Woodbrookian: ‘We have enough riff raff’
by Hawes Spencer
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Woodbrook, the neighborhood that successfully forced planners of the Meadowcreek Parkway to trim that road’s ambitions over a decade ago, now wants to stand firm against what many neighbors see as ruination: connection to the planned Arden Place development. The ‘riff raff’ comment resides at the Woodbrook neighborhood blog where opposition to the 206-apartment complex (tucked behind Albemarle Square Shopping Center), runs high. Charlottesville Tomorrow explains what all the fuss is about.
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Not in my backyard now includes –not connected to my street. Maybe the Governor has something to say about this. From the Hook “Another piece of the American dream took a hit when Governor Tim Kaine signed a regulation last month that ends state maintenance of roads in subdivisions that aren’t connected. ”
http://readthehook.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/03/culs-sacked-but-has-the-dead-end-died/
“Riff raff”: Is that some kind of racial sentiment?
Riff raff means trash. I have never heard it used in a racial context.
Riff Raff actually means any person who does not have an American Express Gold card.
Wow, and I thought Sick was the only one trying to start flame wars!
Maybe Charlottesville is sick of yankee riff-raff building neighborhoods and acting like they are better than everyone around them after they get here. Go back to New York or learn how to be more hospitable.
What is the elapsed time between when you move here and when you think no one else should ever be allowed in? Couple of weeks?
According to a letter from the developer to the Woodbrook Neighborhood Association (http://woodbrook-neighborhood.blogspot.com/2009/06/meet-developer.html), this development will be “luxury” apartments. I think it’s more a “I don’t want richer people living near me” than “I don’t want riff-raff” living near me.” In order to get a rise out of people, it seems there’s one resident leading the opposition and spreading misinformation. Has anything in Woodbrook sold for more than $300k in the last six months? 40 year old mid-century housing is not selling at top dollar, maybe some luxury apartments in the vacinity with some neighborhood amenties could be of benefit to the property owners in Woodbrook.
@It’s Mr. Riff Raff to you bub, you know the answer to that - six weeks.
This situation reminds of the opposition of some of the residents in the north downtown neighborhood around 2nd Streetto a couple building a house supposedly too large for the neighborhood. I think it was more of a “too rich for the neighborhood, making us look poorer.”
My goodness! What have we come to when every ill-conceived blog comment merits headlines?
Though the story merits discussion, the headline is absurd.
Perhaps you’re not familiar with the other apartments/residential areas over by Putt-Putt that would be connected, but I highly doubt the “riff raff” just means poor people. Especially since many of the other comments refer to crime rates going up if connected.
I don’t think everyone against it is racist, but you’re stupid if you think there isn’t a chance that at least ONE of them is.
Cville Eye mentions that the arden place apts are supposed to be Luxury Apartments. If that’s the intent I find it ironic since the Mallside Apartments, which will be right next door, are essentially “Section 8 apartments” (they’re income subsidized). And while I don’t live in the Woodbrook neighborhood. No, I wouldn’t want any type of connector (road or footpath) to a section 8 apartment complex.
I hope the City is listening to the people in the County when it comes to subsidized housing location.
@Mequa Shore
Is it racist not to want to be connected to areas with higher crime rates? Then call me a racist!
What is the driving factor here? It seems you are the racist for implying there are higher crime rates b/c minorities live there.
Y’know, you’re right, there is at least one racist- it’s you!
Looking at the map on http://cvilletomorrow.typepad.com/ I cannot imagine why anyone in Woodbrook would have any fear that people who live in Mallside would be interested in walking to their neighborhoo through Arden. If there’s criminal intent they would probably find it easier and with better rewards committing it in Arden.