Times Dispatch: “Dogs are not banned on Potterfield Bridge, but some injuries reported”

The Times Dispatch has an article about concerns for dogs walking on the newly-opened T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge.

It does a good job of exploring the concerns and the responses. In conclusion, the City does not disallow dogs on the new bridge, but there are reasons for dog owners to be careful.

This might be a good time to remind everyone of the meeting next week on riverfront development.

(Ed. note: my own personal experience is that when I walked my dogs on the bridge, I did not see any evident injury, but did notice their apprehension. I will certainly be more careful in the future and may not take the dogs on the bridge again.)

Councilperson Agelasto Releases Statement As New Council Is Sworn In

The Times Dispatch had an article this morning on the Council meeting last night, where new members were sworn in and 3rd District Councilperson Chris Hilbert was elected President of City Council.
The article reported that 5th District Councilperson Parker Agelasto (Oregon Hill’s representative) had a pointed statement released after the meeting:

However, in a departure from what is typically a unanimous, nine-member vote for council president, Agelasto opted to abstain.
After the meeting, Agelasto distributed a statement saying he didn’t vote for Hilbert because he was disappointed Hilbert didn’t appoint him to any leadership positions on the council’s committees and, instead, stripped him of the position he had held as vice chair of the council’s finance committee.
“During my first four years on City Council, I attempted to bring greater transparency to council operations and greater accountability over how taxpayer monies are spent,” he said. “I realize this new way of doing things was not greeted with open arms by some on council, who were wedded to past council actions that too often led to spending abuses and fixations on shiny projects at the expense of funding for schools, public safety and basic city services.”

Two Missing Men

From the Richmond Police Dept.:

The Richmond Police Department is asking for the public’s help to locate two individuals who’ve each been missing for approximately a year.

“The families of these individuals have been anxiously waiting for information on the whereabouts of their loved ones for the past year,” said Major Crimes Detective William Thompson. “We are working with our law enforcement partners across the state and the region to bring these men home. We’re hoping someone may have seen them and can help us put their families’ minds at ease.”

William K. Dean Jr.
Dean, 52, was last seen on December 18, 2015 leaving Richmond Community Hospital. Known to be a drifter, he frequents Rudd’s Trailer Park in the 2900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway and areas in Richmond’s east end.

He is described as a white male, 5’6” tall, with blue eyes and brown hair, weighing approximately 175 pounds. He has scars on his right cheek and a tattoo of the name “Brenda” on his right arm.

Lander S. Freeman
Freeman, 73, was last seen on June 6, 2016 in the 1500 block of Silver Avenue after leaving his home to walk to Kings Market. His walking stick was found on the porch of a friend’s home in the 1400 block of Silver Avenue.

He is described as a black male, 6’1” tall, with a medium complexion, weighing approximately 200 pounds. He has an injury to one eye. He was last seen wearing a coat with fur around the hood and “Obama” written on the back, green pants and a black fedora-type hat.

Anyone who sees any of these men or has information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow PLUS RECYCLE EVENT ***UPDATE*** RESCHEDULED

This Wednesday is the first “Red Wednesday” of 2017, which means trash and recycling pickup and represents a good time to start good habits. 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.

And, please, note and take advantage of this:

Richmond’s Clean City Commission Recycle Event
WHEN: Saturday, January 7, 2017 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

***UPDATE***
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED
********** See comment below **********

WHERE: Boulevard & Robin Hood Road in Richmond (1710 Robin Hood Road)

WHAT:
Christmas Tree Chipping

Shredding up to 5 boxes of outdated documents.

Electronics
TVs: $10 fee for old TV up to 27 inches, $20 fee for old TV over 27 inches.
Computer systems (hard drive, CPU, monitor)
Computer accessories (cables, wires, keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.).
Printers, scanners, copiers and fax machines.
VCRs, camcorders, stereos and all phones.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHT STRINGS!

Small Recycle Tubs
Clean up and drop off your old curbside recycling bins for reuse in the schools.

HELP spread the word by sharing this notice with members in your organization, civic association, friends, neighbors, relatives and anybody else!
Questions to Darlene.Mallory@Richmondgov.com or 646-8325

But that’s not all:

WHAT TO DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR STUFF???
*******************************************
Household batteries: Rechargeable and non-rechargeable, alkaline, lithium, auto, AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt
Where: AERC Recycling 3301 Rosedale Avenue, Richmond
When: 2nd Friday of each month: 9:00am – 3:00pm Fee: $0.75 a pound
https://www.aerc.com/pdf/AERC-DropOffFriday-National-07242015.pdf (804) 550-1762
**********************************************
Discarded tires decorating your alleyway or along roadsides?
To have abandoned tires removed, call 311 and report the specific location for pick up.

Disposing of Old Paint, Hazardous Waste and Tires at East Richmond Road Landfill

The facility cannot accept fire extinguishers, asbestos, road flares, herbicides or pesticides, explosives or materials that are shock-sensitive, radioactive or infectious. Hazardous waste items from commercial entities or from persons living outside of the city limits are also not accepted at the facility. This service is free to Richmond residents who provide proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license, utility bill or vehicle registration. The City’s Department of Public Works’ staff will assist residents with unloading and disposal of their waste materials. Hours of operation: 7:00am to 3:30pm weekdays only.

Directions: The East Richmond Road Landfill is at 3800 E. Richmond Rd. Take I-64 East from Richmond. Exit at 193B and turn right onto Nine Mile Road. Before the second traffic light, turn right onto Evergreen Road (which becomes Stony Run Parkway). Then turn right onto East Richmond Road. Immediately look for landfill signage on the left.

Household hazardous waste items accepted at the facility include:
Solvents
mineral spirits
paint thinner
turpentine
Paints (20 gallons per month/per household limit)
oil or latex
polyurethane
tung oil
stains
varnish
shellac
tints
lacquer thinners
paint reducers
primers
varsol
Fuels
gasoline
gasoline additives
#2 fuel oil
kerosene
diesel
chain saw fuel
motor boat fuel
oil additives
Propane tanks
Car fluids
motor oil
transmission fluid
antifreeze
Car batteries – lead acid batteries only
Cooking oil
Tires with no rims, free with a limit of 4. No off-road or oversized tires taken. Southside Transfer Center and East Richmond Road Landfill. Costs are as follows: $1 each for more than four passenger tires with DEQ permit $5 each for tractor-trailer tires with DEQ permit

Check out the Recycling Wizard for guidelines to recycle other items: http://cvwma.com/recycling-wizard/

The Afro Zen All-Stars Cometh

Just in time to warm up your new year, local band The Afro-Zen All-Stars will soon be releasing their debut album on CD, recorded at Oregon Hill’s very own Minimum Wage Recording this past October. (Click here for a previous post about Minimum Wage Recording.)

The Afro Zen All-Stars have a series of shows planned to celebrate the release:
Friday, Jan 13 – Garden Grove Brewery 3445 W. Cary St; 8pm-11pm
Saturday, Jan 14 – Plan 9 Records 3017 W. Cary St; 1pm-2:30pm
Saturday, Jan 14 – Opening for No BS! Brass 10 Year Anniversary Party The Broadberry 2729 W. Broad St; 9-10pm, $10
Thursday, Jan 19 – Jazz Café Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 200 N. Boulevard; 6pm-9pm