January 31, 2024: CRHA to purchase Downtown Mall building for new headquarters; Charlottesville assessments up 5 percent

The final day of January 2024 is upon us, and please turn in your rankings on the quality of the month based on a variety of considerations. Have you accomplished what you wanted to do? Did you learn something new? How many editions of Charlottesville Community Engagement did you read or listen to? I’m Sean Tubbs, and for the next 3,000 words or so, none of those questions are relevant. On today’s show:* The average property in Charlottesville has increased in value by five percent in 2024 according to the city assessor’s office * The Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority will spend $2.65 million for a building on the Downtown Mall and Council has taken the first step toward buying a key CRHA property for $4 million * No one speaks at a public hearing on how to use the city’s most recent year-end surplus* The MPO Policy Board endorses a federal grant application to further engineer a bridge across the Rivanna River * A quick look at zoning clearance applications in Albemarle hints at plans for a restaurant to become a bank and a new storage facility on Rio Road This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe