Wed - April 13, 2005
Coaching
I have been working with Carl Heimlich with
C&F Mortgage for several months now, building a quality, long-term
relationship that has already had a significant impact on my business. I can
attribute some of the recent success of my Monthly Newsletter to his
encouragement.
Having a coach can be a career-altering
experience. I have been working with Carl Heimlich with C&F Mortgage for several
months now, building a quality, long-term relationship that has already had a
significant impact on my business. I can attribute some of the recent success
of my Monthly Newsletter to his encouragement. Sharing
ideas with good professionals can (and should be) a valuable
experience.
Posted at 09:03 AM |
Tue - April 12, 2005
CAAR's 2005 First Quarter report is released
My analysis will come tomorrow.
Check it out here. My analysis will come
tomorrow.
Posted at 10:24 PM |
Water meeting
A special joint meeting of the RWSA Board of
Directors, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, ACSA Board of Directors,
and Charlottesville City Council will be held on Monday, April 18, 2005 at 10:30
a.m. in Conference Room A at the Albemarle County Office Building - 5th Street,
1600 5th Street. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the present status
and future options of the Community Water Supply Plan with federal and state
regulatory agencies of interest.
A special joint meeting of the RWSA Board
of Directors, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, ACSA Board of
Directors, and Charlottesville City Council will be held on Monday, April 18,
2005 at 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room A at the Albemarle County Office Building
- 5th Street, 1600 5th Street. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the
present status and future options of the Community Water Supply Plan with
federal and state regulatory agencies of interest. The meeting notice has been
posted on the RWSA website Home
page.
Their homepage is here.
Their homepage is here.
Posted at 10:06 PM |
Sat - April 9, 2005
A self-fulfilling prophesy?
"Bubble' is now the 14th most-common search
term bringing visitors to my blog, trailing "real" "estate" "charlottesville"
and "virginia."... I remain confident that the Central Virginia region will
continue it strong real estate market, in spite of the national potential for a
leveling-off.
"Bubble' is now the 14th most-common search
term bringing visitors to my blog, trailing "real" "estate" "charlottesville"
and "virginia." That it is ahead of "home," "realtor" and "crozet" is a bit
troubling. The more people talk about an impending downturn, perhaps it may just
happen. I remain confident that the Central Virginia region will continue it
strong real estate market, in spite of the national potential for a
leveling-off.
Posted at 10:17 PM |
New construction standards
With the massive amount of new construction in
the Central Virginia region, it may be a good idea to learn more about the
standards that most homebuilders are supposed to abide by.
With the massive amount of new construction in
the Central Virginia region, it may be a good idea to learn more about the
standards that most homebuilders are supposed to abide by. You can start at the
National Association of Home Builders'
website.
Posted at 10:10 PM |
Fri - April 1, 2005
Another reason people come to Central Virginia
In the latest edition of U.S. News & World
Report, UVA had the only school in the Commonwealth that cracked the nation's
top 30 among medical research institutions. The Dean of the Medical School, Dr.
Arthur Garson, says he's proud that UVA continues to be among the top 20% of
American medical schools.
Our medical facilities are a large factor when some people choose to relocate to our region, particularly for senior citizens or anyone who is planning for the future.
Our medical facilities are a large factor when some people choose to relocate to our region, particularly for senior citizens or anyone who is planning for the future.
Do not underestimate the value of having
top-notch medical services readily available.
The University of Virginia School of Medicine has been ranked #26 in the nation for its research. In the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report, UVA had the only school in the Commonwealth that cracked the nation's top 30 among medical research institutions. The Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Arthur Garson, says he's proud that UVA continues to be among the top 20% of American medical schools. From WINA
Our medical facilities are a large factor when some people choose to relocate to our region, particularly for senior citizens or anyone who is planning for the future.
The University of Virginia School of Medicine has been ranked #26 in the nation for its research. In the latest edition of U.S. News & World Report, UVA had the only school in the Commonwealth that cracked the nation's top 30 among medical research institutions. The Dean of the Medical School, Dr. Arthur Garson, says he's proud that UVA continues to be among the top 20% of American medical schools. From WINA
Our medical facilities are a large factor when some people choose to relocate to our region, particularly for senior citizens or anyone who is planning for the future.
