June 3, 2025: City Manager Sam Sanders addresses recent issues including UVA’s acquisition of the Federal Executive Institute
Plus: Five bids for the renovation of the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail have come in over budget
If you were to be responsible for writing an introductory paragraph for a newsletter about decisions made in local and regional government, would you jump straight in what something historical readers will read? Or would you write a place keeper intended to trick yourself into going ahead with the actual writing?
Charlottesville Community Engagement is the product of the the latter approach but today we’ll combine a bit of the former. I’m Sean Tubbs, it’s June 3, 2025, and on this day in 1781 Jack Jouett rode 40 miles from Cuckoo to Charlottesville to warn of the advance of British troops. You can learn more at Monticello’s website.
In today’s installment:
All bids received for the renovation of the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail have come in over the estimated budget
The Virginia Department of Transportation seeks additional input for future projects in two congested areas
Governor Glenn Youngkin sets September 9 for the date to fill a Congressional vacancy in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District
Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders addresses several recent issues including the arrest of a crosswalk painter, the future of Flock surveillance cameras, and the city’s inclusion of a now-deleted list of “sanctuary cities”
First-shout out: Cville Village?
Can you drive a neighbor to a doctor’s appointment? Change an overhead lightbulb, plant a flower, walk a dog for someone who is sick, visit someone who is lonely? If so, Cville Village needs you!
Cville Village is a local 501c3 nonprofit organization loosely affiliated with a national network of Villages whose goals are to help seniors stay in their own homes as long as possible, and to build connections among them that diminish social isolation. Volunteers do small chores for, and have gatherings of, professors and schoolteachers, nurses and lawyers, aides and housekeepers. Time and chance come to all – a fall, an order not to drive, failing eyesight, a sudden stroke. They assist folks continue living at home, with a little help from their friends.
Cville Village volunteers consult software that shows them who has requested a service and where they are located. Volunteers accept only the requests that fit their schedule and their skills.
Volunteering for Cville Village can expand your circle of friends and shower you with thanks.
To learn more, visit cvillevillage.org or attend one of their monthly Village “meet-ups” and see for yourself. To find out where and when the next meetup is, or to get more information and a volunteer application, email us at info@cvillevillage.org, or call them at (434) 218-3727.
All bids for Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail renovation exceed budget
This week both Charlottesville City Council and the Albemarle Board of Supervisors were expected to take another step toward financing for a renovation of the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston had an announcement at the beginning of the June 2, 2025 City Council meeting.
“In an open bid opening that was open to members of the public on Friday afternoon, the bids came in,” Pinkston said. “The lowest bid that was put forward exceeded the budget and for that reason that project is in the process of figuring out a path forward.”
Pinkston said the board that governs the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail will take up the matter.
“Tonight that item has been removed from the list,” Pinkston said.
There are five bids in all, according to the web page on the project renovation.
The item is still listed for the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors meeting for Wednesday. Materials are here. Supervisors will vote to formally remove the item from the agenda at the meeting.
A group called the People’s Coalition has organized a campaign to stop the renovation efforts. Many were on hand at Council’s meeting to advance their opposition including organizer Harold Foley of the Legal Aid Justice Center.
“I know that things was pulled, but as an organizer, we can't put things back in the tube,” Foley said.
Foley thanked those who were on hand to ask Council to ask for further reductions in the scope of the renovation. One of them is Kate Fraleigh.
"The People's Coalition has always supported renovating the jail, have not supported the final design, the big, beautiful jail,” said Kate Fraleigh who said she was with the People's Coalition. “And that's probably one of the reasons why they're over budget."
Several other speakers called for more efforts to keep people out of jail, including sports programs for youth and more funding for mental health programs. Albemarle, Charlottesville and Nelson County are all contributing a portion of the capital funds for the renovation based on proportional use.
“These funds should be used instead for restorative justice programs, rehabilitation programs, and reentry programs to support community members and reduce the dependence on the jail in the first place,” said Elizabeth Stark.
The next meeting of the ACRJ Board is on June 12, 2025.
Two transportation surveys awaiting your response
Why is this newsletter called Charlottesville Community Engagement? One mission for the newsletter is to make sure people know when their input has been requested by local and regional governments.
There are often opportunities to weigh in on transportation planning, a process whose length far surpasses that of the news cycle. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission this week has announced two surveys intended to get general input on existing conditions in two locations.
One is for the general area around the intersection of U.S. 29 and Interstate 64 between Teal Lane. (project website)
The second is for Fifth Street Extended between Harris Road and Pinehurst Court. (project website)
Both surveys are part of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Project Pipeline process which seeks to identify future projects for later funding. Previous studies in this area have covered Barracks Road, Ivy Road, and two on U.S. 250.
