Current Neighborhood Issues
August 19, 2010
Become Involved in your Community
Applications are being accepted for the following boards and commissions appointed by City Council:
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Transportation (CHART) Plan Citizen Advisory Committee
• Community Development Block Grant Task Force
• Planning Commission DEADLINE September 30th
• Regional Disability Service Board
• Rivanna Solid Waste and Advisory Committee
Application 970-3113 or . Preference is given to City residents or may be required. The deadline for applications is Friday, August 27.
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 13, 2010
NDRA Annual Meeting, Sunday, September 26, 2 pm, The Haven
You are cordially invited to the North Downtown Residents Association Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 26 at 2 PM at The Haven, corner of First/ Market Sts, featuring four speakers:
Officer Harvey Finkel of the Police Department on current downtown security issues
Kaki Dimock, Executive Director of The Haven, on the Haven and its services as the daytime shelter for the homeless
Lindsay Milby of Sloan Milby Real Estate on downtown real estate and how to challenge your assessment
Colette Hall, Board President on the current and recent past activities of the association.
Voting for Board Directors and annual dues ($10/per household) at the door. (You do not need to be a member to attend.)
A reception will follow the presentations. We invite you to to learn more about North Downtown issues and to meet your neighbors. Contact info: Catherine 971-9271 or Colette 296-6224.
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 13, 2010
Planning Commissioners Needed
Dear Neighborhood Advocates:
The Planning Commission has two openings and these two seats could help make our planning commission become more environmentally- and neighborhood-friendly.
Kay Slaughter”
S.E.L.C.
Application deadline September 30. [If you want an application - I will send my e-mail. Colette]
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 9, 2010
“Building Goodness “ Project
”. ..we are requesting your help as we begin locating homes for Building Goodness in April, 2011. Building Goodness in April (BGIA) is a collaboration between students of the UVA Darden School of Business and the Charlottesville-based Building Goodness Foundation. . . to repair and improve homes which are owned and occupied by low income families and individuals. Particular attention is paid to those who are elderly or handicapped and unable to maintain their homes in safety and comfort.
There is NO COST to the owner for any of these services.
The typical team for each house project includes volunteers, including a few construction professionals . . , designated Saturday in April”
If anyone has an individual or family to nominate, living in ND, please contact me at
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 9, 2010
City Manager Profile [for recruitment]
”. . .City Manager profile now being used to recruit the next City Manager. . .Details on the requirements and timeline are included in the Community Profile.”
If you are interested in reading the multiple page profile, please e-mail me, it is a lengthy pdf download and so I am not posting, but will be sent if requested.
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 3, 2010
Agenda NDRA/ND meeting Thursday, August 26, 7 pm, library
AGENDA for NDRA/ND MEETING (incomplete)
Approval of May 27, 2010 minutes
Treasurer’s report
Old Business:
A. Recognition of ND businesses- follow through report – Mark
B. NDRA/ND annual meeting planning (September 26)
C. NDRA Director of the Year Award - Board
7:30 - NDRA members or ND residents present, we invite you to inform us what “New” agenda issue you came to discuss or hear discussed.
New Business:
A. Steep Slope Ordinance – affect on neighborhoods and The Chesapeake Bay
B. City Manger mtg (7/22) for neighborhoods - report
C. “Keep Kids Alive - Drive 25” Campaign
D. “Building Goodness Project”
E. Other Business by Directors
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 3, 2010
Citizen’s Police Academy
September 1 - November 3, 2010
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 8:30 pm (ten consecutive weeks)
City Hall - Basement Conference Room
Register: contact Sgt. McKean, Neighborhood Service Bureau, 566-1436 or
The Citizen’s Police Academy is a program created by the Charlottesville Police Department that will educate citizens on the operations of the Department and the working lives of police officers. Classes will be conducted by members of the Police Department including: Chief Longo, Sr., Command Staff, Detectives/ Officers in specialty units.
Past participants have found this program informative, rewarding and have assisted the community after graduating.
Program’s topics:
•Introduction&Overview of the Department/Strategic Plan/Visions&Values
•Field Operations Division/Support Services Division/Administrative Services Bureau
•General Investigations Bureau/Neighborhood Services Bureau/JADE (Drug Unit)
•Gangs/Forensics/Juvenile Matters
•Role of Commonwealth Attorney/Traffic Unit/Crime Prevention
•Recruitment&Hiring/Accreditation/Emergency Communications Center(911)
•Crime Analysis/Internal Affairs
•SWAT/Crisis Negotiations
•Firearms/Use of Force/K-9
Posted by Colette Hall
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July 15, 2010
Fixing our Water Plan
“We ask you attend the City Council meeting on August 2, 7pm to have a strong show of support for dredging and ask the neighborhood associations that signed the original resolution [North Downtown signed the original resolution] to attend as well and reconfirm their support for dredging now that we know it is the least environmentally damaging and most affordable option.
