Posts

Posted on

How to raise awareness of realcrozetva

I thought I would share this recent email exchange with a reader:

No story here, just wanted to say that the site you have put together is great, and Crozet really needs this intimate type of discussion – my suggestion would be how can we get more people to know about this site – seems as though a lot of my neighbors haven’t heard of it and I’d like to see more people comment on these stories – there are too many “no comments” on really pertinent issues.
—
Regarding awareness of the site – this is something that I am struggling with. Ideally, I would like to do a bit of advertising or even a mailing to the 22932 zip code, but frankly I don’t have the funds to do that. On the other side, I guess I could accept ads on the site, but I feel that that would detract from the perceived impartiality of the site.
—
Thats a tough call re: ads – providing funds vs. detracting from the feel of the site.  I suppose local ads probably wouldn’t be too distractive, but even things like a posterboard sign at the 4-way stop with the website name could be pretty effective for people to get in their heads…either way, I’m sure word of the site will spread.

So … here’s my challenge to those of you who do read this site – email it to a friend who might be interested … mention it at your HOA meetings … tell your friends about it. This site was started to provide a forum for Crozetians new and old. If you are a business owner, post your business (after emailing me for the login) to the Crozet Community Map.

And as always, if you have a story idea, please let me know. If you have a story or opinion to share, write it. If you go to a local meeting, share your thoughts. I’ll post most anything so long as it’s reasonably well-written and pertinent to Crozet.

Technorati Tags:

Posted on

Who wants a Crozet yearbook – from 1938?

Passed along by a loyal reader is this auction on eBay. The current bid is $9.99.

I recently came across this vintage yearbook in a local Va. estate. It measures approx. 9″ by 12″ and 1/2″ thick. It is titled: “The Wheel”, and was the yearbook for the year 1938 for Crozet High School in Crozet Va. All of the images inside are real photos glued in. All of the group student photos are present.

Technorati Tags:

Posted on

Redistricting nears in Crozet

From today’s DP.

One of the most telling lines of this story, detailing the impending moves of 90+ kids was the last line of this quote depicting Crozet’s nearing self-sufficiency:

“Our biggest concern is that we’re being separated from the community that we live in and are a part of,” said Kathy Rainey, whose two children at Crozet would be moved to Meriwether. “Where we live, we are part of the Crozet community. To send us to Meriwether Lewis is taking us out of where our teams, churches and volunteer work are. We don’t normally go into Charlottesville to recreate.” (bolding mine)

We’re getting close. Once the Old Trail Town Center (please don’t call it the Shoppes of Old Trail, or something equally contrived!) comes online, the sidewalks are built to facilitate walking and Downtown’s resurgence continues, why would anyone go to Charlottesville?

More information at Albemarle County’s site and Brian Wheeler’s SchoolMatters site.

Technorati Tags:

Posted on

Sidewalks coming to Crozet

In spite of my reluctance to post press releases, this is a pretty important one:

Sidewalks and streetscapes are an integral part of creating a walkable and pedestrian-oriented downtown Crozet.

The current sidewalk project, Phase I, will get underway in the next several weeks and will focus on the area from the railroad crossing on Crozet Ave to the current Crozet Library. Stormwater improvements will be focused along Crozet Avenue from the Rescue Squad to the Dairy Queen intersection. The project will include construction of new and replacement of existing storm- water utilities, addition of curb and gutter, new sidewalks, handicap curb ramps, concrete pavers, stamped concrete crosswalks, painted crosswalks, pedestrian lighting, pedestrian warning lights retaining walls and landscaping.

Project Open House

Date: Wednesday, February 28
Time: 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Place: Crozet Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Drop by at your convenience to view project maps and graphics and to talk to county staff and consultants about the sidewalk/streetscape project.
Details, including a graphical representation of the project, are available on the Crozet Master Plan website.

Whatever misgivings one might have with how the County is moving forward with growth, they certainly are trying to communicate with us now. You can learn more about where this and other transportation issues are in the process here.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Posted on

New theme for realcrozetva?

After all the problems I have had for the past several days on this site (all of which were self-inflicted) I may change themes.

As this is a site designed by and for Crozetians, I’ll leave it up to you. Which theme would you prefer? (assuming I can get everything working on the new one)

{democracy}


Realcrozet Cordoba Realcrozet Digg-like

Lessons learned:

– A very kind person offered his assistance, for which I am extremely grateful.
– Changing one little thing can have dire consequences (I knew this but clearly needed a reminder)
– Time is short and valuable.

Quick note: if anybody is bored, here is the main place from where I am searching for three-column themes.

Technorati Tags:

Posted on

Problems seeing realcrozetva?

For some reason, I am unable to get to the homepage of realcrozetva. I get this – But the guy at the hosting company can see it just fine. Maybe it’s something localized to the Crozet/Charlottesville area. Either way, I hope to have it fixed soon.

Update: Now I have really messed things up. I’ll fix it today.

Update 2: getting there. slowly.

Posted on

Looking for a Harris Teeter update

From a reader:

Jim, I tried adding the following comment to the discussion of Harris Teeter coming to town, but it said that the discussion was locked.  I wasn’t sure of another appropriate discussion to place my comments/question.  In any case, have you heard anymore about Harris Teeter or any other grocery store coming to Crozet?  More specifically, have you heard when they are going to start development of the Blue Ridge Shopping Center?  The sign posted for the shopping center says Rivanna Realty is the realtor.  I found this website, that says the center would be completed in 2005 :)  It now appears that Rivanna Realty has been acquired by this company, yet I see no mention of the shopping center.  Also, according to this article, which was written a year ago, they were looking at a mid-2007 completion.  Have you heard any updates?

I’m working on it.

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Posted on

No Fireworks in Crozet

From the minutes of the Crozet Community Association January 11, 2007 Meeting:

July 4th Fireworks- The Fire Dept announced that they will not be sponsoring the July 4th Fireworks in 2007, due to the high cost of fireworks. There will still be a parade and other activities (to be presented later). Other sponsors are encouraged- estimated costs are $5,000 for 15-20 minutes and $10,000 for 25-30 minutes of Fireworks.

If you’ve enjoyed the wonderful annual fireworks at Crozet Park, it’s time to lend your support. Anyone interested in creating/joining a “Save the Crozet Fireworks” committee? Respond here and let’s get started to keep the fireworks going in Crozet!

Who wants to join in and help fund the fireworks? Might somebody have already taken up the case? Email me if you are interested.

Technorati Tags: ,