Posted at 12:18 PM |
Wed - March 23, 2005
Anti-Pipeline website
This "Best Place to Live" may increase its
urban water supply NOT with mountain runoff from the Shenandoah National Park,
not from the fields and forests of northwest Albemarle, not from stewardship of
our watershed, but from the James River. Recently, the Rivanna Water and Sewer
Authority (RWSA) assured the County Board of Supervisors that while the James
River was a "different quality" of water from our local sources, this could be
taken care of--the RWSA might simply "need to add more chemicals--at times--to
treat it."
Scottsville now has its "
target="NewWindow">very own website devoted to fighting the
pipleline option.
Help us say "NO" to a James River Pipeline and keep your local water supply LOCAL. This "Best Place to Live" may increase its urban water supply NOT with mountain runoff from the Shenandoah National Park, not from the fields and forests of northwest Albemarle, not from stewardship of our watershed, but from the James River. Recently, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) assured the County Board of Supervisors that while the James River was a "different quality" of water from our local sources, this could be taken care of--the RWSA might simply "need to add more chemicals--at times--to treat it."
Help us say "NO" to a James River Pipeline and keep your local water supply LOCAL. This "Best Place to Live" may increase its urban water supply NOT with mountain runoff from the Shenandoah National Park, not from the fields and forests of northwest Albemarle, not from stewardship of our watershed, but from the James River. Recently, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) assured the County Board of Supervisors that while the James River was a "different quality" of water from our local sources, this could be taken care of--the RWSA might simply "need to add more chemicals--at times--to treat it."
Posted at 08:38 PM |
The road to hell is paved with city dollars - Why does Virginia make cities pay for suburban sprawl?
Each year Charlottesville pays about $13.5
million in gasoline and sales taxes earmarked for transportation funding, but we
only get back $6.7 million for maintenance, new projects and transit
funding.
...It pays about $26.6 million in taxes earmarked for transportation, while Albemarle gets back a measly $7 million, more or less, for new roads.
...It pays about $26.6 million in taxes earmarked for transportation, while Albemarle gets back a measly $7 million, more or less, for new roads.
Each year Charlottesville pays about $13.5
million in gasoline and sales taxes earmarked for transportation funding, but we
only get back $6.7 million for maintenance, new projects and transit
funding.
The County gets an even worse deal. It pays about $26.6 million in taxes earmarked for transportation, while Albemarle gets back a measly $7 million, more or less, for new roads.
From yesterday's C-Ville; you may have to scroll to the bottom to read this story.
The County gets an even worse deal. It pays about $26.6 million in taxes earmarked for transportation, while Albemarle gets back a measly $7 million, more or less, for new roads.
From yesterday's C-Ville; you may have to scroll to the bottom to read this story.
Posted at 02:13 PM |
Tue - March 22, 2005
Website notes
One click and the website visitors will see
listings.
I am not looking forward to the anticipated downtime, but have high expectations for the new site.
I am not looking forward to the anticipated downtime, but have high expectations for the new site.
One click and the website visitors will see
listings.
I am not looking forward to the anticipated downtime, but have high expectations for the new site. When it goes live, I hope any and all will give me feedback!
I am not looking forward to the anticipated downtime, but have high expectations for the new site. When it goes live, I hope any and all will give me feedback!
Posted at 09:54 AM |
New website coming soon ...
On the phone now with my web site developer
(VTWS) doing the test drive ...
On the phone now with my web site developer
(VTWS) doing
the test drive ... getting a bit excited!
Posted at 09:24 AM |
Morning links
Possible tax-rate cut in
Albemarle?
City Council leaves door open to Meadowcreek Parkway.
More on Meadowcreek.
City Council leaves door open to Meadowcreek Parkway.
More on Meadowcreek.
Posted at 06:48 AM |
Mon - March 21, 2005
Meadowcreek Parkway vote this evening
We urge you not to take a vote tonight on tying
the Interchange Project to the overall approval of the Meadowcreek Parkway....
There was a great deal of public discussion on the original letter outlining the
criteria for City Council to support the Parkway, but there has been NO public
debate of this fundamental change in
policy.
