A group of 45 local skaters and community members met recently to develop designs for a 30,000-square-foot regional skate park in Charlottesville. The skate park is planned for a space in McIntire Park at the site of a wading pool. Design consultant Stantec, in response to previous community feedback, revealed two new alternatives during a […]
Author Archives: Effie Nicholaou
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Redesigning Monticello Ave, increasing safety near school
During a recent walking tour and public presentation, Charlottesville officials gained community feedback for plans to widen sidewalks, add bike lanes and increase safety as intersection improvements move forward for Monticello Avenue. It is a designated Entrance Corridor to the city, part of U.S. Bicycle Route 76 and a route for students attending Clark Elementary […]
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Why are fewer women riding bikes in Charlottesville?
Women riders account for only 25 percent of bicycle trips taken in the United States, a statistic believed to be a reflection of lack of safe conditions, according to the book “City Cycling.” Survey results taken by the city of Charlottesville in the past year reflect a similar gender gap. When asked to describe their […]
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Baker-Butler Elementary School principal to retire
After 25 years working for Albemarle County Public Schools, David Cushman is retiring as Principal of Baker-Butler Elementary School. “We are enormously indebted to Dave for his exceptional devotion to public education, for the influence of his interpersonal skills, and for the quality of his stewardship during such defining moments as the recent redistricting, which […]
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Rivanna Village development near Glenmore gets favorable review
Changes to a proposed mixed-use development outside the Glenmore neighborhood have won the unanimous support of the Albemarle County Planning Commission. However, despite the downsizing of a plan first approved in 2007, the 94.76-acre Rivanna Village development is still raising concerns about safety on nearby roads, such as U.S. 250. More than 60 community members […]
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Charlottesville Ecovillage: Housing development centered on people, earth
Not satisfied with the state of community and the environment, one group has decided to create something more to their liking, an ecovillage. During a recent open house, about 50 people met at Charlottesville Ecovillage’s property off East Rio Road to hear about plans to use the 6.6-acre site as an intentional community and ecovillage […]
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Turning city’s vision into building codes and policy
Not satisfied with roadblocks to innovative design and development, the city of Charlottesville is considering how to rewrite the rules to encourage new ideas that support its Comprehensive Plan. During a recent city-hosted event, a panel of city staff, business leaders and design professionals considered the future of city regulations on such topics as tree […]
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Albemarle seeks input on changing rules for rural businesses
Albemarle County’s rural countryside may soon see an increased number of events at breweries, wineries and agricultural farms. A recent roundtable discussion hosted by the county brought together about 35 community members, business owners and advocates to hash through how to mitigate negative impacts and ensure positive outcomes from recent changes to Virginia law. As […]
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Commonwealth Restaurant to open private event space on Downtown Mall
In the past four years, two private event spaces have popped up in downtown Charlottesville. Executive chef Alex George anticipates opening the third next month. The Commonwealth Reserve is slated to join George’s other Downtown Mall endeavors Commonwealth Restaurant & Skybar and Just Curry. “When this opportunity came up, it was just perfect for us. […]
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World of Beer plans to support, engage local scene
A bar and restaurant that wants to be a partner in the community and is slated to open on West Main Street this fall moved closer to reality Tuesday. The Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review granted approval for World of Beer to have an outdoor patio seating area with a stage for live music. “We […]
