Pantele and the Schools

Posted on December 17, 2007 by Scott

I am troubled by what I am hearing from Pantele these days. It seems like he is playing politics with ADA school settlement/City of the Future money. Both Wilder and Council want to use the issue against each other, rather than solving the issue.

It sounds like the School Board chair, Braxton, is siding with Pantele and Council against Mayor, though that is not helping the schools or students either. Wolf is at least vocal and wants to see ADA solved, but I am not hearing much from our School Board rep, Carr.

If they are looking for “large renovation projects” (because that is what Pantele is insisting on), then Open High could certainly use a ADA elevator addition.

I find it disgusting that the City is giving 50 million to the VaPAF/downtown arts center, but can’t give squat to solve this ADA crisis NOW.
ADA Kids and parents are still suffering needlessly. Is the City waiting until they sue again? What’s it going to take, the National Guard, just like in Little Rock?

Proposal:

Fix up Open. Energy audit, put solar on the roof and make it part of the science curriculum, add ADA elevator and other needed items. Bring in Community High program from West End to Grace Arents building THOUGH keep Community High and Open High programs separate (keep good teacher/student ratio), Make sure at least some of the money from sale of Community High building sale goes back into school system (do NOT let developers have all the profits), Maintain Community and Open High’s building and standards (hello local media, they just won NATIONAL RECOGNITION!). Do NOT let Trani and VCU decide the future of Open High, but hopefully keep allowing Open/Community students attend some college classes. Bring in more community gardening and park service projects.

I would like to hear other suggestions.

What if…and Oregon Hill and CSNT

Posted on November 17, 2007 by Scott

Despite attrition, the neighborhood is regarded as a survivor. New houses stand among the historic, old ones, and the character, though always changing, remains. But residents are well aware that staying on top of the Hill carries risk and requires vigilance, whether it be from eminent domain, corrupt developers, or sudden, natural or man-made disaster.
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Does UofR care more about the environment than VCU?

Posted on November 16, 2007 by Scott

Seems like it.

At University of Richmond, President Edward L. Ayers signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Contrast that with this from VCU’s Commonwealth Times: VCU receives ‘D-‘ for energy efficiency – Sustainable practices barely passing at VCU. One of the planned buildings that Ohlinger alludes to in the CT article is the proposed rec center.

Afton Chemical (Ethyl) watering during drought

Posted on October 24, 2007 by Scott

Ethyl may have changed its name, but it still has a knack for ticking off its neighbors. An Oregon Hill resident took these pictures of Afton Chemical watering their campus despite the City’s mandatory, emergency water restrictions. This happened during 2002 drought also until enough citizens complained.

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Proposed Panhandling Ordinance

Posted on October 18, 2007 by Scott

City Councilperson Bruce Tyler (1st District) has an ordinance before council next Monday that addresses the panhandling problem at city intersections.

This ordinance makes it illegal to solicit funds from city intersections without a permit. The permit will cost $25 and must be obtained from the police department. Anyone interested in acquiring one of these permits should call 646-6566 and ask for Detective Caldwell once/if the ordinance is passed.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about this. I want to see the more obnoxious panhandling stopped, but I also do not want to curtail freedom of speech.
I will defend panhandling for food (but not beer). I will defend Food Not Bombs’ right to serve food to the homeless.

I think Tyler’s permitting idea is an honest attempt at a compromised solution, but I am not sure about all the ramifications. I am undecided right now about the specific resolution.

I would be interested in hearing neighbors’ views.

Trani and Tobacco

Posted on September 19, 2007 by Scott

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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OHNA Press Release: LATEST VCU SCHEME BLASTED

Posted on September 3, 2007 by Scott

VCU’s latest plan to demolish one historic livery stable in the Oregon Hill Historic District and to move another is strongly opposed by the neighborhood’s civic association. “We strongly object to VCU’s biased study that the livery stable at 917 Green Alley proposed for demolition lacks integrity,” stated OHNA President Scott Burger. “It is obviously the University that lacks integrity by going back on their promise to not encroach further into our historic neighborhood. The latest in a long string of misrepresentations on the project is VCU’s assertion that it will make the 100,000 sq. foot addition fit in with the modest 1,500 sq. foot Oregon Hill homes.”