University of Virginia Library

County Supervisor Backs University Growth

By ANN BROWN

Albemarle Supervisor Lloyd Wood of
the Charlottesville District expressed
support of the growth of the University
in an interview with the Daily Progress,
because of its role as the county's
primary industry.

According to the Daily Progress, Mr.
Wood stated, "I'd rather see the direction
of the county proceed with the benefits
the University affords us and keep the
smokestacks out. If we would come to the
point where we could close the University's
door, then Albemarle would be taken up with
heavy industry."

In addition, he reportedly stated that the
county, rather than the city of Charlottesville,
would shoulder the major part of the burden of
the University's growth. But he also
commented, "We are willing to accept the

According to the article, Mr. Wood predicted
that if the University reaches its projected
enrollment of 18,000 by 1980, most of the new
faculty members would be living in the county,
buying homes, paying taxes and supporting
county revenue.

Mr. Wood commented that the county has
been making plans for the last five years to
provide the necessary water, sewage and utility
services. Increased revenue from the enlarged
University population would make these
services possible.

The Daily Progress interview also credited
Mr. Wood with saying that the University must
decide in 1980 which students will live in
dorms, He stated, "We must encourage private
enterprise to supply the housing demands. This
is the American way of life."

In addition, he was reported as saying, "We
have to face the fact that we live in a University
oriented community and we have to realize that
the University is our number one industry. It
employs more people and provides a payroll
higher than any other single industry. It
is the backbone of the cultural environment."

According to yesterday's article, Mr. Wood
feels that the "only negative" aspect of the
University's predicted growth was a lack of
joint planning by the city, county and
University.

"The county is going to grow regardless of
whether the University is going to grow," he
stated. "The two should grow together. We
should put our efforts and resources together so
that the community can be one we are proud to
live in."

He reportedly remarked, "I'm pleased that
the University in the last few months has
worked with the county planning office. The
supervisors have authorized the county
planning department to work with the
University."