Dr. Hurt Has Left the Building

I’m back! I am concentrating on two topics for this podcast. One is the latest, largest land acquisition in the Town of Scottsville. The second is yet another industrial solar farm is proposed in Northern Buckingham.

The yellow indicates all of the Virginia Land Company’s holdings that Southern Development has purchased.

After owning a large portion of the Town of Scottsville since 1995, Virginia Land Company Dr. Charles Hurt has sold all his land holdings to Southern Development.

The sale includes 37 parcels: 
Mink Creek Estates comprises 28  2+/- acre lots
Paulette Tract: 146.271 acres
Overlook Heights: 3 parcels totaling 11.27 acres
Upper Bird: 18.869 acres
Lower Bird: 41.31 acres 
Plus 3 parcels that equal about an acre at Stony Point (Paulette Town)

For a total of 287.893 acres.
Appraised value: $2,839,000
Sale price: Undisclosed

To put this in perspective, this sale comprises 30% of Scottsville’s land mass. We can look at this as potential growth for the town, or not. 

What do we know about Southern Development? According to their website:

“We only want the best for our community, so we only work with the best local trade partners who live and work right here in Central Virginia. Unsurpassed knowledge, service and expertise result in quality homes we are proud to build. Our greatest reward is seeing satisfied customers and happy neighbors.”

Frank Ballif is the Founder and President of Southern Development Homes and Southern Development Group which is located in Charlottesville, Virginia.  

And, he has a comprehensive staff.

The one I really want to talk to is:
Charif Soubra is the Community Engagement Manager. He is the father of three, enjoys finding the next new hiking trail, eating at one of his favorite local restaurants, or performing within the local theater community.

I watched the promotional video on their website. And, I have one question:

They are about building communities…how will they work in a small town that cares deeply for its existing communities and character.

And this brings me to: What is Scottsville’s small town character. This is the topic of of a podcast I am working on.

I would like your views on what comprises Scottsville’s “Small Town Character.” There are other questions as well that relates to the comprehensive plan.
SURVEY

Here we go again…What is up with Buckingham and industrial solar farms? (Perhaps, I need to have a podcast with Jordan Miles! Stay tuned…

From their website:
“Our proposed Pineside Solar facility will generate up to 74.9 megawatts of electricity, enough to power just over 18,000 homes at peak output. The project will be located in the north portion of the county, along Route 20 near Bridgeport Road. If granted the necessary permits, the facility will be in service as soon as the end of 2026.”

Questions for them is: Where are the homes? In Buckingham? Or, does the solar energy feed the grid?

The Buckingham Board of Supervisors have passed the River Stone solar farm—a project of Apex Clean Energy which encompasses 2000+/- acres in about the same area as Pineside Solar which will be along Bridgeport and Route 20.

Map showing proposed site of Pineside Solar. This graphic is from Dominion Energy’s website.

Dominion Energy’s Letter to the community

Pineside Solar webpage

Oh, I almost forgot…who remembers the dock that was supposed to be installed at Scottsville Lake? Well, it is going to happen! And, this is the first step toward creating handicap accessibility to VCNA!!!!

As always, if you have a story, comment, or issue contact me and let’s have a conversation.

I hope you have a great, rest of your weekend!