Community Forum on Lending – Why do African Americans pay more in Central Virginia? Part 3 of 4
I've provided the backdrop to the situation and introduced the participants on the panel. At the breakout point in the session, our table consisted of four white loan officers, an African American Realtor and an African American Darden student. We were asked by PHA to…
Growth issues abound in Charlottesville and Albemarle
Free Enterprise Forum's October newsletter - they attend more meetings than most people know exist. Bless them. Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Program still seeking traction Ah, the "greater good" argument: The request creates a conundrum for the Board, a conundrum most succinctly spelled out…
What would this do to the Realtor world?
If we paid for how many miles we drove? ... early next year, six other states will begin testing a new fund-raising mechanism: charging motorists for the number of miles they drive instead of the amount of gasoline they consume.1) Commissions would rise 2) There…
If we could all set our budgets the way government does
Shocking. A $3.3 million budget shortfall is forcing Albemarle County to consider reducing school programs, among other money-saving measures, officials confirmed Tuesday. County leaders had predicted a slowdown in the housing market, but County Executive Robert W. Tucker Jr. said in an e-mail to Albemarle…
Pulled from the comments of one of last week’s stories – Albemarle growth and appreciation
An excellent comment by JR Jackson last week: I really question the value of these median price metrics, since it's entirely possible that you're not looking at an apples-to-apples comparison. After a closer look at the VAR's July numbers, it seems that “median price” is…
A foray into Albemarle politics
This should be fascinating, educational and overwhelming. The opportunity to participate in the discussion of growth in Albemarle County came about recently, and after a bit of deliberation I decided to take it. Better to exercise my voice and be part of the process. Mission…
Albemarle County BoS Candidate interviews
Charlottesville Tomorrow continues its extraordinary public service with interviews with the candidates for Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. If you're planning to vote (and you should be, if you live in one of their districts) you would be well advised to listen to these. In…
Secret Agent Ken Boyd
You've gotta love the creativity in this satirical piece. If only I could embed it here. My previous call for transparency in local government. All politics are local. Unfortunately, there is probably some truth in there. "Motion to approve whatever Mr. Wood wants to do?"…
What do we do if the population exceeds optimal levels?
As mentioned in June on Charlottesville Tomorrow's site in June, and approved by the Board of Supervisors, Advocates for a Sustainable Population (ASAP) have received an additional $11k from the City of Charlottesville (you may have to scroll down) for their study to research what…
If you want to know about growth issues in Charlottesville/Albemarle
Check out Charlottesville Tomorrow's 47-page study released this morning. KEY FINDINGS With respect to policy issues related to land use, infrastructure, taxation, transportation, and leadership, the survey results indicate: * There is strong public support for policies, like phasing or time based zoning, that would…