The situation at the Rivanna Trail encampments is reaching a boiling point, with a viral video of a man (who has since been identified as a white supremacist who believes Heather Heyer’s killer should be free) walking through the area. The video, along with the death of an unhoused man living at the site, a tent fire, an alleged sexual assault, and growing environmental concerns, have brought increased public attention to the encampments—and increased worries over the safety of encampment residents and community members.
After months of rising tensions, the City of Charlottesville announced the closure of the Free Bridge and 0 E. High St. encampments on September 1. Camping in the area will be banned after that date.
Official signage, posted July 23 while C-VILLE visited the sites, states that “a coordinated transition of all people and belongings from this encampment area is planned to begin on or around September 1” and that “trash, hazardous materials, and all remaining items will be removed.”…