Albemarle reassessments loom

County property reassessments go in the mail January 30 and the average value for all types of property declined 2.59 percent, according to a release. Condos– down 7.7 percent– were hit the hardest, while commercial property on average went up 1.59 percent. The Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors shows the median price of houses in Albemarle increasing 4.3 percent in 2008. (0)

University Art Museum gets new director

More than a year after popular UVA art museum director Jill Hartz was abruptly shown the door, Bruce Ambler Boucher, curator of European sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, has been named her successor. The Virginia Film Festival directorship, a position held by Hartz’s husband, Richard Herskowitz, who followed her to a new museum job in Oregon, is still open. According to the HR website, review of applications for that job will begin February 1. (Super Bowl Sunday?). A January 29 release announces a festival director search. — PHOTO BY DAN ADDISON, UVA UPDATED 4:35pm (0)

Jessica Simpson in Charlottesville

The Insider posts this pic as proof that the lovely Ms. Simpson has landed in Virginia, getting ready for her big performance tonight at John Paul Jones Arena with Rascal Flatts. No signs yet of Jess’s Cowboy Tony Romo. (5)

Mules on the loose near Ivy

There seems to be some livestock on the loose just east of Ivy. Two mules (or are they donkeys?) were spotted walking along West Leigh Drive today at 8:33am. As the Hookmobile slowed to take note, one of the stray equines peered in for a closer look. (6)

Planning commissioner resigns to work for Obama

The Albemarle Planning Commission is short one member with the resignation of UVA law prof Jon Cannon, who is working with the Environmental Protection Agency for the new administration. Cannon, who was EPA general counsel from 1995-1998, was named to the Obama transition team in November. Board of Supervisors chair David Slutzky will appoint someone from the Rio District to complete Cannon’s term, which goes through December 31. Applications are available at www.albemarle.org. (0)