...I serve on the Transportation Funding Task Force that is looking into finding ways of paying for road projects and I have to tell you that there is little hope that we will find a source of funds that will pay for the interchange and the many other road projects in our area in the short term. Yes, we may be able to find $25 million to pay for the interchange, but by the time we raise that much money, the cost of the parkway will have doubled and the Interchange will cost $50 million.
...First, it is irrational to think that the overall transportation system in our area will be hurt by building more roads. While the Bypass may be negatively impacted, Park Street and other failed intersections (Rio/29, Bypass/29, etc.) will be significantly improved. We have MANY intersections in our area that are rated “F” now and if that is such a bad thing then we should be building 10 new roads instead of one. The fact is, we have not built a significant commuter road in our area since the Bypass was built in the 60’s. If the Bypass suffers from the addition of the Parkway, we should blame ourselves for failing to look ahead and build more roads in the past 50 years.
If the desire of City Council is to KILL the parkway, please just pass such a motion so that then we can all move on. We’re sure you are aware that recent surveys indicate that a majority of City residents want the Parkway built, so we would hope that Council does not want to kill the Parkway. Whatever happens, we hope that you will not practice secretive politics and avoid the sunlight of public participation.
...I serve on the Transportation Funding Task Force that is looking into finding ways of paying for road projects and I have to tell you that there is little hope that we will find a source of funds that will pay for the interchange and the many other road projects in our area in the short term. Yes, we may be able to find $25 million to pay for the interchange, but by the time we raise that much money, the cost of the parkway will have doubled and the Interchange will cost $50 million.
...First, it is irrational to think that the overall transportation system in our area will be hurt by building more roads. While the Bypass may be negatively impacted, Park Street and other failed intersections (Rio/29, Bypass/29, etc.) will be significantly improved. We have MANY intersections in our area that are rated “F” now and if that is such a bad thing then we should be building 10 new roads instead of one. The fact is, we have not built a significant commuter road in our area since the Bypass was built in the 60’s. If the Bypass suffers from the addition of the Parkway, we should blame ourselves for failing to look ahead and build more roads in the past 50 years.
If the desire of City Council is to KILL the parkway, please just pass such a motion so that then we can all move on. We’re sure you are aware that recent surveys indicate that a majority of City residents want the Parkway built, so we would hope that Council does not want to kill the Parkway. Whatever happens, we hope that you will not practice secretive politics and avoid the sunlight of public participation.
Interesting article in the DP today about the Meadowcreek
Parkway fiasco.
“We would like to move forward, but if
we move forward, we’d like to do it with some sense of direction,”
(Mayor
Brown) said.
Please. The City has been delaying any
action for so many years, the situation is almost comical.
Dave Phillips, CEO of CAAR sent an excellent letter to the City Council this morning, quoted in its entirety here.
To: Members of City Council
We urge you not to take a vote tonight on tying the Interchange Project to the overall approval of the Meadowcreek Parkway. Such a vote will essentially kill the parkway or at least delay it for 20+ years. There was a great deal of public discussion on the original letter outlining the criteria for City Council to support the Parkway, but there has been NO public debate of this fundamental change in policy. To vote on this measure without allowing extensive public debate would be irresponsible leadership.
While everyone WANTS to have an interchange, the reality is that there is no money for this very expensive project. I serve on the Transportation Funding Task Force that is looking into finding ways of paying for road projects and I have to tell you that there is little hope that we will find a source of funds that will pay for the interchange and the many other road projects in our area in the short term. Yes, we may be able to find $25 million to pay for the interchange, but by the time we raise that much money, the cost of the parkway will have doubled and the Interchange will cost $50 million.
We find little credibility in the argument that the intersection fails if the parkway is built. First, it is irrational to think that the overall transportation system in our area will be hurt by building more roads. While the Bypass may be negatively impacted, Park Street and other failed intersections (Rio/29, Bypass/29, etc.) will be significantly improved. We have MANY intersections in our area that are rated “F” now and if that is such a bad thing then we should be building 10 new roads instead of one. The fact is, we have not built a significant commuter road in our area since the Bypass was built in the 60’s. If the Bypass suffers from the addition of the Parkway, we should blame ourselves for failing to look ahead and build more roads in the past 50 years.
