Kindlewood Phase II finalizes funding

Nearly $10 million in funding for Phase II of Kindlewood was finalized last week, supporting the multi-year, resident-led redevelopment effort to transform the affordable-housing community formerly known as Friendship Court.  Phase II of the Kindlewood redevelopment broke ground in January, with an anticipated completion date of Fall 2026 and total cost of $86 million. The […]

In brief

Money matters Local housing advocates and city leadership sat down with Sen. Mark Warner at Kindlewood on June 14. The senator delivered a $650,000 check from Congress, which Piedmont Housing Alliance will use to establish a permanent Financial Opportunity Center and Housing Hub in the affordable housing community. Formerly known as Friendship Court, Kindlewood is […]

In brief

Graduation procession A group of pro-Palestine students walked out of the University of Virginia graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Hundreds of graduates have recently walked out of commencement ceremonies across the country. “NO COMMENCEMENT WITHOUT DIVESTMENT,” shared @uvaencampmentforgaza on Instagram. The post highlights banners displayed by protesters, reading “BLOOD ON UVA’S HANDS” and “DISCLOSE […]

No vacancy

After months of paying for hotel rooms for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, PACEM and the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless were in desperate search of a long-term housing solution. When the Red Carpet Inn off Route 29 in Albemarle County was put up for sale last summer, the nonprofits believed […]

If you build it: Despite pandemic, land use projects moved forward in 2020

In a year where many of us followed guidelines to stay at home, the skies of downtown Charlottesville were marked by cranes building new spaces for the 21st century. In their shadow, projects to provide more affordable units moved through the bureaucratic process required to keep them below-market. Before the clock strikes 2021, let’s look […]

In brief: Public housing progress, Trump rally trouble, and more

Do-over Multiple public housing developments in Charlottesville are one step closer to getting a badly needed makeover. At its Monday meeting, City Council unanimously approved two ordinances regarding the redevelopment of Crescent Halls, South First Street, and Friendship Court. The Piedmont Housing Alliance will take the lead on the first phase of Friendship Court’s redevelopment, […]

Pick: Davina Jackson and Atreyu

Up on up: It’s a family affair when Davina Jackson and Atreyu go live in The Front Porch’s Save the Music series. Expect a dynamic mix of soul, funk, and reggae from Jackson, a former backup singer for The Wailers, who will be joined by her son, rap artist Atreyu. The pair is frequently seen […]