CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) –

Charlottesville City Councilor Natalie Oschrin shared updates on various city projects and initiatives on the WINA Morning News. She highlighted the success of the newly opened Belmont Bridge, emphasizing the safety and convenience of its protected bike lanes. Oschrin noted that while some residents are unfamiliar with the concept of protected bike lanes, data shows they improve safety and traffic flow for everyone.

“Some people are confused about why bikes deserve that space… when the bikes are protected, it’s safer for everybody and the more cars you remove by making it safer for bikes, the better the traffic is for those people who still do need to drive.”

Oschrin also spoke about ongoing infrastructure projects, including updates on the sidewalk priority list and its tiered approach to construction based on complexity. She mentioned that the city has built more sidewalks in the last eight months than in her lifetime, indicating significant progress.

The councilor discussed the recent increase in meals and lodging taxes, aimed at capturing revenue from visitors to help fund local projects. She acknowledged the concerns of local restaurateurs and emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses.

Additionally, Oschrin provided insights into the redevelopment of South First Street, a resident-led initiative to revitalize the area with new housing units. She explained the financial logistics behind the city’s allocation of funds for the Buford project, likening it to a mortgage to be paid off over time.

The redevelopment of Buford Middle School is a major focus, with a projected cost of around $90 million. Oschrin mentioned that the project involves securing grants and federal loans to offset the city’s expenses. “There’s $90 million is the cost of the project, but there are grants and federal loans… that number could also change along the way.” The city has already secured $17 million in funding from the state.

Finally, Oschrin invited residents to upcoming public meetings on the parks master plan, encouraging community input on the development of new parks and improvements to existing ones.

Listen to the full podcast here: