No Alternatives?

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Scott

Remember when VCU told Oregon Hill, the city, and the state that there was no alternative to demolishing the historic stables and encroaching further into the neighborhood in order to build the massive student recreational center? Now they just happen to buy most of a city block less than a year later from starting the rec center construction?

The VCU Real Estate Foundation purchased the former Ukrop’s store and parking lot at Grace and Harrison streets for more than four times what a previous investor paid in 2002.

Does anyone believe anything the VCU admin says anymore? Will any state legislators listen to citizens who keep asking that VCU and its private Real Estate Foundation be investigated for their continued misrepresentations?

It did not have to be that way and it’s never too late for positive change. And yes, this does matter for the future of the Downtown Master Plan.

Green Building Standards in Richmond

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Scott

Written and Submitted by Elizabeth Chaney

The Richmond City Council voted this evening on Resolution 2008 R152, a measure requiring all city construction projects to meet LEED Green Building Rating System’s Silver rating. All but one council member voted “Aye,” the one “No” coming from practicing architect and 1st district (West End) representative, Bruce Tyler.

Continue reading →

Random Food Posts

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Scott

The Earthlings Organic Food Coop is still around and had a successful delivery this past Sunday at William Byrd Community House facilities. It is looking for new members.

This Wednesday evening at the Science Museum, the Sierra Club is hosting an open meeting that will feature Anne Darby and Jonah Fogel, with Richmond Area Food System Network, talking about ways to revitalize small farms and farmers, reduce the distance that food travels, and restoring value to fresh foods.

At this month’s Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Jan. 27 there will be a brief presentation by Dr. Alan Towne on Emergency Research, which may include some food topics…or epilepsy.

New Donation Info from Books On Wheels

Posted on January 12, 2009 by Scott

Books on Wheels is now working with Network for Good in accepting donations.
http://www.networkforgood.org/

This service offers a safe and easy way to make a tax-deductible donation to our organization to ensure that we continue in working to provide our services. Please visit our website at www.bookonwheels.com for more information and a link to the donation page if you are interested in donating, or feel free to pass this email on to others that might be interested.

Again, thank you for all your support along the way!!!
Sincerely,

Shelley Briggs, MSW
Co-founder, Books on Wheels
www.bookonwheels.com

WBCH Board Member Profiled in Richmond Free Press

Posted on January 11, 2009 by Scott

This link goes to an online PDF of a printed profile of William Byrd Community House Executive Board President Margaret Friedenberg in the Richmond Free Press. Given the the Free Press’ past treatment of it online content, I doubt this link will work in the long term.

Clown burial in Hollywood Cemetery

Posted on January 9, 2009 by Scott

A Times Dispatch obituary pays tribute to a notable Richmond clown, Poppy, aka Betsy Lyons Terry, who was buried in Hollywood Cemetery yesterday. Click here.

Virginia Girls Choir Sings Evensong at St. Andrew’s

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Getlein

The Virginia Girls Choir, a city-wide choir for girls in grades 4-7, will sing Evensong at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Oregon Hill, Sunday, Jan. 11 at 5 p.m. The 20-member choir formed in September 2008 and is a city-wide music ministry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Choristers audition for the competitive slots and come from a variety of schools and backgrounds. The service will feature the music of contemporary American composer Vernon Williams and a setting of Charles Wood’s carol Mater Ora Filium. Evensong is one of the Free and open.

Big Tree Down On Pine Street

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Scott

This big tree came down on 500 block of Pine Street recently. Some residents believe this portends new development on this lot, near Mama Zu’s.

From the Richmond Police Sector 413 Newsletter…

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Scott

Oregon Hill
Oregon Hill once again leads the pack with only 2 crimes in December – one
burglary and one larceny. The burglary occurred at 225 S. Pine St. Unknown
suspect(s) entered the home between 9AM and 3PM on December 27th and stole
electronics. The larceny was of license plates at 611 S. Cherry Street by an
unknown suspect. Please call RPD if you have information on these crimes or any
others.

For the year – you had a 40% decrease in violent crime and a 29% decrease in
property crime. Also – Detective Levin White is following up on some great leads
on violent crime that occurred earlier in the year in your area. Most of the crimes
should be cleared by arrest soon but I can’t give you any details of the investigation
at this time. Hopefully next month I will be able to fill you in.

Sector413/Newsletter link here.

Concern Expressed About Student Disconnect

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Scott

Published with permission from OH email discussion, another take on the changing relationship between VCU students and the neighborhood:

My observation is that there is an increasing trend for students living in our neighborhood and others surrounding VCU to be ever more and more oblivious to certain aspects of urban living and coexistence, including having loud disturbing parties, putting trash on the sidewalk and even not getting towed during street cleanings. Where is the disconnect here? Are families not preparing their kids for independent college life?

Read the entire email for more…