AC44 eliminates study of development around two interchanges

After nearly four years of review, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt a new Comprehensive Plan on October 15. Such documents contain directions for staff to work on new policies and retain old ones.  Until mid-September, the proposed Albemarle County Comprehensive Plan included language that would have set up future study […]

JMRL Board of Trustees votes to end most fines on overdue materials

Next July, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system, which comprises eight library locations, will join libraries around the United States in doing away with charging fines for overdue items.  The Board of Trustees voted unanimously on September 22 for staff to plan to discontinue fines for most things.  In January 2019, the Council of the American […]

Former Bamboo House on U.S. 29 in north Albemarle up for sale

Albemarle County and the University of Virginia are both betting that properties on U.S. 29 north of Airport Road will yield an economic development bonanza.  Now a development company representing the owners of the now-closed Bamboo House restaurant at 4831 Seminole Trail are hoping to capitalize on investment in both the Rivanna Futures project and […]

Council upholds BAR’s decision to deny request to demolish historic house

An attorney for the owner of 1301 Wertland St. told Charlottesville City Council on September 2 that tearing down the structure for new apartments would outweigh any historic preservation goals.  “We believe the prevailing factors are the policies prioritized in the 2021 Comprehensive Plan and implemented through the [new zoning ordinance] to increase housing opportunities […]

Unhoused support groups call on Charlottesville to designate campsites on city property

Those who packed Charlottesville City Council chambers Tuesday, September 2, to protest a draft ordinance that would criminalize camping and storing personal items on public property had a strong message.  “This is not the time to be adhering to draconian Trump-like policies on some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Shayla Washington, executive director […]

Will Albemarle land an AstraZeneca pharmaceutical factory?

In July, officials with the British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca announced they would be investing $50 billion in the United States for new factories and research centers. According to a press release, this would include a new “multi-billion dollar drug substance manufacturing centre focused on chronic diseases” to be located in Virginia.  However, no official announcement […]