University of Virginia Library

City Expansion
Forces Possible
County Merger

By Mike Russell
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Charlottesville is a city with
growing plans. Its 52,000 population
is beginning to strain not only
the housing facilities, but the
schools and other public services.

At present the future of Charlottesville
is at a crossroad. As the
commercial center of Albemarle
County, Charlottesville needs space
to expand. For the past several
months officials of both city and
county have been discussing a
possible, merger between the two
corporate entities to increase the
tax base and provide room for
expansion.

Such a merger would involve
redistricting of the entire area,
establishing new school boards, and
evolving new tax standards. In
November the residents of the city
and county will vote on the merger
question.

Housing Shortage

The City faces several major
problems. There is an extreme
shortage of housing in all price
categories, and the sewage and
draining is bringing grievances from
many residents. The number of
automobiles operated by commuters
from the county and students
at the University has fouled
traffic everywhere.

Stalled Highway

Last year the city planners
attempted to put through a highway
extension that would have cut
a path through the fraternity area,
eliminating several houses, but this
effort has not yet succeeded.

The City's government consists
of a council of five men, a
secretary, a treasurer, a city manager
and a city attorney.

The council is made up of three
Republicans and two Democrats. G.
A. Vogt, the Republican mayor, is a
retired electronics executive. Kenneth
Davis, a real estate salesman
and Joseph Wright, an ex-State
Police officer and insurance salesman
are the other Republicans.
Mitchell Van Heures and William
Rinehart are the two Democrats.
Mr. Van Hueres was the only
Councilman to be elected on a fair
housing platform.

Fair Housing Demand

Over the past several months the
Council has faced increasing activity
from Charlottesville's residents.
Many groups including students,
faculty, and other citizens of the
city have been requesting action on
a Fair Housing Ordinance, or a
hearing for such an Ordinance; a
Committee of Unity to discuss the
city's problems and present analysis
from citizens' as well as officials'
viewpoints; and the appointment of
an ombudsman to mediate and
investigate potential problem areas.

Three-Day Fast

The Council was requested on a
number of occasions to respond to
these proposals, and only after a
number of citizens fasted for three
days did they finally state that they
were opposed to a Fair Housing
Ordinance, and the other proposals
presented.

The mayor and several other
members of the Council say they
feel harassed and intimidated by
the continuing presence of groups
proposing steps towards a possible
racial harmony in Charlottesville.

But pressure from both residents
and members of the University will
probably increase this year if no
action is taken.