Notice on 816 Riverside Park

On Monday October 6, 2008 at 1:30 p.m at the 5th floor conference center, the Planning Commission will consider ordinances 2008-199 and 2008-200 approving a spot blight abatement plan for 816 Riverside Park and declaring a public necessity to authorize the acquisition of 816 Riverside Park for the purpose of implementing the spot abatement plan.

It should be noted that this structure has been a nuisance for a while, attracting squatters and curiosity seekers. While rundown and neglected, it is a pre-Civil War house that sits next to Hollywood Cemetery. The neighborhood is against demolition since the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing structure to the Oregon Hill Historic District. I won’t get into its history of ownership here, but lets just say it has been interesting.

Byrd House Market at William Byrd Community House Seeks Food and Craft Vendors for Holiday Show

The Byrd House Market at William Byrd Community House are having a Holiday Food and Craft Show on Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are looking for diverse, creative crafters and food makers of all ages and levels to provide a unique shopping experience for our community.

Attached is an application for vendors with details and fees. You are encouraged to apply and enjoy interacting with our wonderful community in the welcoming, caring atmosphere that the WBCH has fostered for over 80 years.

We will be publicizing the event in all local community and media calendars and sending announcements to the BHM and WBCH mailing lists. The show will include handmade and homemade craft and food products only (no resold products or franchises). There will be crafters of all levels and children and family crafters are encouraged to apply. All vendors will be asked to provide one item for a raffle, which will be drawn on the half hour.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Morand at chattykgm@aol.com or call (804) 615-6295.

Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council Annual Meeting on Sept. 28th

The Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council (OHHIC) is an all-volunteer nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to providing affordable housing for first time home-buyers while restoring Oregon Hill through renovations, protective easements, and sensitive infill construction.

It’s too late to register as a member in order to vote or run in the upcoming election for the Board of Directors, but its never too late to become a member and volunteer. Everyone is welcome to attend the annual meeting on Sunday, September 28th at 4 pm at the Jacob House (619 W. Cary St. (at Pine)).

Topics at this year’s meeting include:
– Voting for new board members
– An update on the development of the 600 block of S. Laurel St.
– Discussion on making the Jacob House more available to local nonprofits
And more!

OHNA Rewards Residents for July Incident

At last month’s Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting, the membership voted to recognize and reward Marty, Mark, and John for their part in apprehending a robbery suspect this past July. Since then, I have heard that federal officials became interested in the suspect concerning some previous crimes.

The awards were rather meager- restaurant gift certificates, and ceremonial keys to the neighborhood. But as I stated in the letter that accompanied them, neighborhood residents are very thankful for their action. As King, I did offer Marty a knighthood, but he graciously declined.