Category Archives: government

City Responsibilities

Posted on by
Reply

Picking up where we left off last year, just as it is residents’ responsibility to clear off the sidewalk in front of their houses to the best of their abilities, it is the City’s responsibility to clear off the overpass bridges and their sidewalks (not the RMA or VCU!).

On S. Laurel Street overpass:
IMG_5539

On S. Cherry Street overpass:
IMG_5542IMG_5543

In front of Open High School:
IMG_5536

There is also a missing public trash can at the corner of S. Pine and Idlewood. Which begs the question of when Oregon Hill will receive better public trash/recycling containers? (Councilperson Agelasto has done what he can).
IMG_5538

Short editorial:
When it comes to money and attention, maybe Oregon Hill can pass a collection plate at Mayor Jones’ church.

Continue reading →

‘Tredegar Green’ – Still No Response To Neighborhood Concerns

Posted on by
Reply

Venture Richmond, a very powerful special interests group, still has plans to apply for re-zoning the Tredegar Green property near Oregon Hill. Venture Richmond has talked about the need for Oregon Hill to compromise on the site’s planned use, and discussions between Venture Richmond and the neighborhood have been conducted over the last few years. However, the lawyer representing Oregon Hill, Andrew McRoberts, reports that there has been no reply from Venture Richmond representatives, not even a confirmation of the letter he sent outlining Oregon Hill’s very reasonable wishes over six months ago. All other inquiries by all residents of Oregon Hill had likewise been ignored (so much for “public-private partnership”).

The latest Venture Richmond communications to City staff reveal gross inadequacy:
No real commitment to event management planning- crowd, parking, trash, etc.
Sound levels are to be monitored, but this is meaningless because there is no decibel limit on sound, etc.
No height limitation (even though the DCC zoning would allow any owner of the property to build up to 95 feet in height by right — right in front of the Va. War Memorial’s view of the river!)

All the media has reported is that Jack Berry, Venture Richmond’s Executive Director, is planning to run for the position of Mayor of the City of Richmond. Perhaps he thinks he can do an even better job of putting off the public’s concerns than the current Mayor.

James River Advocates Upset About Dominion Dumping Plan

Posted on by
Reply

From FaceBook event page:

Dominion is planning on dumping MILLIONS of gallons of highly toxic coal ash wastewater PER DAY into Virginia’s waterways, including our James River.

More from WTVR news coverage on a previous protest:

The State Water Control Board’s final vote on Thursday, Jan. 14, to grant the utility company the state permit required to pump waste from the coal ash ponds at Bremo Bluff Power Station in Fluvanna, up river of Richmond.
…
The public forum prior to the permit hearing takes place at the State Water Control Board meeting starting at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at 7870 Villa Park Drive.

New Congressional District

Posted on by
2

From Times Dispatch article:

A three-judge panel in Richmond on Thursday imposed a new Virginia congressional map that could give blacks a chance to elect candidates of their choice in two districts, not just one.
Unless the U.S. Supreme Court halts implementation of the new map, the reconfiguration will lower the black voting age population in the 3rd District, represented by Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, a Democrat, from 56.3 percent to 45.3 percent.

It looks like this will most likely move Oregon Hill from the 3rd District into the 4th District, represented by Rep. J. Randy Forbes, a Republican.

Councilperson’s 5th District Holiday Party

Posted on by
Reply

From email announcement:

Dear Neighbors:

The 5th District Holiday party will take place on this Wednesday, December 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial- 621 S Belvidere St. All 5th district residents are invited and no RSVP is required. We will be collecting unwrapped toys, books and clothing for children in the Richmond area that are in need. All toys will be donated to the City of Richmond and Radio One Annual Toy Drive. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday!

482c33cf-2b91-4722-9cf6-c9883cd585c3

Proposal To Ban Indoor Furniture From Porches And Yards

Posted on by
Reply

From Times Dispatch article:

A Richmond City Council panel on Tuesday advanced a proposal that would ban indoor furniture and mattresses from porches and yards.
The measure is less about dictating tasteful porch decor and more about giving the city recourse to collect discarded mattresses and couches, said Councilman Parker C. Agelasto, 5th District, who sponsored the measure.

…

At a public hearing on the two ordinances, Jean V. Capel, the city clerk, was the only person to speak.
She said she supported the furniture measure because indoor furniture left on porches spawns mold and can be a fire hazard.
The ordinance specifies that “use or storage of upholstered furniture, including mattresses, manufactured primarily for indoor use shall be prohibited on any front or side yard visible from any public place, sidewalk or road” or “any front or side porch.”
Colonial Heights, Henrico County and Emporia already have similar rules in place, according to a City Council member.
Residents cited for a violation would be fined $100, plus the cost of removing the furniture.

Oregon Hill has some experience with this.
img_0062-1024x768