Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) has requested Albemarle County issue a Special Use Permit for an Elementary School and Daycare complex at 1648 Dudley Mountain Road (DMR). CBI Forest School's application calls for construction of nearly 25,000 sq. ft. of classrooms, administrative space, and a large gathering building for regular special events for almost 200 attendees. The development, which requires approval from Albemarle’s Planning Commission, would sprawl across 15 acres along the roadway and generate hundreds of vehicle trips on an already inadequate road.

Why are we opposed?

• Non-residential/agricultural use: This would be the first non-residential/agricultural use along this scenic roadway, setting a precedent for future development.
• Traffic and roadway: The narrow, winding roadway would be subject to twice daily traffic surges – causing further decay of the already worn roadway and making it unsafe for existing residential traffic and bikes.
• Environmental impacts: Construction and daily operations will bring significant environmental impacts on well water, stormwater run-off, wildlife and other natural resources.

It is important to consider the immense scope of the development and the subsequent environmental and infrastructural damage it could cause. In order to protect the essence of our community and our environment, we implore you to join us in preventing the issuance of the special use permit for this development. Please sign our petition and lend your voice to this pressing cause.