Category Archives: Idlewood Avenue

Another Accident at Idlewood and S. Cherry Street

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From Cherry Street neighbor Todd Woodson:

Shortly before 5pm on Sunday, March 8, 2026, there was another accident at Idlewood Ave and S Cherry St. You may recall there was a accident on September 27, 2025 at the same intersection. In trying to get the accident report on the September crash, I was told that even though RPD was the only responding department, they had no record of the event and to try vcupd (who were not present at the scene). Vcu provided the record for that accident.
The RVA website lists sector 413 sector lieutenant as William Brereton. I emailed for the report but I’m not sure if he is still active sector lieutenant.
This intersection is the site for chronic traffic accidents. It is also the site of St Andrews School and Sprout Daycare Center. We have been trying to get traffic calming measures on Idlewood at this location for over twelve years with no success.
Can someone assist me in procuring the accident report for March 8,2026, please?
If RPD isn’t keeping accident records in general for Oregon Hill, then I’m wondering how we can effectively reduce traffic accidents and pedestrian deaths in downtown Richmond. There’s a disconnect here.
I pray for the safety of these wonderful students.

Sincerely,

Charles Woodson

In regard to the September 27, 2025 incident, there is this previous post:
https://www.oregonhill.net/2025/09/27/hit-run-at-idlewood-and-s-cherry-street/

Icy Road Conditions Continue

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This past weekend’s winter storm continues to impact mobility, with neighborhoods and roads still very icy.

Citywide, from The Richmonder: “Richmond fights losing battle against snow, ice as temperatures stay below freezing”

Urban transportation and history nerds may take some time to ponder how the Richmond Union Passenger Railway would be handling this, if it were still in existence.

Hit & Run at Idlewood and S. Cherry Street

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From eyewitness:

At 12:43am on Saturday morning, September 27, I heard a loud crash. Came outside and saw a young man on a scooter had been the victim of a hit and run crossing Idlewood on Cherry.
911 rang for 4 minutes before picking up to answer. Cars were flying down Idlewood, almost hitting the downed scooter rider. A civilian car blocked traffic so the victim couldn’t be hit again.

It’s worth noting that the neighborhood association has been asking for about a decade for the same type of traffic calming measures (signs, speed bumps/tables) that are seen on VCU’s campus and other neighborhoods in the City.

Grace Arents Marker Gone Missing

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Oregon Hill residents noticed last night that the Grace Arents historical marker that was next to the St. Andrew’s School on Idelwood has gone missing. A report has been made to the police. Considering the cost of this marker, if this is indeed theft/vandalism, it should qualify for grand larceny.

This is happening at a time of year when the neighborhood sees an uptick of vandalism with the arrival of VCU students. This is also happening at a sensitive time for Grace Arent’s legacy, with her historic affordable housing at Cumberland Linden having recently sold.

Residents Look Forward to ‘Mocha Gourmet Market’

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From RichmondBizSense.com article:

After 25 years, a neighborhood market in Oregon Hill is under new management and set to get a half-million-dollar rebirth.

Fine Food Market at 700 Idlewood Ave. is now owned and operated by Ezaddin Alshami, who’s planning to renovate the store and rebrand it as Mocha Gourmet Market.

It’s the second local market for Alshami, who in December opened the Northside Gourmet Market in Barton Heights.

Fine Food Market had operated in Oregon Hill for over two decades, and during that time it was a client of Alshami’s ATM business TriTec ATM. That relationship led to a recent conversation about a sale.

“I talked to the owners and they were about done with it. We made an offer that they accepted right away,” Alshami said. “I’ve known the area for a long time and know the store’s potential.”

Alshami purchased the business and signed a new lease for the store. Alshami said the 46-year-old building has been neglected over the years, and that he’s preparing to renovate it and update the concept.