The U.S. 29 study in Round 3 comes at a time when the Albemarle Community Development Department is processing a nearby rezoning adjacent to the Sieg distribution center for 1,365 residential units and up to 350,000 square feet of commercial space. Riverbend Development filed an application in 2022 as I reported in March of that year.
The website for the study also notes there have been recent projects in the area including addition of a stop light.
“Traffic is currently backing up at that signal, and there are significant safety concerns at that location as a result,” reads the study. “This study will also look to improve the small park and ride lot located on the east side of U.S. Route 29 northbound just south of the interchange on Teal Lane.”
The second Project Pipeline study will bring in new data in an area that has been looked at several times in the last few years.
“This is a re-evaluation of previous studies and SMART SCALE applications to refine and value engineer solutions that will have better potential for benefits in relation to cost,” reads this project website.
Review will go through June 16.
Governor Youngkin sets date for special election to replace late Rep. Connolly
There are currently three vacancies in the United States House of Representatives with one of them in Virginia. Representative Gerald Connolly died in mid-May.
Today Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a writ of elections calling for a special election for the 11th Congressional District to be held in a few months.
“You are hereby required to cause an election to be held in this district on September 9, 2025, for a member of the United States House of Representatives to till the vacancy,” Youngkin wrote in the order to secretaries of the electoral boards and registrars in Fairfax County and City of Fairfax.
Those interested in running have until July 11, 2025 to file the necessary paperwork. So far it appears that two Republicans, seven Democrats, and one independent have taken that step according to data compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project. Nomination methods for the two parties have not yet been determined
Connolly was first elected in 2008 after service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2003. He last won election to Congress this past November with 66.68 percent of the vote according to the Virginia Department of Elections.
Two other members of the House of Representatives have died so far this year.
Rep. Sylvester Turner of the 18th Congressional District of Texas died on March 5, 2025. A special election for his replacement will be held on November 4 during the general election.
Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona’s 7th District died on March 13, 2025. His successor will be elected on September 23.
Virginia’s 11th Congressional District covers part of Fairfax County and all of Fairfax City. Take a look at the Virginia Public Access Project for more information.
Second shout-out: Charlottesville Community Bikes
In today’s second subscriber supported shout-out, Charlottesville Community Bikes strives to provide wheels to anyone who needs a ride.
That includes:
There’s a Kid’s Bike program for people under the age of 12 (learn more)
Several social services organizations refer people to Charlottesville Community Bikes for access to reliable transportation (learn more)
Keep an eye on their calendar for the next mobile repair clinic (learn more)
There’s also a workforce development program that “blends mentorship and comprehensive training in bicycle mechanics” (learn more)
Visit the Charlottesville Community Bikes website today to learn more!
Sanders addresses FEI, Sanctuary City list, arrest of man who painted crosswalk across Elliott Avenue
On May 21, pedestrian activist Kevin Cox was arrested and charged with defacement of public property for painting a crosswalk on Elliott Avenue four days earlier. There’s a hearing for the misdemeanor charge in Charlottesville General District Court on July 14.
On June 2, Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders was asked by Council to explain why the public should not take matters into their own hands when it comes to public infrastructure.
“I'm not speaking about any specific individual, but when we have infrastructure placed in the public right of way without permission, that is a violation,” Sanders said. “That is not something that we can accept. It does interfere with public safety in more ways than one.”
Sanders said advocacy is important but markings on streets made by members of the public is not an act of free speech.
“When it does pose a threat, I do have a responsibility and others within this organization have the same responsibility to make sure that the public remains safe at all times,” Sanders said.
Last October, a 64-year-old woman was killed while within a crosswalk at Elliott Avenue and 1st Street South around dark, prompting calls for improved infrastructure. Here are a series of stories:
Charlottesville to make plans to improve pedestrian safety on Elliott Avenue, November 7, 2024
City Council discusses pedestrian safety in wake of pedestrian death on Elliott Avenue, October 11, 2024
Residents call for Council to take action on speeding on Lankford, May 9, 2025
A petition was circulated last fall to implore the city to build a project at Elliott Avenue and 2nd Street SE. So far that project has not made the list of what the city is called “Quick Build” projects.
“Following a pedestrian fatality in October 2024, City staff used lessons learned from the Safe Routes to School program to deploy a quick response solution to safety concerns identified at the location of the crash, Elliott Avenue at South 1st Street,” reads a new website the city published on May 27. “Strategies like upgraded signage, rapid flashing crossing beacons, narrowed lanes, and protective reflector posts along bike lanes were used to improve the pedestrian crosswalk on Elliott Avenue.”
The full list can be seen here.
