The Washington Post on the Blenheim development conflict between Patricia Kluge and locals over the pop-up wineries she’s selling, dramatically changing the sleepy, lower-middle-class area. #
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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Multi-million dollar McMansions….doesn’t Albemarle already have its share of them? It’s insensitive, excessive, and decadent at a time when there are countless better ways to spend (and make) money and waste resources.
I’m not a big fan of McMansions; however, combining development with agriculure, building energy efficient homes, and such is a far better alternative than the status quo. That said, it’s all in the implementation.
I doubt that Patricia reads this blog, but if I could make a suggestion or two, then it would be to consider adding some “affordable” houses (in this case, at least something upper middle class) and also consider creating some habit and greenspace areas by using native plants in the design. Lastly, sit down with the neighbors, listen to their concerns and ask for suggestions. These simple things can make all the difference.