If the desire of City Council is to KILL the parkway, please just pass such a motion so that then we can all move on. We’re sure you are aware that recent surveys indicate that a majority of City residents want the Parkway built, so we would hope that Council does not want to kill the Parkway. Whatever happens, we hope that you will not practice secretive politics and avoid the sunlight of public participation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Dave Phillips, CEO of CAAR sent an excellent letter to the City Council this morning, quoted in its entirety here.
To: Members of City Council
We urge you not to take a vote tonight on tying the Interchange Project to the overall approval of the Meadowcreek Parkway. Such a vote will essentially kill the parkway or at least delay it for 20+ years. There was a great deal of public discussion on the original letter outlining the criteria for City Council to support the Parkway, but there has been NO public debate of this fundamental change in policy. To vote on this measure without allowing extensive public debate would be irresponsible leadership.
While everyone WANTS to have an interchange, the reality is that there is no money for this very expensive project. I serve on the Transportation Funding Task Force that is looking into finding ways of paying for road projects and I have to tell you that there is little hope that we will find a source of funds that will pay for the interchange and the many other road projects in our area in the short term. Yes, we may be able to find $25 million to pay for the interchange, but by the time we raise that much money, the cost of the parkway will have doubled and the Interchange will cost $50 million.
We find little credibility in the argument that the intersection fails if the parkway is built. First, it is irrational to think that the overall transportation system in our area will be hurt by building more roads. While the Bypass may be negatively impacted, Park Street and other failed intersections (Rio/29, Bypass/29, etc.) will be significantly improved. We have MANY intersections in our area that are rated “F” now and if that is such a bad thing then we should be building 10 new roads instead of one. The fact is, we have not built a significant commuter road in our area since the Bypass was built in the 60’s. If the Bypass suffers from the addition of the Parkway, we should blame ourselves for failing to look ahead and build more roads in the past 50 years.
If the desire of City Council is to KILL the parkway, please just pass such a motion so that then we can all move on. We’re sure you are aware that recent surveys indicate that a majority of City residents want the Parkway built, so we would hope that Council does not want to kill the Parkway. Whatever happens, we hope that you will not practice secretive politics and avoid the sunlight of public participation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Posted at 11:52 AM |
ASAP's annual report
WINA -
The annual report from the group
Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population contains its goals for 2005.
ASAP wants the County to provide information on
how many people it estimates
could live here without affecting quality of life.
The group is also looking at the
urban water supply and ways of estimating the County's optimum population
size.
Bolding is mine - what does this mean? Whose standards?
ASAP actually agreed with Dave Phillips, CEO of CAAR! Phillips is right. While ASAP has disagreed with CAAR on a
number of issues and approaches, we agree on this fundamental principle—it should be easier for developers to build in the Growth Areas than in the Rural Areas, and County policies should reinforce that principle. It's good to read all sides of the issue. Maintaining a high quality of life is a laudable goal. How that is achieved is debatable. ASAP's (PDF) newsletter
Bolding is mine - what does this mean? Whose standards?
ASAP actually agreed with Dave Phillips, CEO of CAAR! Phillips is right. While ASAP has disagreed with CAAR on a
number of issues and approaches, we agree on this fundamental principle—it should be easier for developers to build in the Growth Areas than in the Rural Areas, and County policies should reinforce that principle. It's good to read all sides of the issue. Maintaining a high quality of life is a laudable goal. How that is achieved is debatable. ASAP's (PDF) newsletter
Posted at 06:30 AM |
Fri - March 18, 2005
Why is our market insulated?
Today's Cavalier Daily reports on
Charlottesville's (Albemarle is implicitly implied) low
unemployment.
A recent survey by Manpower Incorporated, an employment services company, found that the City of Charlottesville has the sixth-best employment outlook in the nation for the second quarter of 2005.
A Career Services study showed 15 percent of students wish to remain in Charlottesville. Since students have shown an interest in remaining in Charlottesville, Career Services will hold a local job fair for the first time.
...While the nation as a whole is experiencing an upward trend in employment opportunity, Charlottesville itself has a particularly bright prospect in the upcoming quarter, Manpower Local Branch Manager Patricia Hoke said.
A recent survey by Manpower Incorporated, an employment services company, found that the City of Charlottesville has the sixth-best employment outlook in the nation for the second quarter of 2005.