The RWSA wants to push the dam/pipeline plan forward this summer and we need to let our decision makers know that sustaining our available reservoirs by dredging should be the first step in a water plan.”
A recent study of dredging the Rivanna Reservoir has added new and vital information. A new water supply demand analysis is due soon.
Although, we now have or are expecting new relevant information, we have little information on some key issues in the adopted plan, that is, the condition
of the existing pipline from Sugar Hollow Reservoir to Ragged Mountain Reservoir and the route and cost of the proposed pipeline between the
Rivanna Reservoir and Ragged Mountain Reservoir.
Many expect local decision-makers to decide this Fall whether to proceed with implementation of the “Water Plan.” This is an important time for citizens to convey to local elected officials their thoughts on the water plan.
Posted by Colette Hall
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June 14, 2010
Gardeners needed
I am looking for devoted gardeners, for an acre of land on Avon extended, just over the city line. . . no rent, just individuals who would like to get an organic vegetable garden started for all to work and share in the fruits of your labor. There is water on the premises, would like to install a winter garden as well.
Great opportunity to be sustainable and live in the city. . .
Contact; Lulu
Posted by Colette Hall
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June 2, 2010
Second Sundays in (EAST) McIntire Park
Second Sundays - September 12, October 10, and November, 12 noon to sunset - sponsored by Parks & Recreation.
There will be organized events for families and singles. Picnic or pursue other pastoral pleasures on McIntire Park’s east golf-course side, bring a picnic lunch, kites, hula-hoops, a musical instrument, dogs on leash. Park next to the wading pool off Rt. 250 or a short walk from downtown (use Park St bridge to cross over 250).
Information: http://www.charlottesville.org or call 970-3260.
Posted by Colette Hall
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March 2, 2010
Reservoir Dredge Study Report
Here is the first news about the NEW dredge report and much that the former consultants and the RWSA told us was inaccurate.
1. There are millions of gallons more water than first estimated
2. It is not silting as fast
3. There is only half the amount of sediment reported needs to be remove
4. It will be cheaper to dredge than based on previous RWSA bids.
Posted by Colette Hall
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February 7, 2010
Planning & Coordination Council (PACC)
PACC, a body composed of the City, County and UVA, schedule:
Thursday, August 19 - canceled.
Thursday, November 18, 2pm, City Space
Parking is available in the Market St. parking garage.
Meetings are open to the public and a good way to find our how the three entities coordinate (or not) projects and issues.
Posted by Colette Hall
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January 21, 2010
Alliance of Neighborhoods
The Alliance of Neighborhoods, a volunteer umbrella organization, of City and County neighbors, is looking for interested persons to sit on its Board and Committees. It’s mission is to enhance the influence and organization of neighborhoods in the City and County urban ring. North Downtown is a member.
Contact: Colette or 296-6224.
Posted by Colette Hall
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August 29, 2009
Need part-time help?
Ever need help with clearing an attic, basement, garage or yardwork? Hope Community Center has folks who can work part-time as needed.
Website: http://www.hopecommunitycenter.org or call for Josh Bare, Director, 434-872-0200.
Posted by Colette Hall
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April 5, 2009
Preserve McIntire Park
Have you ever walked the area where the proposed parkway/road will go? The safest way there is to walk across the Park St. Bridge and use the sidewalk along 250, where the sidewalk ends, the east park begins. This is where the road will go. Hundreds of trees will be lost and tons and tons of dirt will be moved. The low areas will be filled and the ridged area to your left—the upper golf course—will be leveled.
The neighborhood requests the city provide a more accessible entrance, walking trails, and bike paths to this gem of a park without destroying it with a road. Our neighborhood is perfectly situated to make daily use of this wonderful green space, but we need safe access to it on foot and bike.
I offer to lead you on a walk through this quiet and beautiful space before it becomes another shadow in the memory that once was McIntire Park. Call me at 296-6224 or email me at so we can get together.
Please consider saving the park.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, write a check to The Sierra Club Foundation and on the memo line “Preserve McIntire Park Litigation” and mail to:
Sierra Club, Piedmont Group
P.O. Box 5531
Charlottesville, VA 22905
Thank you for your support to save our “Central Park.”
