CHAPTER 457
An Act to authorize conveyance of certain property held by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.
Approved April 4, 2000
Whereas, the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia hold certain real property constituting approximately 142 acres and several buildings located at the southeast intersection of Route 20 and Interstate 64, and 17 acres located at the northwest intersection of Route 20 and Interstate 64; and
Whereas, the property is commonly known as the Blue Ridge Hospital Property (the Property); and
Whereas, the Property was conveyed to the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia by the Virginia Department of Health in 1978 and was used until recently as a mental health and rehabilitation hospital; and
Whereas, all medical activities have ceased at the Property, several buildings are vacant and dilapidated, and the only remaining use of the Property is a day care facility that will be closed by June 30, 2000; and
Whereas, the Property has significant economic value due to its location adjacent to Interstate 64; and
Whereas, the Property has significant historical and environmental value due to its location at the base of Monticello Mountain, the home of Thomas Jefferson; and
Whereas, the University of Virginia wishes to convey the Property to its affiliated real estate foundation, the University of Virginia Real Estate Foundation, in order to develop the Property into a research park that will support the educational and research missions of the University of Virginia while preserving the natural beauty of Monticello Mountain; and
Whereas, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation wishes to lease approximately 32 acres of the Property in order to construct and operate a visitors center for tourists visiting Monticello; and
Whereas, disposition of the Property and plans for its future development and use should be addressed in a manner that respects the Property's unique historical and environmental significance, and considers its economic potential for the University of Virginia and the Commonwealth; and
Whereas, disposition of the Property should not be subject to the Commonwealth's surplus property rules and regulations; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the Governor may authorize conveyance of the property held by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia known as Blue Ridge Hospital on such terms and conditions approved by the Governor and in a manner that respects the historical and environmental significance of Monticello Mountain.