Category Archives: government

Fines and Fees for River Rescues

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NBC Channel 12 is reporting that the City wants swimmers to know that they need to follow their rules. From the article:

“Last year we had 78 calls to the river for river rescues. Of that we pulled 52 people off the river,” said Richmond Fire Department Lt. Shawn Jones.

So far this year firefighters raced out to the river 16 times, pulling 5 people out.

“The current is moving relatively swiftly here, so this puts the rescuers at danger and also the person being rescued,” added Jones.

Richmond police can ticket anyone not obeying river rules. The citation comes with a maximum fine of $100.

The city can also choose to make a person reimburse the city for rescue expenses which are based on the distance and equipment used. Even people, who qualify for a permit when water levels are above nine feet, are responsible for rescue fees. But since 2008 police have only cited 14 people. It was unclear if anyone has ever had to pay for a rescue, but the option’s there.

Meeting on Proposed City Budget on Monday

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According to Times Dispatch article, there will be a public meeting on Monday of next week at the Richmond Main Public Library, 101 East Franklin Street.

Citizens will get a chance to find out more about the proposed City budget. And they are encouraged to attend, for there’s a lot to look over….

For example, officials proposing to switch from an annual to a semi-annual collection of real-estate taxes.

VCU/Monroe Park Housing & Crime Issues

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While parking is still of concern, VCU is taking steps to become more of a residential university. Recent articles contain announcements of new developments and feedback.

There is also news on VCU’s recycling front.

And if that was not enough, there is also this email from Oregon Hill resident and Monroe Park Advisory Council member Todd Woodson, which expresses concern over the way VCU crime is reported, and can be seen in the context of the latest (2008) postings of crime in Virginia colleges by FBI:

Friends-

I left our last meeting with more questions than answers regarding safety statistics and in particular, enforcement statistics for Monroe Park. Please find below a link for VCU’s 2009 Safety Report. It is odd that although VCU includes statistics for Cumberland ave, 100 block Pine St and 100 block Cherry St which are all part of the Historic Oregon Hill Neighborhood and not campus, there is no mention of statistics within Monroe Park itself:

http://www.vcu.edu/police/campussafetyreport2009.pdf

Of interest are the statistics for non-student liquor and drug offenses on unspecified public property which essentially doubled from 2007 to 2008 (block by block figures for public property provided by RPD) :

2008: non student liquor offenses on public property: 168
” ” ” drug ” ” ” ” ” 151
2007: non student liquor offenses on public property: 80
” ” ” drug ” ” ” ” ” 78

It would be most helpful to address safety issues in Monroe Park if offenses in the Park could be logged and consequently tracked by the Council and/or a Richmond Police entity. I know we have asked for these statistics many times in the past and as was discussed, we really havent had any consistent presence at meetings from either RPD or VCU Police during our tenure.

In addition, I have included an eye opening report from the Commonwealth Times October 2008 issue regarding VCU crime statistics:

http://eblackstock.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/campus-crime-statistics-subject-to-interpretation/

I think that considering the amount of money hopefully being directed toward the park, the safety issues are something we as a group really need to focus on- especially the ever present substance abuse and collateral safety issues. As we’ve said before, there seems to be an absence as well as major confusion over day to day law enforcement in Monroe park. I believe we should address this at our next meeting and of course invite RPD and VCU police. Hopefully someone from higher up in those respective organizations will attend.

thanks,

Todd.

Fourth Precinct CAPS Meeting on Thursday

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Fourth Precinct

.The Community Assisted Public Safety (CAPS) meeting will be held:

. Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Linwood Holton Elementary School

1600 W Laburnum Avenue

Please bring your concerns, comments and suggestions to this meeting in order that we may address them properly.

Thank you

Jacki Page

Sr. Customer Services Representative

804-646-4150

Cary Street Parking Changes Considered

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In a recent VCU’s Telegram for Students, this bullet point appeared:

2. Changes to Parking on West Cary Street
VCU is considering requesting the City of Richmond change the parking restriction on the south side of West Cary Street, the 900 and 1000 blocks, from no restriction to 2-hour parking, similar to the majority of campus streets. The change is being considered because of the opening of the Cary Street Recreation Center and the demand for parking near this new facility (I added boldness here- ed.). Please direct comments to Paul Walker, manager of Parking & Transportation, at prwalker@vcu.edu no later than March 12.

While this is in congruence with making the Cary Street corridor more urban-business-friendly (something that the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association is in favor of), it stands in contrast to what the VCU administration said during its campaign against the neighborhood:

E. Objection to parking. This project will not increase the enrollment at VCU, and therefore does not increase campus parking requirements. .

Of course, most Oregon Hill residents are not surprised in the least by this. It fits in with the rest of the Student Recreational Center controversy. (Again, OHNA was never against VCU students getting a new facility. The location and implementation were the issues). Hopefully, someday soon, VCU will take more positive steps to allow healing.

City News Release: Traffic Signal Improvement Safety Project

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From City of Richmond press release:

The city of Richmond is preparing to start construction on a traffic signal upgrade project to improve intersection safety for motorists and pedestrians.

Who: City of Richmond Division of Transportation Engineering

What: Traffic signal improvements

When: Monday, March 1 through September 17

Where: Belvidere Street and Main Street; Belvidere Street and Franklin Street

Scope of Work: Installation of new mast arm signal poles and pedestrian pedestal poles; installation of pedestrian countdown indicators; installation of new wheelchair ramps; newly painted pavement markings; sidewalk restoration

For more information on city services and schedules, please visit us on line at www.RichmondGov.com.

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Henderson Appointed To School Board

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It was announced last month that Oregon Hill resident Maurice Henderson was planning to run for the 5th District seat of the Richmond City School Board. Now, this month, Henderson was appointed to the Board to fill out the rest of departing Board representative’s term. Henderson has told supporters that he still plans to stand for election to the seat this November.