Posted by Colette Hall
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March 2, 2009
Beautify North Downtown
The bump-outs on 2nd St/Perry Dr and Park Plaza/Parkway need attention and volunteers. Do you have an urge to garden, but no land, or like to see ND remain beautiful? If so, contact Elvira, coordinator, at
Posted by Colette Hall
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February 16, 2009
US Army Corps of Engineers & Consulting Parties Meeting
The North Downtown is a Consulting Party for the USACE permitting process regarding McIntire Rd. Extended (250 to Melbourne Rd./east McIntire Park). See “Historic Properties” posting below.
Posted by Colette Hall
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January 15, 2009
NDRA/ND membership
We welcome you to NDRA, to strengthen your voice in City matters and to encourage your input into what NDRA says and does on behalf of our neighborhood. Therefore, we request that you become/renew your membership by either sending a check for $10 (per household) to PO Box 1739, Charlottesville, 22902 or making a payment via Paypal at the “renew your NDRA membership online” link in the right-hand column of this webpage.
Thank you for supporting your neighborhood association.
Posted by Colette Hall
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June 6, 2008
Report on CC 250 Interchange Design work session
Council held a work session on June 4, 08 to sort out what ideas need to be modified: to keep costs within the Federal earmark, to decrease the size/mass, to maintain bike/pedestrian access, to solve the Hillcrest closure dilemma, to fit this structure into the historic landscape, to avoid cut-through traffic on ND residential streets, and to redesign Nelson/Perry Drs. intersections.
Results: modified G 1 Alternative (250 Interchange web site- right sidebar - for G1 photo), signalized intersection, flat bridge rather than arches, move trail closer to road (these four will result in smaller footprint and hopefully project will come in within earmark)
Possible - only have trail on McIntire Rd. to 250 on the west side of McIntire which means one has to enter /cross at Harris St.area.
Hillcrest St. closure not addressed other than consultant said, it has to close due to ramp
No additional attempt made to mitigate the effects on the historic surroundings.
Redesign Nelson & Perry intersections is under review . . . by traffic engineer.
Posted by Colette Hall
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May 14, 2008
Regardless of whom you are owner, renter, socioeconomic level, employed, or student the water/sewer rates are increasing and you will be paying more. Water/sewer treatment centers are/will undergo renovation.
The RWSA’s 50 Year Water Supply Plan proposal will have huge implications for our community. All city residents and those in the urban county will see drastically increased water/sewer bills for years to come, far into the future.
Whatever plan is chosen to provide enough water for 50 years, the money for that must be in any plan that our elected officials approve. The money will also go toward sewer infrastructure and water/sewer treatment center renovations.
1. The dam has escalated in price from $37.2 million to a minimum of $85 million and more likely over $100 million
2. A major portion of the pipe-line route is not viable and so there is neither a route, design or cost assumption of any kind available for this necessary component of the 50 year plan.
3. There has been a collapse of the world’s financial markets putting the economy in a tailspin, bringing about ever increasing deficits in the national, state and local budgets, and creating the need to re-examine all local expenditures including education.
Read more.
Posted by Colette Hall
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February 25, 2008
NDRA President Awarded “2008 Citizen Planner of the Year”
NDRA President Colette Hall was the recipient of the Charlottesville’s 2008 Citizen Planner of the Year award!
The award states:
“Colette is recognized for keeping track and staying in tune with a multitude of issues affecting the North Downtown area including the Meadowcreek Parkway interchange and traffic and zoning concerns in her neighborhood. She is neighborhood president and has made a point to attend countless public meetings in the past year.”
Posted by NDRA Administrator
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December 12, 2007
Historic Properties/ 250 Interchange Design PH was held 10 29 09
Final public hearing for the 250 Interchange design was held
“Historic Properties” eligible for the National Registry: 501 and 502 Park Hill, Rock Hill Landscape garden (now MACAA), McIntire Park, and the McIntire Golf Course. The Vietnam Memorial is ineligible although it appears to be the first Vietnam Memorial in the USA.
NDRA was granted “consulting party” status by the FHWA regarding the 250 Interchange effects on “historic properties.” The Neighborhood will be now be able to attend the previous “private” meetings and add its voice regarding “historic properties” that are located in the North Downtown Neighborhood. These properties may be negatively affected by the proposed 250 Interchange Project.
Posted by Colette Hall
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