Monthly Archives: January 2018

Plan Ahead- Off-Ramp Closing Next Week

Posted on by
Reply

From City of Richmond:

Street Closure – Idlewood Avenue and Belvidere Street Off-Ramp
WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works

WHAT: Street Closure

WHEN: Starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 29 through ending at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 2

WHERE:

· Idlewood Avenue from Harrison to Cherry Streets and

· I-95 Downtown Expressway/Belvidere Street off ramp

BACKGROUND: The aforementioned areas will be closed to complete the final stages of paving and to convert two-way traffic and pavement markings for the roundabout construction at the intersection of Idlewood Avenue, Grayland Avenue and the I-95 off ramp. Please use caution and follow the detour signs.

Apartment Proposal For Corner Of Laurel And W. Cary

Posted on by
Reply

First, here is a photo taken today of the threatened four historic buildings at this main gateway to Oregon Hill.

Next, here are the front and rear renderings for the proposed apartment development at 801 W Cary St. This property is included in the recognized Oregon Hill Historic District.

This will certainly be a topic at the upcoming Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday.

Holly Street Playground and Ravine

Posted on by
Reply

In response to recent concerns, it look like Holly Street Playground area will be receiving more attention. Incoming Oregon Hill Neigborhood Association (OHNA) President Todd Woodson has requested a structural assessment from the City on the embankment that supports the playground. He is interested in the possibility of making this area, which is sort of an extension of S. Cherry St, more of a public walking trail than just a utility alley. Other neighbors have suggestions that include repaving the basketball court and establishing a tool lending program. These ideas will probably be discussed at the upcoming OHNA meeting next Tuesday.

This is the 1867 Michie Map showing the ravine that was filled in to make Holly Street playground. Thanks to neighbor Charles Pool for this…

Support Ranked Choice Voting (RCV)

Posted on by
Reply

I have mentioned ranked choice voting before on this site. The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association uses it to elect officers when there is more than 2 people running for a position. Now’s the time to further this important voting reform in Virginia.

From FairVoteVa.org:

Delegate Nick Freitas (Culpeper) has submitted HB 553, which would establish ranked choice voting in elections for Virginia’s statewide offices and General Assembly, along with Virginia’s members of the U.S. House and Senate. A similar bill was tabled in committee during the 2017 session.

Delegate Patrick Hope (Arlington) has also submitted HB 932, which would authorize Arlington County to use ranked choice voting in its local Board elections.

The 2018 session began on Wednesday, January 10. HB 553 will start in the Campaigns subcommittee of the House Committee on Privileges and Elections (P&E). We’re especially eager to recruit FairVote supporters in P&E members’ districts. You can visit Who’s My Legislator to search for your local delegate or check this map to see if you live in one of the committee’s districts.

Complaints About Holly Street Playground

Posted on by
1

Some complaints about the condition and use of Holly Street Playground were recently posted on NextDoor.com:

I am appalled by the condition of our neighborhood playground. I have contacted the City of Richmond Dept of Parks and Rec regarding the filth and takeover by skateboarders and have received no response for one week.
…
There is vandalized material on the “basketball court” and dog poop is everywhere.
I have witnessed people smoking pot and “playing” with the swings in a rough way that could damage the equipment.
As a taxpayer, I feel that this area should be more closely monitored for littering and misuse of the property. I would appreciate any feedback from local residents.
Thank you!

Certainly this is not the first time that concerns like this have been expressed about Holly Street Playground. There has been a lot of tension in the past about how different ages have used and misused this space.

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow, I Think

Posted on by
Reply

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup. However, I am wondering about City trash pickup being delayed because of the MLK holiday this past Monday, and I am wondering about both City trash pickup and CVWMA recycling pickup being delayed due to morning snow.

Anyway, ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.
In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, plastics are piling up in Western countries since China started refusing them.

The European Union (EU) is planning to propose a potential tax on plastic bags and plastic packaging in an effort to reduce usage.

Agapito Co./High Maintenance Fashion

Posted on by
Reply

RVA Magazine has a new article about a new fashion business started by VCU students.

Excerpt:

A new fashion company, Agapito Co. has sprung up in Oregon Hill and is bringing a bright and furry flare to Richmond runways.

Co-owners Maya Agapito and Michaela Bradley started the company last August and didn’t waste any time launching their brand, High Maintenance. The company started out selling chic square-shaped purses and they’ve quickly expanded to jackets, skirts, crop-tops, and dresses.

Water Issues

Posted on by
Reply

As Richmond thaws from this past week’s cold weather, infrastructure problems are rearing their ugly heads. Please report to City as soon as possible before things refreeze. Call ‘311’- its as simple as that.

This photo is from the 600 block of S. Laurel, where water is seeping up through cracks in the street.