OHNA Press Release with Letter In Regard To W. Cary Development

From press release:

For Immediate Release March 16, 2018

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, in alliance with the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, is committed to ensuring a successful and historically sensitive development on the 800 block of W Cary Street. After meeting with the developers and reviewing the interpretations of the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review regarding the plan of development for this project, we and other interested parties have identified serious concerns and seek clarification on a number of issues regarding allowances made that may be inconsistent with the established zoning parameters for the applicable zoning designation for this area and may cause irreparable damage to this historic district.. We find it in the best interest of the Oregon Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the residents of the City of Richmond, to fairly and accurately apply these regulations in a lawful manner.

In light of the fact that the existing buildings on this block are profoundly important to the intrinsic fabric of our historic district, we ask that the city be especially cautious and re-examine their determinations cited in our attached letter. These buildings date from the 1830’s and later into the 19th century and stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of our forefathers. They deserve to be saved and preserved for the future.

This alliance of neighborhood advocacy groups has chosen to retain Andrew McRoberts of the Sands Anderson Law firm to represent our interests in this matter. We hereby respectfully present to the City of Richmond as well as to interested members of the public, an attached letter sent to the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review outlining our concerns.

Sincerely,

Charles Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association

LTR to Richard Saunders re Proposed Plan of Development

800 Block Of W. Cary: Worthy Of Preservation, Worthy Of Your Attention

As part of the neighborhood campaign to save these buildings from demolition (and don’t forget the public demonstration planned for Sunday afternoon), neighbors have prepared a flyer that explains just some of the history and importance of these structures.


Note: If you have trouble reading or printing these, please try to download the pdf versions.

History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE1History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE2

Public Demonstration Planned For Sunday Afternoon

From the message:

Despite what people say, I am not a big fan of public demonstrations, yet they are certainly necessary sometimes. Everyone that I have spoken to says we need to get more media attention and public support if we are going to save these buildings. For that reason, I am calling all neighbors and friends of Oregon Hill to come to the sidewalks at and near the corner of Laurel and W. Cary on Sunday at 4 pm to demand that the threatened buildings be saved from demolition. Please spread the word. All we really need is for people with signs to come together for fifteen minutes or so for some good photo opportunities. This is a family-friendly, nonviolent, inclusive action in order to make this cause more visible. No vandalism or obscenity please.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 2, 2018

From press release:

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, by unanimous vote of its membership, has passed a resolution supporting the conservation of the buildings on the 800 block of W Cary St that are threatened with demolition by Richmond developers looking to erect an apartment building on the footprint. These buildings, the oldest being circa 1840, are listed as contributing structures to the National Register of Historic Spaces and serve as a gateway to both the Oregon Hill Historic District and to Downtown Richmond. We have offered to meet with the developers and see how we can come to the table and figure out an alternative to tearing them down. It would be tragic to lose these valuable historic resources.

C. Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, inc
302 S Cherry St
Richmond Va 23220
804-783-8829

Solar Success

Congratulations to Phaedra and Eric for hosting a great Solar Open House this afternoon as part of the Richmond Solar Co-op. Over thirty people came to check out their recent large residential installation. More rooftop solar in the neighborhood will lead to a cleaner, more resilient neighborhood grid and is certainly a reason for celebration.

By the way, this morning the Tesla dealership out on West Broad featured a presentation on their home energy plans and the latest iteration of their Powerwall energy storage product.

VCU Stormwater Survey

Virginia Commonwealth University graduate student, Jesse Harris, is looking into stormwater infrastructure surrounding the Monroe Campus. She has a short survey to help identity areas that VCU should be mindful of in planning for sustainable community development in the future.
This office as asked for the final results to report and share with the city’s stormwater division.

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/efc0baf4a81f4d429e94637019eaabf9

Councilperson Agelasto’s Meeting Tonight

From Amy Robins, 5th District Liaison:

REMINDER: Councilmember Parker Agelasto is holding a 5th District meeting this Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Southside Community Service Center (4100 Hull Street).
Richmond Public Schools new Superintendent Jason Kamras and 5th District School Board Representative Dr. Pat Sapini will be holding a “Meet & Greet” at the same location starting at 6pm.
Starting around 6:45pm, the meeting will cover the following agenda:
~Cigarette Tax Discussion
~Crime & Public Safety, Richmond Police Department
~5th District Updates & Discussion
~Q&A
UPDATE: Code Enforcement has been moved to the April 26th meeting.

Solar Co-op Meeting On Oregon Hill This Saturday

Holly Street neighbor Phaedra Hise is hosting a meeting of the Richmond Solar Open House this Saturday.

RSVP for the event at: www.solarunitedneighbors.org/RichmondSolarOpenHouse

Have you ever considered going solar?
Come to a Solar Open House!

Saturday, February 24, 2018
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Solar Home of Phaedra Hise:
714 Holly St, Richmond, VA 23220

Tour the solar home of Phaedra Hise, ask questions about solar and the co-op process, and connect with other homeowners in the area who are interested in solar! Stop by for a few or stay for a while!

Learn more about our Richmond Solar Co-op at: www.solarunitedneighbors.org/richmond