Posted inHealth and safety

Northam has relaxed COVID restrictions on bar seating. Some local restaurateurs are optimistic — and cautious.

This week, Gov. Ralph Northam loosened restrictions on bar seating, now allowing restaurant-bars to seat patrons at the bar for service, “provided a minimum of six feet is provided between parties.” The amendment to Executive Order 72, made somewhat quietly and effective immediately, was perhaps overshadowed by Northam’s signing of a bill that legalizes simple […]

Posted inGovernment and public institutions

After years of advocating for redevelopment, Crescent Halls residents break ground on renovation

Alice Washington knew it was real when the port-a-potties arrived last week. And when the construction fencing went up the next day, she could finally, truly, believe it: After more than 20 years of redevelopment promises made and broken over and over again, after 20 years of advocating for better living conditions for herself and […]

Posted inGovernment and public institutions, Our neighborhoods

Charlottesville could become first city in the South to fund right to counsel for eviction proceedings

A single mother of three recently laid off from her job arrives home from a career fair to find an eviction notice taped to the front door of her rental home. An elderly man working part-time to supplement his Social Security income stirs from a nap and notices a sheet of paper that’s been slid […]

Posted inGovernment and public institutions, Health and safety

City Council may repeal local COVID ordinance, defer to state

Last night’s Charlottesville City Council meeting began, as usual, with a presentation by Blue Ridge Health District Director Dr. Denise Bonds, whose slideshow full of statistics and charts show that in recent weeks there has been a slight uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the district, including in the city.  Three hours and […]