Cox said he is still investigating the communication record related to his arrest. He added he has not reviewed the “quick build” list but has concerns about what the city has installed at Elliott and 1st.
“It’s my understanding that all involve ‘plastic and paint’,” Cox said when asked for a response to Sanders’ comments. “I am concerned about the excessive use of plastic pylons and thermoplastic markings. All of those things cost money, don’t last forever and require regular maintenance and frequent replacement.”
In his email to me this afternoon, Cox also said he has questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan and has continued concerns about the city’s contract with VEO for e-bikes and scooters.
Council will be asked to support $500,000 to complete 34 of the quick-build projects by the end of the year.
Sanders also addressed continuing requests in public comment to end the city’s participation in the FLOCK camera system. He said the project was approved for a one-year pilot that expires in October. However, he defended its use.
“We have solved multiple crimes in this community as a result of the Flock System,” Sanders said. “If that system did not exist, some of those crimes could still be unsolved today.”
For background:
Charlottesville police considering use of license plate recognition system, September 19, 2023
Police Chief Kochis gives an update on FLOCK license plate readers, February 7, 2025
Sanders also addresses Charlottesville’s inclusion on a United States Department of Homeland Security list of localities that were “sanctuary cities.” The list was later deleted.
“No one knows what a Sanctuary City is because people have debated about that for a long time all over this country,” Sanders said.
Sanders said the list will likely resurface and Charlottesville will likely be on the list. He said not following federal law is not an option because of the risk that will mean for funding that residents depend on.
“There is a fine line that has to be walked as it relates to managing these situations,” Sanders said. “I carry the burden of having the responsibility in many instances for making certain decisions. I will do my best.”
Sanders said he wants to remain city manager because he loves doing the work, but there will be people who disagree with some actions.
“Because I do hear people say, please stay, don't leave,” Sanders said. “While others are now asking me to leave because of decisions that I've made. I will continue to do what I think is best for this larger community at all times.”
For this next bit, some stories for reference:
Trump Administration orders elimination of Charlottesville-based federal training center, February 14, 2025
Charlottesville City Schools and UVA are both seeking to acquire Federal Executive Institute, April 27, 2025
Charlottesville City Schools selected to proceed with acquisition of Federal Executive Institute, May 2, 2025
UVA responds to federal government’s withdrawal of offer of surplus property to Charlottesville City Schools, May 15, 2025
Sanders also said he is deeply disappointed that the federal government changed its mind regarding the disposition of federal property deemed to be surplus. One of the early executive actions of the second presidency of Donald Trump was to close the Federal Executive Institute. In late April, the property was contingently approved to be granted to Charlottesville City Schools, but the federal government opted several days later to give to the University of Virginia instead.
“We have tried to have conversations with the federal government,” Sanders said. “As you might expect, they're not taking our calls right now.”
Sanders said he is focused on trying to come up with a Plan B to move forward with a plan to build an early childhood education center at the site of what is now Walker Upper Elementary School.
More from the City Council meeting in the next edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement.
Reading material:
Previewing the June meeting of the Board of Visitors, Cecilia Mould, Cavalier Daily, June 2, 2025
Decades-old paper mill in Covington named nation’s top climate polluter in new report, Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury, June 3, 2025
Grants funded by your car insurance pay for surveillance tech in Virginia, Lisa Rowan, Cardinal News, June 3, 2025
Thoughts as #874 comes to an end
How do these get put together? Good question. Each one is different and comes from a mix of areas. One of my approaches is to get an audio recording of a meeting and write up what’s interesting to me. Last September I began using transcription software to help me. I still can’t write fast enough, but I’m never letting a machine do that work for me.
I also see stories that come out of press releases such as the one today about the pipeline study. The survey doesn’t tell you about the impending development about to happen there, but I do. I add value because I’ve been doing this for a while. I want you to know what I know.
What is the role of a journalist? For me, I want you to have access to materials so you can read through things yourself. I do not want to think for any of my readers. This is not a popular approach.
I am fallible. I make mistakes, and not just typographical errors. Every single day I put out a newsletter and worry I’ve made some sort of mistake.
And when I hit “send” each day I immediately get back to work setting up the new set of stories.
I do this my way because I dislike conflict. I have a conviction that if people have access to information, it makes it much harder for demagogues to take hold. My approach has fallen out of fashion and conflict is rampant.
That is not my approach. I know there are many who call me milquetoast and I wear that word as an honorific. I’m aware of the limitations, but I also get angry when I see falsehoods multiply because it makes people angrier. Who benefits when tempers are high? I know I do not. I do my worst work when I am angry. Anger is not my friend.
How do I process my anger?
Music.
This new Sparks track is appropriate.