By Lisa Provence

The Social Security Administration is considering leaving its downtown digs for some of Albemarle's most expensive office space, a pricey complex that's not on City bus lines.

Perhaps best known as the site of a short-lived internet provider called Broadslate Networks, the complex, Peter Jefferson Place, sports brass fixtures inside and scenic fountains outside.

It could also present a formidable hike for elderly and disabled clients, many of whom rely on public transportation. The nearest bus stop is several hundred yards away on State Farm Boulevard.

Such a move would certainly present a hardship for Tina Jackson, who uses the bus to get to Social Security while the transmission on her car is out. "It would be bad," says Jackson, "not only for me, but I know a lot of my friends use the bus."

Jackson points out that government child support enforcement offices are already located at Peter Jefferson Place. "That's hard for people," Jackson says, "way out there on the mountain, unless they build bus lines."

Sources say the Social Security staff was quite taken with the deluxe, "Class A," office space at Peter Jefferson Place. Priced around $19 to $20 per square foot, the space is the "top end" of Central Virginia office market, says Ivo Romanesko, head of the Appraisal Group.

Typical Downtown spaces can be had for about half that amount.

When asked whether Peter Jefferson Place is under consideration, local Social Security manager Daniel Kliamovich says, "I do not know that."

Despite Kliamovich's refusal to confirm or deny whether Peter Jefferson Place is an option, others portray the interest as real-- and ongoing.

"The Social Security Administration toured Peter Jefferson Place, and they were impressed by the facility," says Lane Bonner, president of Hasbrouck Realty. Bonner says the SSA requested a proposal from Peter Jefferson Place.

Aubrey Watts, director of economic development for the City, also has heard that Peter Jefferson Place is under consideration. "We'd like to see them stay in the City and provided information on a couple of local spots," says Watts.

At the General Services Administration in Philadelphia, John McFadden is in charge of leasing office space for the Charlottesville Social Security Administration. He says a request for proposals has gone out, and he estimates that a site should be selected by the beginning of April.

Who got those RFPs has been another source of concern for those in local real estate. Bonner claims he asked McFadden for a copy of the RFP five times but never received one.

Federal law requires that the government advertise RFPs in a local newspaper, and that didn't happen here, according to one agent. McFadden did not return phone calls requesting information about how the RFPs were advertised andwho was eligible to submit proposals.

Concern about moving Social Security offices to Peter Jefferson Place has reached Senator John Warner's office. An aide confirms that a complaint has been lodged, and he says that the local Social Security office will make the final site decision.

As for the buzz that his office is moving to Peter Jefferson Place, SSA manager Kliamovich maintains there's "absolutely nothing I know or can say about that." Kliamovich tells The Hook that even writing about the leasing process is doing a "disservice" and could result in raising the asking price of a property under consideration. (He does promise to publicize the location of the new offices once a lease is signed.)

Kliamovich refuses to say whether being on a bus line would be a requirement. When asked if that meant being on a bus line was not a consideration, Kliamovich replied, "You're putting words in my mouth. This conversation is ended."

Looks like real estate watchers will have to wait until spring to see whether the SSA chooses a plush office for its own convenience or a more centrally located one for the convenience of its clients.

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