Cville Tomorrow News

Twisted thorns: The University’s stated rationale for removing historic magnolia trees remains vague and conflicting

11/30/2011 * Cavalier Daily Opinion [full story]

Ambiguity and vagueness are two well-known devices that allow politicians to present ideas or plans to a wider audience without actually having to state the specifics of said ideas and plans. Often, if such people were to express their intentions clearly, they might not get a desired reaction or approval from the majority. Unfortunately, it seems we have come face to face with a similar scenario here at the University.

... In a recent email to third- and fourth-year students, President Teresa A. Sullivan acknowledged the students’ concerns. Sullivan outlined the Board of Visitors’ reasons for considering the removal of the trees, including the fact that the magnolias are nearing their projected lifespan and reside too closely to the Rotunda. Sullivan continued, “Arborists — our own as well as outside experts — believe that the repair work on the Rotunda will only exacerbate the trees’ already fragile state.”

Yet, is the fragility or closeness of the trees the real issue at hand? The precise age of the magnolias is not even known, according to a statement from University arborist Jerry Brown that was quoted in The Daily Progress. A separate statement issued by the University’s Office of the Architect said the replacement of the roof “will impact the magnolias due to required scaffolding, materials lifts and access points.” This makes it sound as though it is the roof of the Rotunda that will impact the trees and not the trees’ fragile state that will necessitate their removal.

Magnolias face uncertain fate

11/28/2011 * Cavalier Daily [full story]

The University will conduct more research on the condition of the magnolias on the Lawn before deciding whether to cut them down in preparation for the Rotunda roof restoration.

President Teresa A. Sullivan sent an email to third- and fourth-year students Nov. 20 addressing the Rotunda renovation plans in which she indicated that there has been no concrete decision about the fate of the magnolias. Rather, the Board of Visitors will defer its decision after more information is gathered, a process which will extend into the beginning of 2012.

“Arborists … believe that the repair work on the Rotunda will only exacerbate the trees’ already fragile state,” Sullivan wrote. “These are matters that we must consider further.”

Domestic dispute: Controversy surrounding Rotunda renovations demonstrates the need for communication, sacrifice from administrators, students

11/30/2011 * Cavalier Daily Editorial [full story]

... The University administration’s off-balance response to this opposition, as well as its initial failure to communicate the proposed renovation plans to the student body, indicates that it badly underestimated students’ interest in the aesthetic qualities of Grounds. Nevertheless, students should remain open-minded about the administration’s approach to the Rotunda renovations and must be willing to make sacrifices to ensure that the long-term soundness of the building and the University community are guaranteed through the project’s successful completion.

The administration could have mitigated the current controversy by directly informing the University community about the nature of its plan to renovate the Rotunda, rather than waiting for outside media outlets to report on the architect’s Nov. 10 presentation to the Board. In taking the latter approach, the administration signaled to students that they were not active participants in the discussions that were being had to determine the future of a building that serves as the centerpiece of their lives at the University from Opening Convocation until graduation.

Orange Dot Project works for economic independence

11/29/2011 * C-VILLE Weekly [full story]

Doubtless, Ridge Schuyler spent part of his Thanksgiving thinking about the 20 percent of Charlottesville families whose total income beats poverty guidelines, but leaves them unable to pay bills. Since September, the former district director for one-term U.S. Congressman Tom Perriello has been busy with his plan to generate $20 million to $30 million in new business to push those families to self-sufficiency.

...Schuyler told C-VILLE that the Orange Dot job hub will soon be incorporated. That hub will be able to represent local businesses at procurement fairs held by UVA or Martha Jefferson Hospital, or respond to requests for proposals from local governments on behalf of small businesses that may lack manpower to be multiple places at once.

“That hub is really the mechanical way to connect all the economic activity around us with these communities where people in need are living,” said Schuyler. Orange Dot originally stated that the hub may be launched as early as December. Schuyler said the Orange Dot hub will be launched with seed money, and cover its costs with a sliver of contract fees.

Crozet Library braces for program cuts, space limits

11/29/2011 * Daily Progress [full story]

Limits on children’s and other programs at the Crozet Library is the net result of a recent fire marshal’s inspection, the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library board heard Monday.

After the marshal found a number of safety issues, county officials restricted the library’s occupancy to 50 people. During the summer, the library sees more than 10,000 patron visits each month.

One planned program that attracted well in excess of 100 attendees was rescheduled to Crozet Elementary, the board heard.