A Career Services study showed 15 percent of students wish to remain in Charlottesville. Since students have shown an interest in remaining in Charlottesville, Career Services will hold a local job fair for the first time.
...While the nation as a whole is experiencing an upward trend in employment opportunity, Charlottesville itself has a particularly bright prospect in the upcoming quarter, Manpower Local Branch Manager Patricia Hoke said.
One word -
UVa.
Today's Cavalier Daily reports on Charlottesville's
(Albemarle is implicitly implied) low unemployment.
A recent survey by Manpower Incorporated, an employment services company, found that the City of Charlottesville has the sixth-best employment outlook in the nation for the second quarter of 2005.
A Career Services study showed 15 percent of students wish to remain in Charlottesville. Since students have shown an interest in remaining in Charlottesville, Career Services will hold a local job fair for the first time. Career Services also is working to increase outreach to local employers.
WINA reported this earlier this week.
This part in particular is good for real estate. While the nation as a whole is experiencing an upward trend in employment opportunity, Charlottesville itself has a particularly bright prospect in the upcoming quarter, Manpower Local Branch Manager Patricia Hoke said.
"From April to June, 57 percent of companies interviewed in Charlottesville are going to be hiring more employees, compared to 30 percent nationwide," Hoke said
A recent survey by Manpower Incorporated, an employment services company, found that the City of Charlottesville has the sixth-best employment outlook in the nation for the second quarter of 2005.
A Career Services study showed 15 percent of students wish to remain in Charlottesville. Since students have shown an interest in remaining in Charlottesville, Career Services will hold a local job fair for the first time. Career Services also is working to increase outreach to local employers.
WINA reported this earlier this week.
This part in particular is good for real estate. While the nation as a whole is experiencing an upward trend in employment opportunity, Charlottesville itself has a particularly bright prospect in the upcoming quarter, Manpower Local Branch Manager Patricia Hoke said.
"From April to June, 57 percent of companies interviewed in Charlottesville are going to be hiring more employees, compared to 30 percent nationwide," Hoke said
Posted at 09:09 PM |
Wed - March 16, 2005
More press for "best place to retire"
We are not mentioned in the story online, but I
am sure we will see some activity because of this story/book. What is rarely
noted in these stories is the fact that people move to the region for
Charlottesville's amenities, but frequently move to one of the surrounding
counties and drive to C'Ville when they want/need to.
Apparently C'ville was to be featured on the
Today
Show this morning, further press for the book I noted yesterday. We
are not mentioned in the story online, but I am sure we will see some activity
because of this story/book. What is rarely noted in these stories is the fact
that people move to the region for Charlottesville's amenities, but frequently
move to one of the surrounding counties and drive to C'Ville when they want/need
to.
Posted at 08:32 AM |
Tue - March 15, 2005
Open house blogging today
I will be blogging from my open house this
morning in the Highlands. I received a call from another agent yesterday
regarding this property. I put it in the MLS late Sunday night and said that no
showings were permitted until this morning.... Her clients were beaten out of
another property a few weeks ago because the Realtor was not honest about her
request that no showings be permitted. I guess it felt good to be able to say
that I mean what I say, because this trait is becoming such a
rarity.
I will be blogging from my open house this
morning in the Highlands. I received a call from another agent
yesterday regarding this property. I put it in the MLS late Sunday night and
said that no showings were permitted until this morning. She was calling to make
sure that I was honest. This is sad. Her clients were beaten out of another
property a few weeks ago because the Realtor was not honest about her request
that no showings be permitted. I guess it felt good to be able to say that I
mean what I say, because this trait is becoming such a rarity. Those who know me
know what to expect. Candor, bluntness and untiring dedication.
Posted at 10:14 AM |
We may not be Number One ...
But we are up there. For better or
worse.
Charlottesville is now ranked as one of the best places to retire. Should want to know more, check out Retire in Style : 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada.
Robert J. Bruss with Inman News says that If the book has a bias, it seems to be toward college towns as retirement destinations. Included on the "top 60" list are State College, Pa.; Madison, Wis.; Hanover, N.H.; Ithaca, N.Y.; Charlottesville, Va.; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Gainesville, Fla.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Austin, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Chico, Calif.; and Eugene, Ore. Although certainly not a college town, Bland extols the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
Oh well, let the race continue.
