Conversation on the Impact Economy at Live Arts on May 25

For all my Central Virginia friends, you are invited to a discussion about the "Impact Economy" and a follow-on happy hour on May 25 at the Live Arts Center. This topic seems ideally suited for the Charlottesville community.  Click here to register for this free event.

Purpose + Profit: An Impact Conversation The Impact Economy is a new market force underpinned by public and private companies, entrepreneurs and investors striving to achieve a deep connection between profit and purpose. Impact is often called “the intersection of doing good and doing well.” With an increasing number of participants, the idea of "Impact" as an economic force has hit the mainstream.  Charlottesville, with its deep sense of history, its firm eye toward the future, and its tremendous sense of community, is the perfect place for the Impact Economy to take hold. So whether you're an entrepreneur or an academic, an investor or a student, or just interested in learning more about Impact in Charlottesville (and what we can do with it), join us for good coffee, a great conversation, and a follow-on happy hour! DATE: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 TIME:  3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHERE:  Live Arts Third Floor Lounge 123 East Water Street Charlottesville, VA 22902 Phone: 434.977.4177 QUESTIONS:  Please contact Amanda Ames at AAmes@wcsr.com

Womble Client Wins Stormwater Case in Charlottesville

Another victory in Central Virginia for Womble Carlyle.  Last week, Albemarle County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Higgins ruled in favor of the Shops at Stonefield (also known as Albemarle Place), finding the stormwater management plan for the shopping center was reasonable and lawful.  In so ruling, the Court denied the requested injunction and is set to dismiss the trespass and nuisance claims filed by a neighboring shopping center.  This ruling comes after a week long bench trial before Judge Higgins in June 2014.  More information about the case and the real estate development at issue is in the following article from Charlottesville Tomorrow.  Womble Carlyle attorneys Paul Kaplan and Jason Hicks represented Stonefield in this matter.

Legal and Political Controversy Over Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline

The 550-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline that is projected to run through the heart of Central Virginia has generated much political controversy and is now the subject of a new federal lawsuit.  

Although Governor McAuliffe has supported the pipeline, environmental groups and some landowners have been highly critical of the project.  Environmental groups have started petitions opposing the pipeline and landowners have raised issues regarding the path of the pipeline and the ability of gas companies to enter and condemn private land for the pipeline.

A recent lawsuit file in the Charlottesville Division of the Western District of Virginia seeks to declare unconstitutional a Virginia statute that allows gas companies the right to enter private property to survey the proposed path for the pipeline.  The lawsuit challenges the statute as authorizing an unlawful taking for private purposes and a taking without just compensation in violation of both the United States Constitution and the newly strengthen provisions of the Virginia Constitution.  As reported by the newspaper, Dominion says that it will not survey anyone's land without permission from the landowner or a court order affirming Dominion's right to survey.