It’s been heartbreaking for neighbors to watch the slow destruction of Monroe Park. The Monroe Park ‘Conservancy’ has succeeded in fulfilling VCU’s desire to get rid of the park’s trees. During the park’s period of significance circa 1904, there were 362 trees of 26 species in the park. Less than a third of that now thanks to 3North and the “Conservancy”. Sadly, this situation is not all that unique when you consider that U.S. cities are losing about 36 million trees a year.
Of course there have been many other Monroe Park matters as well. Recently it was discovered that a new electrical service unit was installed right next to a World War II memorial that contributes to the Park’s historic significance.
Expect an announcement by the Sierra Club Falls of the James on this topic soon. This comes after the organization has already tried to meet with Mayor Stoney (and was ignored) and publicly called for the termination of the Conservancy’s lease.
The park is late being completed and over budget. Remember the renovation has used over 4 million dollars in taxpayer money yet we have still been silenced in speaking up against this bad planning and destruction of trees.
I spent a lot of time in that park growing up on Oregon Hill. Best place in the world to catch night crawlers for fishing. So sad about what’s happening to it. I liked the 1800’s atmosphere it had, You people need to vote the city council out of office. Maybe to late?