Charlottesville is now ranked as one of the best places to retire. Should want to know more, check out Retire in Style : 60 Outstanding Places Across the USA and Canada.
Robert J. Bruss with Inman News says that If the book has a bias, it seems to be toward college towns as retirement destinations. Included on the "top 60" list are State College, Pa.; Madison, Wis.; Hanover, N.H.; Ithaca, N.Y.; Charlottesville, Va.; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Gainesville, Fla.; Fayetteville, Ark.; Austin, Texas; Boulder, Colo.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Chico, Calif.; and Eugene, Ore. Although certainly not a college town, Bland extols the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
Oh well, let the race continue.
Posted at 09:51 AM |
Sat - March 12, 2005
Did you know?
Realtors are not allowed to call expired
listings if that person is on the FCC's Do Not Call
List?
There is a very interesting article at Rismedia.com detailing the changes.
There is a very interesting article at Rismedia.com detailing the changes.
Posted at 08:24 AM |
Homeshow
The Blue Ridge
Homebuilders' Homeshow has been going on for a few days now. Some of
the most recent advances in home technology are displayed here. Tickets are
cheap and it's at the Cage behind U-Hall.
Posted at 08:18 AM |
Fri - March 11, 2005
Maybe the planners should go!
Albemarle and Charlottesville planners should
probably attend the Building Livable, Walkable Communities
conference - and the taxpayers should gladly pay!
Posted at 10:30 PM |
Tue - March 8, 2005
Much needed road inches closer to ...
I don't know - is there a measure larger than
"inches" that can be used as a
verb?
The Charlottesville City Council approved a route for the Hillsdale Drive Connector that would thread it through the Seminole Square Shopping Center despite pleas to abandon the proposed road from residents who live near it.
...We need this road - we need just about any road to alleviate traffic, but this may be a step in the right direction.
The Charlottesville City Council approved a route for the Hillsdale Drive Connector that would thread it through the Seminole Square Shopping Center despite pleas to abandon the proposed road from residents who live near it.
...We need this road - we need just about any road to alleviate traffic, but this may be a step in the right direction.
I don't know - is there a measure larger than
"inches" that can be used as a verb? From the DP
The Charlottesville City Council approved a route for the Hillsdale Drive Connector that would thread it through the Seminole Square Shopping Center despite pleas to abandon the proposed road from residents who live near it.
The council also appropriated $750,000 for a design study. The Virginia Department of Transportation will reimburse the city all but $15,000.
We need this road - we need just about any road to alleviate traffic, but this may be a step in the right direction. Only time will tell ...
The Charlottesville City Council approved a route for the Hillsdale Drive Connector that would thread it through the Seminole Square Shopping Center despite pleas to abandon the proposed road from residents who live near it.
The council also appropriated $750,000 for a design study. The Virginia Department of Transportation will reimburse the city all but $15,000.
We need this road - we need just about any road to alleviate traffic, but this may be a step in the right direction. Only time will tell ...
Posted at 03:22 AM |
Sun - March 6, 2005
Ha.
"The Albemarle supervisors want to look at a
possible transportation link benefitting those who live along Stony Point Road.
They want to explore a road that would connect Route 20 North with either Rio
Road or 29 North. The supervisors hope to team up with the city and the state
highway department to pay for a study. Supervisors' Chairman Dennis Rooker
notes this connector road is in the county's 20-year road plan."
In the planning stages ... from WINA.
"The Albemarle supervisors want to look at a possible transportation link benefitting those who live along Stony Point Road. They want to explore a road that would connect Route 20 North with either Rio Road or 29 North. The supervisors hope to team up with the city and the state highway department to pay for a study. Supervisors' Chairman Dennis Rooker notes this connector road is in the county's 20-year road plan."
The bolding is mine. Ha. I hope my grandchildren are able to find alternate routes around the construction.
"The Albemarle supervisors want to look at a possible transportation link benefitting those who live along Stony Point Road. They want to explore a road that would connect Route 20 North with either Rio Road or 29 North. The supervisors hope to team up with the city and the state highway department to pay for a study. Supervisors' Chairman Dennis Rooker notes this connector road is in the county's 20-year road plan."
The bolding is mine. Ha. I hope my grandchildren are able to find alternate routes around the construction.
