Ceremony To Close Monroe Park Tomorrow

Report from Cherry Street neighbor Todd Woodson on Monroe Park:

Breaking News- tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9th at 10am, the Mayor and VCU president Rao will hold a ceremony in the park with watering cans to celebrate the closing. Ms Massie reports that this weekend will be the last for activity in the park before work begins. The Conservancy is asking that displaced feeding groups not use other parks. The first phase of work is tree work, which will take 4-5 months. It is important that we stay vigilant during this period as in all phases as we don’t want any “mistakes”. They will also be removing the benches and lights from the park during this period.

Venture Richmond Meeting Tomorrow Morning

From City of Richmond:

PUBLIC INFORMATION ADVISORY

WHAT: Members of Richmond City Council will attend the Venture Richmond Executive Committee meeting.

WHEN: Friday, October 21, 2016
7:30 a.m.

WHERE: Newmarket Corporation
Pavilion Board Room
330 South Fourth Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

CONTACT: For more information, please contact Jean V. Capel, City Clerk, at 804.646.7955 or jean.capel@richmondgov.com (email).

It should be an open meeting, open to the public, with the exception of a planned closed meeting that will take place at some point during tomorrow’s meeting.

No word on if Venture Richmond will give a more substantial response to outstanding and reasonable neighborhood concerns about ‘Tredegar Green’.

Monroe Park Conservancy Announces That Funds Are Secured

Richmond Magazine reports:

“The Monroe Park Conservancy announced today that it has raised $3 million for the project, half of the $6 million facelift planned for the city’s oldest public park in the heart of Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus. The city will cover the other half.”

Oregon Hill used to border Monroe Park and neighbors still regard it as an important part of our public life.

No mention of donors other than the City.

“The conservancy has raised $1.3 million toward the goal since this past spring, but Massie declined to name specific organizations or donors to the project.

In spring 2014, Richmond City Council approved leasing the 8-acre public park to the conservancy for 30 years. The nonprofit planned to raise funds to cover its half of the bargain over the next year and begin construction in fall 2015, after the UCI Road World Championships wrapped up. Raising the money proved more difficult than expected and set the project back, Massie said this past spring.

The project’s designs have already been approved, but council must vote to accept the private funds before construction can begin. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for November. Afterward, the park will be closed for 12 to 18 months while construction is completed.”

There are a lot of rumors about how the renovation plans are changing…

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It’s National Preparedness Month

It’s now September, and with Tropical Storm Hermine coming in this direction, its a good time to remind everyone that September is National Preparedness Month.

“…we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. Due to the success of last year’s theme, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” will be returning for this September with a continuing emphasis on preparedness for youth, older adults, and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. Thank you for taking time help make America more prepared for emergencies.”

Monroe Park ‘Modifications’

Cherry Street neighbor Todd Woodson continues to monitor Monroe Park situation:

In 2015, City Council wisely passed an ordinance (ord.2015-102) stating that they would receive monthly updates on modifications to existing contracts so they can monitor these additional expenses. July’s report contains this modification of the Monroe Park Renovations Project contract in the amount of $198,765. Ive asked for details other than those given but it is important to note that this contract value has increased by 41% since it was executed in 2008.

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With a high profile robbery and a stabbing, it’s been a rough summer for this historic public park. Neighbors are wondering if the neglect preceeding planned ‘modifications’ is purposeful in preparation for a VCU takeover. Will Monroe Park figure more prominently in upcoming debates between City Council candidates?

Click here to scroll through previous posts on Monroe Park.