Vacant Richmond currently lists 32 vacant properties in the Oregon Hill neighborhood, with another 11 identified in the “VCU neighborhood”.

One of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association’s main assertions in the controversy over the proposed rec center is that VCU needs to fully consider alternative sites before demolishing the historic stables or Green Alley.

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I recognize that VCU President Dr. Trani may be the most powerful person in Richmond, I realize that this is “tobacco country“, and I doubt if any local mainstream media will touch this, but I do think it is important to note that Oregon Hillians are not the only ones to question the character and integrity of his actions…

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This from a neighbor on Cherry Street:

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Quite a doozie- I arrived home at 1:30 AM to see an RPD Paddy
wagon and patrol car stationed in front of a house on the 200 block
of Cherry (maybe 2 or 3 houses from Idlewood) with lights going and
kids and trash everywhere. I had to park a block or so away and when
I got out of the car, you could hear the roar of 300 to 400 partying
college students swarmed in the backyard of the house, screaming at
the top of their lungs. Bikes and cars parked everywhere and kids
wandering the streets with open containers of beer looking for a
place to pee.

I sat on my front porch in amazement as the police
left and more and more kids with more and more beer arrived and the
NOISE GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER! At 2AM, the RPD returned- this time 5
patrol cars and a paddy wagon with lights blazing. They entered the
backyard on foot with flashlights to disperse the crowd and swarms of
kids swelled into the streets. It took the officers maybe 25 minutes
to walk the streets sending the 300 or 400 partiers on their way as
the streets were choked with alcohol impaired children, most on foot
or on bike and all loud. All finally calmed down but after a half
hour or so the dull roar started back up although I finally made it
to sleep.

200 and 300 blocks Cherry used to be among the most peaceful on the
Hill with the proximity to Hollywood Cemetery. This garbage has got
to stop.

On Wednesday, September 19, VCU will conduct a test of emergency sirens on both the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses. The sirens will begin at 12:00 noon and will sound for one minute and then sound a 30 second “all clear” even tone as part of a full test of VCU’s multi-level emergency communications system.

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Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association members have new information of a 1994 attempt by VCU to acquire/demolish 911 Green Alley and demolish 917 Green Alley, but the EIR was rejected by the DEQ, in large part because the DHR cited the rarity of surviving livery stables in Richmond. It is indisputable that thirteen years later these same livery stables are an even rarer historic resource.

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Just got back from walking the dogs- man, the VCU traffic congestion is out of control. Makes me so much eager to post some thoughts on the latest draft map of western downtown from the City’s Community Development downtown planning process…

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There was a large VCU party on the 300 block of Cherry St. this past weekend, causing complaints of fighting, public urination, public drunkedness, and noise disturbances.

Police were called and there was a report of at least one arrest. VCU officials have been notified and the matter is likely to receive attention at the next meeting of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association this coming Tuesday night.