George,

Did you see on the news where Albemarle County wants to extend Berkmar Drive out to the new shopping centers they are building near the airport and build another bridge over the Rivanna? If I am remembering correctly there was great hand wringing and gnashing of teeth as the County pleaded in opposition to the Western Bypass that our drinking water would be endangered and our environment would be damaged. Now they want to use the land VDOT has already acquired to build a road and bridge where the denounced bypass would have run. Who is downstream from this new bridge? The City. This is just another example of how the County will screw the City. When are the people in this town going to realize that the County doesn't give a damn about the effect of their actions on the City. ALBEMARLE COUNTY IS THE ENEMY.

Also from the statistics you quoted [Legislators Hear From Community: Remember Children and Families and Poverty and Fair Market Rent in the Charlottesville Area], Charlottesville has more poor people. That is because the County hasn't done anything for the poor and the City has carried the burden by itself.

Have a nice morning,

Downing Smith (electronic mail, January 20, 2004)