Posted at 08:50 PM |
Tue - March 1, 2005
Schools are closed again today
I noticed that I was getting an inordinate
amount of hits today for the query "which schools are closed today?" So I
figured I might as well answer the
question.
Most schools are closed, despite the fact that all main roads are clear and mildly wet. I predict that Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene and Charlottesville schools will be open on a delay tomorrow and Nelson will be closed for some time.
NBC 29 is the outlet of choice for school closing info. Their link is here.
Most schools are closed, despite the fact that all main roads are clear and mildly wet. I predict that Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene and Charlottesville schools will be open on a delay tomorrow and Nelson will be closed for some time.
NBC 29 is the outlet of choice for school closing info. Their link is here.
Posted at 10:02 AM |
Wed - February 23, 2005
Will The Meadowcreek Parkway Ever Be Built?
WCAV says "Probably
Not."
"“We need the Meadowcreek Parkway. We need a bypass around our city. We need traffic relief for Pantops Mountain,” he said. “You must look past the trees - and Hillsdale Drive is one of these trees - and see the forest."
There you have it. The bolding is mine; the most succinct statement regarding the Meadowcreek fiasco I have seen in weeks. The DP is on it. The City Council is scheduled to delay action again on 7 March.
"“We need the Meadowcreek Parkway. We need a bypass around our city. We need traffic relief for Pantops Mountain,” he said. “You must look past the trees - and Hillsdale Drive is one of these trees - and see the forest."
There you have it. The bolding is mine; the most succinct statement regarding the Meadowcreek fiasco I have seen in weeks. The DP is on it. The City Council is scheduled to delay action again on 7 March.
Posted at 07:20 AM |
Tue - February 22, 2005
More talk ...
They cost
money!
If the cost of roads is so much, is the decrease in our quality of life worth the "savings"?
If the cost of roads is so much, is the decrease in our quality of life worth the "savings"?
About roads. Guess what? They cost money!
If the cost of roads is so much, is the decrease in our quality of life worth the "savings"?
DP reports.
If the cost of roads is so much, is the decrease in our quality of life worth the "savings"?
DP reports.
Posted at 08:57 AM |
Mon - February 21, 2005
CAAR's workforce housing fund
As those who are at the forefront of the
housing and affordable housing market, our Association has developed a Fund that
will help those who are unable to afford housing unaided. Public assistance
subsidizing the housing is doomed to failure. Subsidizing the
people,
however is a different matter
entirely.
"Our plan is to set up a special trust fund to aid key members of our work force (teachers, police, nurses and firefighters) live in the communities in which they work. The CAAR Work Force Housing Plan will be set up in partnership with the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) and will be available for use in the entire Charlottesville region." CAAR info here.
As evidenced in the recent redistricting fiasco, when the people speak, things happen (both good and bad!)
"Our plan is to set up a special trust fund to aid key members of our work force (teachers, police, nurses and firefighters) live in the communities in which they work. The CAAR Work Force Housing Plan will be set up in partnership with the Piedmont Housing Alliance (PHA) and will be available for use in the entire Charlottesville region." CAAR info here.
As evidenced in the recent redistricting fiasco, when the people speak, things happen (both good and bad!)
Posted at 08:23 AM |
No money for roads ...
So let's talk about how much we need them some
more. Are politics this sad in other
localitites?
“If the estimated cost keeps running away from you, you never get the money in place to start the project,” Albemarle County Supervisor Dennis S.
“If the estimated cost keeps running away from you, you never get the money in place to start the project,” Albemarle County Supervisor Dennis S.
So let's talk about how much we need them some
more. Are politics this sad in other
localitites?
“If the estimated cost keeps running away from you, you never get the money in place to start the project,” Albemarle County Supervisor Dennis S. Rooker said. “It’s a vicious cycle.
The DP is on a roll.
“If the estimated cost keeps running away from you, you never get the money in place to start the project,” Albemarle County Supervisor Dennis S. Rooker said. “It’s a vicious cycle.
The DP is on a roll.
Posted at 06:55 AM |
Sat - February 19, 2005
"New Urbanism" is not where it's at
"Although new urban communities are relatively
hot sellers in some areas, new urbanism in its purest form remains essentially
an idealistic model that does not appeal to the vast majority of
buyers."
