Monthly Archive for May, 2002

Page 7 of 9

Jefferson Descendants Nix Hemings Inclusion

Descendants of Thomas Jefferson voted not to admit descendents of Sally Hemings into the Monticello Association. They also voted down changing the criteria for admission and the proposed creation of a second organization specifically for Hemings descendents. The Membership Advisory Committee released an interim report that’s well worth reading for those interested in the details behind these proposals. Peter Savodnik has the story in today’s Progress.

Market St. Garage Renovations

betterlife writes: I am someone agitated by the renovations that are nearing completion on the mall side of the Market Street parking garage. Do other people agree that the steel beams and cables actually are out of character and somewhat of an eyesore?

betterlife is talking about the recent expansion of the garage that has added four new storefronts and metal-and-cable awnings on top of them. The expansion started several months ago, and appears to only have one storefront remaining to be finished before the project is completed.

Arena Plans to be Decided

Belle writes: Later this week, UVa’s Athletic Director and some hired, out-of-town architects will present to UVA’s Board of Visitors their suggestions for the size and scope of the new basketball/”multi-purpose” arena. Jerry Ratcliffe had the story in this weekend’s Progress, but the story can still be had at the paper’s website. Note: neighborhood residents are already outraged by the perceived lack of the communication between their elected representatives on Council, the University, and the neighborhood association about the Ivy Road parking lot, a subsidiary project for the University’s arena plans.

City Council Election Predictions

writes: How about this board stepping up to the plate and predicting the outcome of the City Council elections?

Good idea. I’ll go first: Caravati and Searls will win, but it will be close between Searls and Schilling.

Shootout near Garret Square

Will writes: I was just about to fall asleep when a major shootout of some sort erupted somewhere between Garret Square and Avon St. There were a whole lot of shots fired, probably close to two dozen, perhaps more, and it sounded like different types of shots. It lasted a good twenty seconds or so, and there was a lot of screaming and shouting for quite a few minutes afterwards. 911 reports that they’re flooded with calls right now and police sirens just started filling the air. Something seriously bad just went down over there.

05/05 Update:Today’s Progress gives the details. A 21-year-old bystander was shot several times and hospitalized. Albemarle Police arrested two suspects a short time later, charging them with cocaine possession, false identification, reckless driving and eluding police. They have not yet been charged with the shooting.

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