Library officials have been lobbying for years for a new library in Crozet, but county funding issues have consistently stood in the way. The system runs the libraries, but the locality, in this case Albemarle County, owns the buildings.

Students hope to save magnolias

11/17/2011 * Cavalier Daily [full story]

Students began circulating a petition yesterday in an attempt to stop the University from cutting down the magnolia trees surrounding the Rotunda. The decision to remove the trees was approved by the Board of Visitors Nov. 10.

University Architect David Neuman said in an email that the magnolia trees will be cut down during Winter Break to build new scaffolding for the 2012 Rotunda repairs.

The magnolia trees south of the Rotunda pose a risk to the UNESCO World Heritage site, since branches may fall and moisture may accumulate, Neuman said.

“These aren’t just trees,” third-year Engineering student Yatzek Krzepicki, who organized the petition, said in an email.

Bypass opponents, backers debate traffic numbers

11/23/2011 * Daily Progress [full story]

Supporters of the Western Bypass of U.S. 29 tout the project as a way to reduce traffic pressure on U.S. 29 North. Opponents of the bypass maintain that the road won’t relieve enough pressure. According to Virginia Department of Transportation counts from 2002 to 2010, parts of 29 carry more than 55,000 cars a day.

Daily traffic numbers between the U.S. 250/U.S. 29 interchange in Charlottesville and the Greene County line along U.S. 29 stayed consistent between 2002 and 2010. The only major change came in 2009, when the average daily traffic numbers at the interchange shrank and the north corporate limit of the city grew.

In 2008, VDOT traffic counts show, the interchange saw an average of 57,000 vehicles a day. The same year, the north corporate limit saw 55,000. In 2009, the interchange saw 51,000 and the corporate limit grew to 56,000. In 2010, the figures sat at 52,000 and 57,000, respectively.

... The study, performed by Smart Mobility Inc., of Vermont, found that the annual growth rate for traffic on the road will be 0.5 percent, not the 1.7 percent VDOT said.

Silt happens: $3.5 million lawsuit against Hollymead Town Center developers may grow

11/22/2011 * C-VILLE Weekly [full story]

A $3.5 million lawsuit filed by the Forest Lakes Community Association (FLCA) and the Hollymead Citizens Association against some of Albemarle County’s most prominent developers may grow in scope and cost. A lawyer with the Richmond-based Environmental Law Group told C-VILLE last week that the lawsuit, which names Wendell Wood’s United Land Corporation as well as companies tied to Virginia Land Company founder Charles Hurt, will be updated before the year’s end.

According to the lawsuit, FLCA members “have a right of easement to the use and enjoyment of the common areas, which include...Powell Creek as it passes through the FLCA properties and Lake Hollymead, which is jointly owned by the FLCA and the Hollymead Citizens Association.” Court documents claim that Lake Hollymead provides recreation, natural beauty, and premium status for waterfront homes—all matters that are allegedly jeopardized by silt and erosion.

EDITORIAL: The battle over Biscuit Run

11/21/2011 * Daily Progress Editorial [full story]

From a boon to the community, a bargain for the state and a benefit for private developers, Biscuit Run has deteriorated into a battle.

The state is at odds with the developers. And the community, to the extent represented by some members of the Board of Supervisors, is expressing disappointment with the whole thing.

Biscuit Run is the erstwhile planned residential development that was sold to the commonwealth as a site for a state park, in exchange for $10 million and a hefty sum in tax credits. Developers opted for that route when the housing economy collapsed and they were left holding a costly piece of real estate with a reduced hope of recouping expenses in a reasonable time.

The deal was hailed by many as a boon for state and community, and a break for developers.

... Now we see which side of the deal is claiming unfairness. But as a matter of public policy, it is the state’s job to protect the taxpayers by getting the best bargain possible.

UVa defends Rotunda plans

11/22/2011 * Daily Progress [full story]

University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan has reached out to the student body about changes at the school’s famed Rotunda in an email to all third and fourth years, though the fate of the magnolias surrounding the building remains unclear.

In the wake of the announcement of plans to renovate the building’s roof — including the felling of the magnolias — students have been calling for the trees’ preservation and for amended construction dates aimed at minimizing the number of graduations held while the building is under construction. The commencement ceremony typically takes place on the Lawn, of which the Rotunda is one boundary.

In the missive, Sullivan apologizes for any confusion on the issue and promises clearer communication moving forward. The construction schedule is still being worked out, and efforts are underway to minimize its effect on commencements, she wrote. The roof renovation is the first part of a larger renovation plan. It is also the only part so far fully funded.