Dave Matthews is now one of the county’s biggest landowners — he’s spent $5.3M to buy 1,261 acres of the 7,379 acres that local billionaire John Kluge donated to the University last May. UVa is selling off much of the land to fund the eventual development of the core of the property, and there were concerns that the land could be purchased by a developer. Matthews has announced that he intends to preserve farming and forest lands on his five new farms, and will place an open-space easement on the farms. Eric Swensen has the story in today’s Progress.
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
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Isn’t there some kind of an award that the city, the county or the state can give DMB for their community work? It seems like we’ve got a story on cvillenews.com every month about some tremendous act of charity on the part of the band or a band member. (And that’s just the stuff that gets leaked to the general public.) We couldn’t ask for more responsible, community-conscious rich guys than these. It would be nice if that could be recognized in some sort of an official capacity.
THANK YOU DMB!!! Now we don’t have to worry about having a huge bunch of apartments built here and it is great saving space for wildlife.
MJ
To take nothing away from DMB’s generosity, is it really necessary to want to reward them for their donations? This community is literally PACKED with people who are extraordinarily generous with their time and talents, who may not have the treasure to donate large or even small sums of cash. These people contribute invaluably to the community each and “Everyday.”
Some of them volunteer at the Charlottesville Free Clinic. Some help Habitat For Humanity build decent housing. Some serve on local volunteer boards. Most give this very willingly, with very little recognition. Some have been doing so for most of their lives.
I guess my point is this community is infused with a healthy volunteerism spirit, and most of us don’t generate news releases to tout our generosity. I’m willing to bet that the percentage of Dave’s wealth he donates is no higher, and in fact may be considerably lower, than the percentage given freely daily by many in our great community.
While it may be tempting to reward DMB’s actions as a symbolic gesture toward generosity, it would be a far greater and more meaningful symbol to identify people who give more than they really have to people who have less than they really need.
Just a thought.
Big_Al wrote:
I guess my point is this community is infused with a healthy volunteerism spirit, and most of us don’t generate news releases to tout our generosity. I’m willing to bet that the percentage of Dave’s wealth he donates is no higher, and in fact may be considerably lower, than the percentage given freely daily by many in our great community.
Actually (to take nothing away from the remainder of your thesis), DMB gives away a tremendous portion of their income (I obviously have no idea of what percentage), but very little of that charity gets promoted, advertised, or even leaked. A couple of the organizations that I’m involved with are funded in a large part of the band or its members. But that funding is extremely private. And I gather that’s true of a great number of organizations and non-profits in the area. They publicize very little of their charitable works, from what I’ve been able to gather over the years.
Their listing of organizations that they support through their Bama Works foundation reads like a who’s-who of Charlottesville’s most important organizations. But what’s impressive is that the list is just the tip of the iceberg.
Good point, Waldo.
MJ
Thanking people -whether privately or with fanfare, is always a good thing.
They were awarded something from the general assembly in Richmond in appreciation of everything they have done for the community. Can’t remember the official doc. title, though.
They are above and beyond.
Good memory!
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 346
Offered January 18, 1999
Commending the Dave Matthews Band.
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Patrons– Couric; Delegate: Van Yahres
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WHEREAS, since its formation in Charlottesville in 1991, the Dave Matthews Band has brought unique music to the people of Virginia, the United States, and the world, through both live performances and numerous recordings; and
WHEREAS, the Dave Matthews Band has encouraged recognition of the significant performing arts community that exists in Charlottesville and has brought unprecedented attention to the Commonwealth and its diverse and thriving music scene; and
WHEREAS, the Dave Matthews Band has consistently given back to the community by dedicating time, effort, and resources to numerous Charlottesville and Virginia charities and other worthwhile causes; and
WHEREAS, the Dave Matthews Band has committed its support to local, state, and worldwide charitable efforts through the work of its foundation, Bama Works; and
WHEREAS, with headquarters in Charlottesville, the Dave Matthews Band has had a considerable economic impact on the region, and the band has continually worked with Virginia businesses whenever possible; and
WHEREAS, the Dave Matthews Band, by virtue of its skill, talent, hard work, and dedication, has achieved international stature and is a credit to the arts community in Charlottesville and the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Dave Matthews Band for its outstanding achievements; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Dave Matthews Band as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation for the Dave Matthews Band’s loyalty and commitment to Charlottesville and the Commonwealth.
Anyone happen to have the text of the DP article?
Anyone have the text of the DP article?