Careful construction
The Charlottesville Department of Parks and Recreation will begin remedial efforts at Oakwood Cemetery on May 13 following the conclusion of a forensic investigation and information sessions.
The investigation into conditions at the historic, 14-acre cemetery started in December 2023 when the city hired Line and Grade Civil Engineering to conduct a “comprehensive forensic investigation” into sinking, wet ground in a section of the site near Elliott Avenue and South First Street. Both hydrologic and hydraulic factors have contributed to the area’s dampness.
Affected areas of Oakwood Cemetery closely align with sections historically designated for the graves of non-white people, according to the city. “If left unmitigated, the land will swallow these gravesites, further obscuring the legacy of those who have been laid to rest,” shared the Department of Parks and Rec in an April 11 press release.
Further findings from the investigation indicate that the water-logged portion of the cemetery likely includes undocumented burial sites as well.
Prior to starting work in Oakwood Cemetery, the city held two information sessions aimed at sharing plans with residents and hearing feedback from those with loved ones buried at the site.
Mailing it in
While statewide mail issues have recently been in the spotlight, mail delivery in Charlottesville is operating as normal according to the United States Postal Service.
“All Charlottesville customers should be receiving normal mail delivery. Customers with delivery questions should contact their local Post Office,” said USPS media contact Philip Bogenberger in a comment via email. “In recent years, the Postal Service has made significant investments in our network, brought new products to market and continues to streamline operations with the goal of enhancing service to our customers.”
Despite assurances from USPS, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have both spoken about persistent mail issues in Richmond and previous problems in Charlottesville.
According to Bogenberger, USPS is continuing its local hiring efforts, following previous problems with staffing in the Charlottesville area. The Postal Service is hosting weekly hiring fairs this May for full- and part-time positions at Virginia Career Works, with the next event set for Thursday, May 9 from 2-4pm.
Deadly crash
A privately owned twin-engine plane crashed in a wooded area near Miles Jackson Road the morning of Sunday, May 5, killing both pilot and passenger. The Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia Conservation Police, and Virginia State Police initially responded to a 911 call from Miles Jackson residents who claimed they heard an airplane overhead followed by the sound of an explosion. The remains of 63-year-old pilot John W. Latham of Haymarket and 73-year-old passenger Niiben C.A. Ayivorh of Burke were recovered from the wreckage and transported to Richmond for medical examination.
Playhouse raffle
Volunteers are on site at Piedmont CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—to build a playhouse which will be raffled off as a fundraiser for the organization. The raffle for last year’s playhouse, designed by Bushman Dreyfus Architects and constructed by Peter Johnson Builders, brought in more than $30,000 for the nonprofit, which works with local foster children. This year’s volunteer team from Robertson Renovations is working on a design by Hinge, with color to be added by Sun Painting. Raffle ticket sales close May 17, with the winner announced May 18. Visit pcasa.org/playhouse24 for more information.
Brush with fire
On May 2, Albemarle County Fire Rescue found between 25 and 30 individual brush fires covering miles of the county’s planned Biscuit Run Park. ACFR extinguished the fires in about three hours. The first phase of construction on the park began in March, which includes the installation of a parking lot and restrooms, and so the site is closed to the public. The Fire Marshal encourages anyone with information on the incident to contact the office at 296-5833.