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Category Archives: government
5th District Meeting This Thursday
Monroe Park Conservancy Announces That Funds Are Secured
“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…
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.”
Nuclear Meeting Tomorrow
Tuesday was the 5th anniversary of the Virginia earthquake, and this Thursday is another meeting of the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority (VNECA).
Open to the public~
VA Nuclear Energy Consortium Authority (VNECA) Board Meeting
Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 am
VCU East Engineering Hall, Room E3218
401 W. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284
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.
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?
Wednesday Volunteers
A volunteer cleanup effort took place this Wednesday morning, spreading over parts of Oregon Hill, Monroe Park, and Randolph. Graffiti removal/cover up and litter pick up were part of the tasks.
VCU students made a big part of the volunteer workforce. Here’s a photo of some of them on S. Laurel Street.
Amy Robins, Councilperson Parker Agelasto’s liaison, helped coordinate some donated gravel that volunteers spread in the 300 block alley between S. Laurel and S. Pine. Much thanks to the Luck Stone corporation‘s Rockville office for their generosity.
Oregon Hill’s alleys overall are still a mess (could use about 25 more truckloads and a good grader) and, of course, other neighborhoods need attention as well, but with the City strapped for cash, volunteers and donations are very much appreciated.
Community Emergency Response Team Training Offered by the Office of Emergency Management
From announcement:
CERT Basic Recruit Training is a FREE 20 hour course taught over three days.The CERT program educates citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and train them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The last course for this year is:
Saturday, Aug. 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 20th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 27th from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*You must attend ALL 3 days of training to receive certification!*Richmond residents can register to receive free training in basic survival skills during an emergency.
Sign up here: http://www.richmondgov.com/fire/documents/CERT2016RegistrationForm.pdf
For more information, please email askemergencymgmt@richmondgov.com or call (804)646-2504.
Reminder: PLEASE MOVE YOUR CARS For Street Cleaning
It’s a street cleaning week.
From a neighbor:
***PLEASE MOVE YOUR CARS*** On One Block Alone, I See 13 Cars About to Get Towed. Please TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS to move their cars. Street Cleaning begins today (Monday 8/1). (The illegally parked cars are residents, not commuters).
Also, Cherry Street neighbor Jimmy Blackford requests help-
Who’d Like to Help Me Augment the City Street Sweepers this Monday & Tuesday Morning? . . . Great opportunity to sweep the dead vegetation off the sidewalks & scrape the grass from around the storm drains (thus preventing thunderstorm drainage backups). Plus other tasks you might recommend. . . . . I’ll try to start @ 8:30 or 9:30 am each day. I have some heavy duty scrapers, shovels, rakes & push brooms, but could use more. . . . You may not be joining those mornings. Still, before the sweepers come along, I ask you to sweep the sidewalk in front of your homes (and beyond???). . . . . . Message me at prairiegates@hotmail.com.
5th District Meeting This Thursday