In 1985, the sociologist Robert Bellah and four of his colleagues wrote about a “crisis of civic membership” in America. The people they interviewed were engrossed in their private lives and increasingly reluctant to get tangled in their local politics. As one interviewee put it, only “suckers” think in terms of the common good in […]
Author Archives: Claudia Elzey
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Let them eat pancakes: Café breakfasts will benefit nonprofits
Since opening in the Jefferson School City Center in January, the Vinegar Hill Café has blossomed into a cheerful bistro loved by regulars for its artisan sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries and burgers made from beef from grass-fed cattle. But soon, a clever scheme to help local nonprofits will add flapjacks to the menu. “Our pancake breakfasts […]
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County eyes deal with van der Linde but seeks public input
For 20 years, Charlottesville and Albemarle County relied on a public agency, the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, to manage their recycling and trash disposal. But in 2010, the city dumped the agency in favor of Peter van der Linde’s Materials Recovery Facility in Zion Crossroads — against whom the RSWA had just settled a lawsuit […]
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Building on steep slopes may get simpler in Albemarle’s urban area
Although Albemarle County has regulated building on steep slopes since 1980, county officials said nearly every request for a waiver to disturb the land has been approved. In an effort to streamline development in the county’s urban area, an ordinance is proposed that would eliminate the need for waivers, but better protect critical slopes, county […]
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National figures, local heroes to mix at TED Talks
TED Talks — 18-minute speeches in which celebrated innovators and thinkers share their greatest ideas — have become a global phenomenon and attract online audiences of several million. In November, the talks will get a local twist when Charlottesville hosts its very own TED summit. “We’ve invited speakers who have done amazing things,” said […]
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Supervisor disagrees with VDOT over dangers of brush spraying; residents may opt out
An Albemarle County supervisor is urging residents to opt out of a Virginia Department of Transportation herbicide spraying program after the public raised concerns last year. VDOT plans to treat rural roadsides with Krenite S between Aug. 26 and Sept. 27. “There is no safety information [regarding Krenite],” Supervisor Ann H. Mallek said at a […]
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Local families getting help finding fresh produce
The goal is the same: to supply low-income families with fresh, healthy, locally grown food. But the routes two Charlottesville nonprofit groups are taking to reach that goal differ. The Urban Agriculture Collective manages three city gardens in which volunteers can work in exchange for a share of the crop. “Anyone can volunteer,” said Todd […]
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Dittmar launches campaign for Albemarle Board of Supervisors
Jane D. Dittmar, the Democratic Party’s candidate for the Scottsville District seat on the Albemarle Board of Supervisors, held her official campaign announcement on Wednesday. A special election on Nov. 5 will decide the successor to former Scottsville Supervisor Christopher J. Dumler, who resigned on June 5, two years before his term would have expired. […]
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Albemarle’s Comprehensive Plan update clears the Planning Commission
After 38 public meetings, countless hours of staff work and three different drafts, the Albemarle County Planning Commission on Tuesday concluded its review of the county’s comprehensive plan. “If you feel tired, there’s a reason,” Elaine Echols, Albemarle County ‘s principal planner, told the commission. “We’ve been working on this document for two years.” The […]
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Input sought on bicycle and pedestrian survey
Are Charlottesville’s pedestrians “strong and fearless”? Are its bicyclists “enthused and confident”? Or are narrow sidewalks, missing bike lanes, and rolling hills holding them back? Those are some of the questions asked in a new online survey meant to inform future efforts to improve the bicycle and pedestrian environment. “The survey is geared to understand […]
