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

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
Reply

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

Posted on by
1

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.

Abusing The New Idlewood Roundabout

Posted on by
Reply

From a neighbor:

About 5:20 pm yesterday, right as VCU closed, I saw a line of cars across the newly seeded park property, making their own street from parking on Grayland to exiting onto Idlewood by the roundabout. They had moved the barriers and destroyed the beautiful newly fixed up sod. They were even using the turnaround area for parking! So tired of the neighborhood getting crapped on by VCU commuters/free parkers. More substantial barriers should go up this week and the long term plan is to place big rocks there as a barrier to block them from entering. I so wish we could have closed Grayland. Since this is park property, maybe we should name it and figure a use for it…

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

Posted on by
Reply

This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup. Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.
In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, a Charlottesville area company is closing the part of its recycling facility that processes household mixed waste. That means no more tossing food scraps, trash, and recyclables into one can and knowing it is recycled. In the NBC29news report a company spokesperson blames the closure of that part of its business on plunging commodity prices – especially for paper and plastic – and higher costs – including rising health insurance.

In other news, Environmental Engineering Consultant company, IPPTS Associates, announced Top 5 List of Countries with the highest recycling rates globally using world statistics and waste management technology.

City’s “Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled” Program

Posted on by
Reply

From press release:

Richmond, VA – The city’s Department of Finance is still accepting applications for the Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program. The program opened on January 8, 2018 and the application deadline is April 2, 2018.

The tax relief program provides assistance to Richmond’s qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners through their real estate taxes. Citizens who participate in the program have their annual real estate tax bills reduced by 30% and 100%, depending upon their household income. Citizens must own and reside in their home, be 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, earn less than $50,000 annually and have assets (net worth) of less than $200,000. Taxpayers must provide proof of income and assets. A list of necessary documents can be found on the application.

Applications are located on the City of Richmond website, at city libraries and from the city’s Finance Department payment locations. Assistance in completing applications or re-certifications is also being offered throughout the city. Perspective applicants and existing participants may visit the following locations for any help that may be needed:

The East End Initiative Building
701 N. 25th St.
every Thursday through March 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Huguenot High School
Building #26 located at 7945 Forest Hill Ave.
every Tuesday through March 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

5th Street Baptist Church
One Stop Resource Center located at 2800 3rd Ave.
every Wednesday through March 28 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bellemeade Community Center
1800 Lynnhaven Ave.
every Friday through March 30 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Assistance at City Hall (Room 100) will be available during normal business days and hours.

More information about the Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program is available by calling (804) 646-6015 or by visiting the Finance Department webpage.

##