnership and a request for county-level information to inform regional planning.
