The city says that 94% of retail space on the Downtown Mall is rented. I wonder if that’s by square feet or by units? #
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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Keep in mind two things.
1) Retail space is limited to the mall level space. Upstairs offices are not part of this 94% concept.
2) Stores that are closing down technically are still under rent. There is a store on Market Street that is hoping to “sub-lease” some of their space. Their asking price is about 60% of what others are asking per s.f. But, if you ask city council, that whole space is rented.
Keih, I refuse to believe City Council would intentionally mislead the taxpayers!!!! :)
“It would be helpful if you could provide a link, or more specific information, about where the City gets its information that 94% of space is leased. It sure looks like there’s much more available. Additionally, there are empty store fronts on the side street.
How about a little more reporting on this issue? & sources?” is part of a comment made at http://www.topix.net/forum/source/nbc29/TMQIRCME2HME5UHHE I agree. Also, I think it would wise to see just how many store fronts will survive the bricking. This is a very untimely story. Also, is the city counting the street level offices as “store fronts?”
Would the 6% of unoccupied space have anything to do with my Real Estate Taxes going up again this year?
2 2=sandwich?
Seriously, when I read this I thought I was reading a press release from the city….anyone who walks down the mall can’t help but notice all the vacant spaces…and merchants are worried. Read:
http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2009/02/12/ONARCH-vacancies-B.aspx
Dave, curious to know how downtown vacancy rates compare to other shopping centers in the area, some of which (like Albemarle Square, north wing of Barracks Rd. etc.) seem to be veritable ghost towns these days. Have you compared these numbers?