Charlottesville council allocates $7.95 million, including $6.3M to buy 2000 Holiday Drive for low‑barrier shelter

Charlottesville City Council voted unanimously to allocate $7,950,000 from its capital improvement program contingency fund, including $6.3 million for the purchase of 2000 Holiday Drive to be used as a low‑barrier shelter and supportive services site.

The allocation passed by a recorded 5‑0 vote after a public hearing during which business owners near Holiday Drive urged the council to choose a different property because of concerns about pedestrian safety, hotel customers and parking. Supporters of the site — including homeless service providers, faith leaders and residents who have experienced homelessness — said the city needs shelter capacity now and urged the council not to delay.

City Manager Mr. Sanders told council the $7.95 million came from accumulated surplus contingency dollars and that the package also includes $1.5 million for environmental and mobility policy and planning work and $150,000 for modest City Hall renovations to create office space. Sanders said the Holiday Drive figure includes closing costs and an allowance for…