Should a downtown movie theater be demolished to build new housing?

Crowds rarely attend meetings of the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review, but quite a few people showed up for a November 19 preliminary review of a potential 184-foot-tall building at the Downtown Mall site of the Violet Crown movie theater. “I completely understand the magnitude of the importance of this property cannot be overstated,” said […]

House of Delegates committee advances resolutions calling for constitutional amendments

In the wake of the historic re-election of Donald Trump as the president of the United States, Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee advanced three constitutional amendments on November 13. The amendments aim to enshrine protections for reproductive rights and same-sex marriage, and reinstate voting rights for people convicted of […]

In brief 11/20/2024

No shrinking Violet Despite a report of its impending closure, Violet Crown isn’t going anywhere, according to a statement published on the movie theater’s social media accounts. “While we are aware of the potential sale of the property, it is our understanding that this sale has not yet closed and no decision is final,” shared […]

Democratic performance down in Virginia, even for reelected candidates

After a turbulent and historic Election Day, most results are in across the commonwealth. From the White House to Town Council, here’s the Virginia Department of Elections’ unofficial results for how locals voted in the 2024 election. Amid a disappointing night for Democrats, Virginia’s 13 electoral votes went to Vice President Kamala Harris. Voters in […]

Neighbors oppose private school in Albemarle’s rural area

The Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia projects that Albemarle’s population will grow from around 116,000 now to more than 155,000 people in 2050, generating the need for services in a county where growth and development is only allowed on 5 percent of the land mass.  One service is day care, a function […]

Charlottesville officials and activists discuss potential pedestrian safety improvements

After two pedestrian fatalities in October, safety for Charlottesville-area walkers and cyclists has been top of mind for local leaders and community members. While city officials are putting forward proposals and taking emergent action, some activists are frustrated with the long timelines and dismissive attitudes. The first fatality occurred on October 3, when 64-year-old Charlottesville […]

In brief 11/13/2024

Looking ahead  In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize. For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with […]

Charlottesville Symphony channels unique makeup for talent, longevity

When the schedule for this year’s 50th-anniversary season of the Charlottesville Symphony hits the desk of Elizabeth Roberts, the orchestra’s principal bassoonist eyes the first piece in the first show. It’s Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and she’s played it many, many times. For professional players like Roberts, seeing Beethoven 5 on the setlist is like […]