One West Main Street commercial establishment closes while another goes private

When Charlottesville City Council granted permission for three student apartment buildings to be constructed on West Main Street in the 2010s, the zoning rules at the time required that the ground floor have space for commercial establishments. Since then, several of the required spaces have remained vacant while other businesses have struggled to stay afloat. […]

UVA Health unveils concept plan for Oak Lawn

Since the University of Virginia purchased the Fifeville estate known as Oak Lawn in October 2023, officials have pledged to include the neighborhood in the discussion of how the 5.2-acre property will be used. A concept plan for the future of Oak Lawn was shared with members of the Fifeville neighborhood during a June 18 […]

Albemarle hopes to become Virginia’s ‘next innovation economy’

Albemarle County is in the fourth year of updating its Comprehensive Plan, a document intended to guide the future. But work on a new economic development strategic plan is happening much faster.   “We’re not working on an economic development plan for a community that’s in decline,” said Steven Pedigo of Resonance, the firm hired […]

CRHA gives City Council an update on recently purchased homes

The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority has been on a roll in recent years with renovations at Crescent Halls and new units at S. First Street.  In August 2022, the government agency began a new era of buying what Executive Director John Sales called “naturally occurring affordable housing.”  “This portfolio started after a couple properties […]

Jack Jouett District candidates square off at Free Enterprise Forum

The two candidates hoping to succeed Diantha McKeel as Jack Jouett District supervisor offered differing views on economic development and growth in Albemarle County at a recent campaign event sponsored by the Free Enterprise Forum.  School teacher Sally Duncan and economist David Shreve are on the ballot in the June 17 Democratic primary.  Since 1980, […]