Thanks and Happy Holidays to the City’s Parks and Rec!
New Holly Street Playground Equipment
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Category Archives: government
Coal In Their Stocking- Dominion’s Permit Has Expired
Speaking of Special Use Permits, local citizen watchdog C.Wayne Taylor has been just as concerned about the latest flurry of riverfront planning as Oregon Hill neighbors.
He has started asking some very pertinent questions and has come to the conclusion that, despite what local officials may or may not say, Dominion Resources’ riverfront SUP has legally expired:
In 2001, City Council approved a special use permit for the Dominion Resources headquarters on Tredegar Street. The permit increased the maximum allowed building heights within a sloping “envelope” that extended from 60 feet above ground level to 160 feet above ground level.
Under the terms of the permit, it would automatically expire if certain conditions were not met. The city maintains that the conditions were met and that the permit is “still valid.”
The facts indicate that the permit expired. The property owner failed to meet the deadline for using the special use permit. The development that occurred on the property complied with the zoning regulations and did not require the special use permit.
Look for Dominion to try to quietly go behind the scenes and change things to their advantage. After all, this is what they do. And continue to do.
And don’t look for the local corporate media to cover it, after all, this is what they they won’t do. Why is it up to this little neighborhood community news site to mention the local connection to the MF Global story, where a former United States Congressperson and Governor “doesn’t know” where over a billion dollars went?
Citizens, remain vigilant!
Riverfront Planning Coverage
From Times Dispatch
From Richmond.com
From Richmond Magazine
From HillsandHeights.org
One tidbit I received from a City employee who was there was that the new canal bridge is tentatively scheduled for installation for January 2.
Riverfront Planning Meeting On Tuesday
With James River Park leader Ralph White retiring, citizen input for riverfront planning may become even more important.
CITY OF RICHMOND Riverfront Plan
The Department of Planning and Development Review invites members of the public to attend the third Public Forum on the Richmond Riverfront Plan:
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
6:00 pm
Virginia War Memorial
621 South BelvidereThe Consultant Team from Hargreaves Associates will present a draft plan that outlines the overall design concept for Richmond’s riverfront, followed by an opportunity for public comment. The draft plan will describe public realm improvements, emphasizing pedestrian and bike connections, transportation corridors, and identification of anticipated future private development, with a prioritized plan for implementation.
The presentations from the first and second forums are available on the Department of Planning and Development Review’s webpage on the City website at www.richmondgov.com
Parking is available at the Virginia War Memorial, the adjacent Virginia Housing Development Authority, and along Second Street.
For more information contact
James Hill, City of Richmond
Telephone: (804) 646-7552
E-mail: James.Hill@richmondgov.com
Bridge Improvements Too?
As we look forward to Holly Street playground improvements, hope for green alleys and Idlewood roundabout, and stubbornly await OUR canal bridge, we might consider this discussion on Church Hill People’s News about proposed modifications of the Martin Luther King Bridge. (Click here for link)
How about Oregon Hill’s 195 overpass/bridges? Would we want to similar improvements? Or should we hold out for a bigger project to cover the 195 expressway completely, making the “highway” a tunnel and reclaim the space above?
Holly Street Playground Awaits New Equipment
As reported earlier, the Holly Street Playground is going through a bit of a facelift, thank to the City’s Parks and Rec Dept.
Holly Street Park Improvements Coming
The City’s Parks and Rec Dept. is moving forward on new playground plans for Holly Street Park. As agreed by Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association‘s Holly Street Park committee, the first step will be removing the large overhang attached to the playground house. This will open up the area visually and prevent folks from hiding/sleeping in the area. The old playground equipment will be removed and new equipment installed beginning the week of December 1st. The sand will be replaced with engineered wood fiber.
Click here for a pdf of the new playground plan.
After this portion is completed, the committee can look at locations for new tree plantings.
4th Precinct CAPS Meeting on Thursday
From announcement:
Although the MPACT meeting for November has been changed, the Fourth Precinct Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) meeting will be held:
Date: November 17, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Linwood Holton Elementary School
1600 W Laburnum Ave
Our Fourth Precinct team would like to take this opportunity to hear your CAPS concerns and get to know you better.
We look forward to seeing you on the 17th.
Vote On Tuesday
Voting now in the 10th District, on Tuesday Oregon Hill will help decide between challenger David Bernard and incumbent John Watkins for State Senate. James River Maven offers more information on this race, with a provocative post entitled “Who Owns John Watkins”.
Although there has been some talk of moving the voting place for the precinct, it will remain at the Landmark Theater. For more voter information, contact the Virginia State Board of Elections. See you at the polls this Tuesday.
Stormwater Letter
Despite the lack of response to an earlier post, there is this from the City:
Dear Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association,
The City of Richmond Stormwater Utility is actively trying to join forces with neighborhood associations throughout the City in order to educate our community about illegal or illicit discharges to storm drains which often connect directly to local waterways and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
An illegal discharge is defined as any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater or uncontaminated ground water. Sources of illegal discharges can be spills or dumping of lawn or garden chemicals, pet waste, vehicle fluids, leaky vehicles or machinery, leaking gas and oil tanks, leaking sanitary sewer lines, failing septic systems, floor drains and basement sumps.
We are hoping to submit a short piece for inclusion in your newsletter and/or website that discusses illegal discharges and the effect they have on local waterways. If you are interested, please let us know the format that works best for you and the approximate number of people your civic association serves.
The City of Richmond is committed to being environmentally responsible and hopes to work with your group on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
John A. Allen
Environmental Technician II
Richmond DPU
O: 804.646.6698
M: 804.314.5844
john.allen@richmondgov.com