Despite opposition from the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, the Sierra Club Falls of the James, citizens, as well as open government concerns, the City is pushing ahead with construction of the 2nd Street Connector.
Yesterday, despite promises for full exploration of the historic significance of the site, over 150 feet of century old structural canal brick wall was destroyed.
From City press release:
Construction on Richmond’s new street that will connect Second Street to Tredegar Street on the north side of the James River downtown will have a minimal effect on visitors to the James River Park’s Belle Isle who park in the Tredegar Street lot.
The first or eastern entrance to the lot on Tredegar Street will be closed effective Tuesday, October 16, due to construction on the new connector street; however, the second or western entrance to the lot, as well as the entire lot itself, will remain open throughout the entire construction period.
Venture Richmond is funded with over $2 million of public money annually, yet they do not appear to be accountable to anyone. They did not even bother to put up erosion controls as required by the Chesapeake Bay Act, before beginning this work that included a deep bulldozer rut down the side of the canal.
I work as a building inspector & the last post was correct. It is required by IRC Building Codes that an erosion control barrier, & silt fence must be installed at the outer perimeter of all construction sites. Although the City of Richmond routinely turns a blind eye to their own construction violations, what they would fine private citizens for violating. Typical double standards. I also bet that if you tried to salvage some of the historic bricks at this location, before the bulldozers crush them, you would be fined or arrested. The city doesn’t care about historic preservation or environmental impact if it is inconvenient or cost them money.
very sad. i imagine the road and its effects will be a big surprise to most people next year during the folk festival. rosanne cash said during her Folk performance that she was looking for inspiration for new music, this would make for a good southern ballad.
I am looking forward to a full criminal investigation as well as a restoration of the canal wall.
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