Category Archives: W. Cary Street

Petition Launched- No805W—Save Oregon Hill Historic Buildings

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A Change.org petition was launched online which addresses the J.D. Lewis Construction Company (According to a recent media report, these are the owners: “A group made up of Kevin O’Leary and James Flanigan, who own J.D. Lewis Construction Management, and local developer Larry Cluff are assembling 13 parcels near the corner of West Cary and South Laurel streets …”). There will be other written petitions at the public demonstration this afternoon.

From the petition language:

We, the concerned citizens of the City of Richmond, value our irreplaceable Historic Resources. They are the foundation and character of our beloved City. The antebellum buildings at 800 block of West Cary Street are classic examples of solid 19th century Virginian architecture that deserve to conserved and repurposed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991, this iconic street-scape could serve as a beautiful frontage to your new development.
We, the undersigned, urge you to avoid demolishing the historic buildings at 800 block West Cary Street and incorporate them into your designs.

Sign the petition by clicking here.

OHNA Press Release with Letter In Regard To W. Cary Development

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From press release:

For Immediate Release March 16, 2018

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, in alliance with the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, is committed to ensuring a successful and historically sensitive development on the 800 block of W Cary Street. After meeting with the developers and reviewing the interpretations of the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review regarding the plan of development for this project, we and other interested parties have identified serious concerns and seek clarification on a number of issues regarding allowances made that may be inconsistent with the established zoning parameters for the applicable zoning designation for this area and may cause irreparable damage to this historic district.. We find it in the best interest of the Oregon Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the residents of the City of Richmond, to fairly and accurately apply these regulations in a lawful manner.

In light of the fact that the existing buildings on this block are profoundly important to the intrinsic fabric of our historic district, we ask that the city be especially cautious and re-examine their determinations cited in our attached letter. These buildings date from the 1830’s and later into the 19th century and stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of our forefathers. They deserve to be saved and preserved for the future.

This alliance of neighborhood advocacy groups has chosen to retain Andrew McRoberts of the Sands Anderson Law firm to represent our interests in this matter. We hereby respectfully present to the City of Richmond as well as to interested members of the public, an attached letter sent to the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review outlining our concerns.

Sincerely,

Charles Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association

LTR to Richard Saunders re Proposed Plan of Development

800 Block Of W. Cary: Worthy Of Preservation, Worthy Of Your Attention

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As part of the neighborhood campaign to save these buildings from demolition (and don’t forget the public demonstration planned for Sunday afternoon), neighbors have prepared a flyer that explains just some of the history and importance of these structures.


Note: If you have trouble reading or printing these, please try to download the pdf versions.

History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE1History 800 W. Cary v1 PAGE2

Public Demonstration Planned For Sunday Afternoon

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From the message:

Despite what people say, I am not a big fan of public demonstrations, yet they are certainly necessary sometimes. Everyone that I have spoken to says we need to get more media attention and public support if we are going to save these buildings. For that reason, I am calling all neighbors and friends of Oregon Hill to come to the sidewalks at and near the corner of Laurel and W. Cary on Sunday at 4 pm to demand that the threatened buildings be saved from demolition. Please spread the word. All we really need is for people with signs to come together for fifteen minutes or so for some good photo opportunities. This is a family-friendly, nonviolent, inclusive action in order to make this cause more visible. No vandalism or obscenity please.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 2, 2018

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From press release:

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, by unanimous vote of its membership, has passed a resolution supporting the conservation of the buildings on the 800 block of W Cary St that are threatened with demolition by Richmond developers looking to erect an apartment building on the footprint. These buildings, the oldest being circa 1840, are listed as contributing structures to the National Register of Historic Spaces and serve as a gateway to both the Oregon Hill Historic District and to Downtown Richmond. We have offered to meet with the developers and see how we can come to the table and figure out an alternative to tearing them down. It would be tragic to lose these valuable historic resources.

C. Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, inc
302 S Cherry St
Richmond Va 23220
804-783-8829

Apartment Proposal For Corner Of Laurel And W. Cary

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First, here is a photo taken today of the threatened four historic buildings at this main gateway to Oregon Hill.

Next, here are the front and rear renderings for the proposed apartment development at 801 W Cary St. This property is included in the recognized Oregon Hill Historic District.

This will certainly be a topic at the upcoming Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday.

W. Cary Street Mugging Last Night; Suspect Arrested

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WTVR is reporting on muggings and arrest last night–

“The first incident took place on the 600 block of West Cary street. A student was approached by a suspect armed with a firearm who demanded property. The suspect fled with the property,” a VCU Police spokesperson said. “The second incident took place at Shafer and Franklin streets. Two students were approached by a suspect with a firearm who demanded property. One student was struck with the weapon and sustained minor injuries.”

The third incident was reported on the 900 block of Park Avenue.

“Two students were again approached by a suspect armed with a firearm who demanded property. Both students were assaulted and sustained minor injuries,” police said.

Richmond Police located the suspect along the 400 block of North Harrison Street and arrested him at about 4:22 a.m.

“The property taken by the suspect was recovered when the suspect was arrested,” police said. “VCU Police, working in concert with Richmond Police, are committed to the safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

Little Mexico To Hold Relief Fundraiser For PR/Mexico Disaster Victims

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While its not in the neighborhood, I know many neighbors who enjoy the close by Little Mexico restaurant.

From the FaceBook event page:

Hi guys, its Nivi, as you all know there’s been alot of things going on right now. Rosio & I wanted to do our part & throw a little fundraiser to raise/collect donations (whether money or necesities) for Mexico & Puerto Rico.

TUESDAY, OCT 10 from 3PM to 7PM, Little Mexico will take a percentage of the proceeds made during this time and date will be donated to United for Puerto Rico & Omaze to help the victims of the hurricanes in Puerto Rico and earthquakes in Mexico, as well as accept items (LIST BELOW) that are gonna be sent to PR. Unfortunately I havent found anyone whose going to be shipping to MX to send items, so if anyone knows PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

This is something that is very personal to me, as I’ve had very little communication with family but I’ve been made aware of family members who have lost their homes completely and/or belongings. Hope to see ya’ll there! Anything is appreciated!

If for any reason you can’t make it to the event and/or would like to make an additional donation, you can donate online to the websites or donate to a little fundraiser I’ll have open on FB until OCT 11TH! These orgs aren’t an option so I put it under my name and I’ll personally donate the funds to them!

https://www.facebook.com/donate/347360749039938/
https://donate.omaze.com/mexico
http://www.unitedforpuertorico.com/

—-LIST OF ITEMS THAT CAN BE DONATED—-
Water, Canned Food, Batteries, flashlights, water purifying tablets, first aid kits, bandages, small tool kits, hygiene products, sewing kits, small fire extinguishers, manual can openers, wrenches to turn off gas lines, battery-operated radios, garbage bags, dish soap, disinfectant, paper cups, plates, napkins, latex gloves and work gloves, baby wipes, sterile eye wash, sun screen, hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, adhesive tape and prepackaged tarps

Hazmat At Cary Street Gym

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Pool problems at VCU’s Cary Street Gym have lead to a scene with the Virginia Commonwealth University police and Richmond firefighters, including a hazmat crew.

The facility has been closed down while they figure out what is going on.

From the Times Dispatch article:

The gym was evacuated as a precaution, said Richmond Fire Battalion Chief Christine Richardson, adding that at this time they don’t believe there’s any immediate risk to anyone in the area.