many articles out about a new use for the Woolen Mills campus but little said about the fellow whose persistence and vision has brought us to this point. In the same spirit, little said, here he is, on the right.
We had heavy rain in the Rivanna watershed May30-31. I’d like to time travel, see such a rain event when the Monacan People were in charge of land-use locally. Would the river rise to the same degree? Would it carry the same sediment load?Charlottesville has a 4.2 mile waterfront but it is not easy to access. The one official access point in the City limits, Riverview Park, was closed this morning around 8:00AM.Riverview Park, photo before closure by Robin Hanes
Associated water bodies back up as well, this is Moores Creek next to the Charlottesville Woolen Mill. A river in flood is possessed with a lot of energy. Be careful out there!
The water main has broken in this vicinity several times in the past but never so photogenically.It’s Memorial Day weekend, but Public Works showed quickly.Not quite enough water for a paddleboard.
John Joseph “Skip” Tornatore, III, 78, of Charlottesville, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, The Daily Progress has his obituary.Mr. Tornatore and his wife operated Helen and John’s Grocery at 123 Franklin Street for many many years.Skip and Nadine had what you needed when you needed it. The place was a store with more…Skip was a kind, gentle caring man.His stock appealed to young and old alike. My favorite item was his custom sandwiches.The store was a gathering place for long time Woolen Mills and Hogwaller residents.His friends were legion.He is missed. Thank you Skippy!
Car broken, walking home. Started in the Meadows Neighborhood, Angus Road.Crossed 9 lanes of Route 29 in 14 seconds, the allowed time. (GPS track from the Meadows to the Woolen Mills, 4.37 miles)The area around the intersection of Hydraulic and Route 29 is the focus of ongoing Council and Planning Commission discussion, a possible amendment to the 2013 Comp Plan to qualify for VDOT “smart scale” funds… Close your eyes and ears. Ugly.East of the Hydraulic/Rt 250 Bypass intersection there is a pedestrian trail through west McIntire Park (thanks to Parks and Recreation and Chris Gensic). Beautiful… The trail parallels the north edge of the 250 Bypass running through the beech forest behind the fire station.The trail dead ends into the back of the YMCA. I walked around the front, entered the door. Tried to get a tour. No. They didn’t have anyone available who could show me around.East of the YMCA Parks and Recreation has begun installation of a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to connect west and east McIntire Park.Meanwhile, this is the 250 Bypass sidewalk crossing the railroad tracks.After crossing the railroad tracks, the Rt 250 north sidewalk disappears. Made it to Park Street via the median, then walked North Downtown, Martha Jefferson and Little High neighborhood streets and sidewalks the rest of the way home. The pedestrian connection will be better soon. It is happening.