...New Urbanism has been the "feel-good" term that many smart-growth advocates have been spewing for years in articles such as this one.
...New Urbanism has been the "feel-good" term that many smart-growth advocates have been spewing for years in articles such as this one.
"Although new urban communities are
relatively hot sellers in some areas, new urbanism in its purest form remains
essentially an idealistic model that does not appeal to the vast majority of
buyers."
The New York Times of all places has this enlightening article. New Urbanism has been the "feel-good" term that many smart-growth advocates have been spewing for years in articles such as this one. While these may be great ideas in theory, they simply do not work in practice.
The New York Times of all places has this enlightening article. New Urbanism has been the "feel-good" term that many smart-growth advocates have been spewing for years in articles such as this one. While these may be great ideas in theory, they simply do not work in practice.
Posted at 01:24 PM |
Thu - February 17, 2005
C-Ville takes on the FEF
Honest, unbiased article in C-Ville this week,
until you get past the first paragraph. Then a decidedly anti-growth
undercurrent surfaces.
"For the Forum and its supporters, the rumble of bulldozers is the sweet sound of money in the bank. As the head cheerleader for rapid growth in any form—as well as for the local homebuilding and real estate industries that profit from growth ..."
Not entirely accurate. The FEF seeks to protect private property rights. Minimizing the "common good" decisions is good for all.
And then this - "That’s why Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population (ASAP)—the antithesis of the Free Enterprise Forum if there ever was one—opposes the James River pipeline. “It’s a lousy option,” says ASAP president Jack Marshall. “This is going to open the spigot, literally, for more growth.”"
Rather than plan for the future, we should plan to truck in water from outside sources in the future? My question for Mr. Marshall, as one who is married to an actual native of the area - are you a native? If not, shouldn't you and your NIMBY friends lead the charge to vacate the region?
"For the Forum and its supporters, the rumble of bulldozers is the sweet sound of money in the bank. As the head cheerleader for rapid growth in any form—as well as for the local homebuilding and real estate industries that profit from growth ..."
Not entirely accurate. The FEF seeks to protect private property rights. Minimizing the "common good" decisions is good for all.
And then this - "That’s why Advocates for a Sustainable Albemarle Population (ASAP)—the antithesis of the Free Enterprise Forum if there ever was one—opposes the James River pipeline. “It’s a lousy option,” says ASAP president Jack Marshall. “This is going to open the spigot, literally, for more growth.”"
Rather than plan for the future, we should plan to truck in water from outside sources in the future? My question for Mr. Marshall, as one who is married to an actual native of the area - are you a native? If not, shouldn't you and your NIMBY friends lead the charge to vacate the region?
Posted at 07:25 AM |
Wed - February 16, 2005
Water continued - the James option
The series continues in the DP -
Piping water from the James is one of four options the authority has devised to solve a severe water shortage the Charlottesville-Albemarle area is facing by 2055. The other options include expanding the capacity of the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir and enlarging the Ragged Mountain Reservoir.
My first thought is of the four articles, why is "risk" used in only one of the headlines? Does "risk" have more negative connotations than 'concerns?" Other than this one point, I think that this has been a great series.
Option would raise height of dam
Water option causes concern
Three years after drought, area still awaits new plan
James pipe poses risks
Nice summation here -
"By the end of the last major drought, officials said they had reached a turning point, that a long-term plan was in hand and that decisions could finally be made.
That was more than two years ago."
Piping water from the James is one of four options the authority has devised to solve a severe water shortage the Charlottesville-Albemarle area is facing by 2055. The other options include expanding the capacity of the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir and enlarging the Ragged Mountain Reservoir.
My first thought is of the four articles, why is "risk" used in only one of the headlines? Does "risk" have more negative connotations than 'concerns?" Other than this one point, I think that this has been a great series.
Option would raise height of dam
Water option causes concern
Three years after drought, area still awaits new plan
James pipe poses risks
Nice summation here -
"By the end of the last major drought, officials said they had reached a turning point, that a long-term plan was in hand and that decisions could finally be made.
That was more than two years ago."
Posted at 10:48 AM |
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Published On: Apr 13, 2005 09:03 AM
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Published On: Apr 13, 2005 09:03 AM