“Meet Me in the Bottom” Tonight At WBCH

From Style listing:

The Defenders of Freedom and Justice and Equality show the award-winning, 40-minute documentary, “Meet Me in the Bottom: the Struggle to Reclaim Richmond’s African Burial Ground,” on Wednesday, July 16, at William Byrd Community House. Directed by Shawn Utsey, the film chronicles the contentious fight between community activists, VCU and Gov. Bob McDonnell for control of the land. (He signed a bill to transfer the property from VCU to the city of Richmond in 2011.) The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by discussion. Free, with donations accepted.

Tonight at William Byrd Community House.

Weird Al Listening Party Tonight At Mojo’s

From the FaceBook event page:

Hmmm man what’s happening on July 15th? Probably nothin that great…nothin cool happens on Tuesdays. WAIT RIGHT THERE!

Didn’t you hear?! Weird Al has a new album coming out that day!

So what we’re doing is having a little party just to listen to it! We’ll start this party with an hour or so of comedy and then get right into eating mozzarella sticks and drinking beer while the smooth sounds of Mr. Yankovic’s voice carries us away from our troubled past.

Join us!
Sign up at 8
Show at 9

“Because I’m tackyyyy”

Iconically Wrong

On the City Council agenda for July 14th is a proposed 16 story tower on Pear Street proposed by felon Louis Salomonsky and his business partners. The city’s Master Plan, developed with thousands of volunteer hours, insists that the city’s views be protected, and certainly a 16 story tower would block the view of the river from Church Hill.

The Historic Richmond Foundation sent a disturbing letter suggesting that an “iconic” building is needed at that location.

Well, here is the type of “iconic” building at 709 W. Cary that Salomonsky and his business partners threw up in the Oregon Hill Historic District.

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Train Derailment Explosion Risk

In the wake of the Lynchburg explosion, more people are looking at maps.

http://portlandtribune.com/sl/226325-88900-map-pinpoints-route-of-oil-trains-through-region

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A couple of comments-
While I am concerned about train derailments, I am not freaking out because of this map. And in the event of a spill or explosion, I would hope the slope of Oregon Hill would protect the neighborhood from the worst of it. As it is, I am much more immediately concerned about resulting river pollution. This may or may not be scaremongering, but it is a subject worth more attention. I understand the James River Association will be sharing more information soon.

Hollywood Cemetery Photo Contest

Hollywood Cemetery’s Facebook page is running a photo contest:

Do you have a great photo you’ve taken of Hollywood Cemetery? Share it with us and you could win 2 tickets for a trolley tour through Hollywood!

Here are the details: Send us a private message with your photo. From the submissions, we will choose the Top 5 that we think best represents the historical beauty of Hollywood. The Top 5 photos will be posted on July 16th for your votes. The photo that receives the most “Likes” wins!

Only one entry per person please.

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Is Venture Richmond Above The Law?

Do the City’s rules and regulations do not apply equally to everyone? If the Mayor happens to be the president of your organization, as is the case with Venture Richmond, do the City’s regulations apply equally?

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As of Monday, July 7th, why is there no permit on the city’s web site shown for Venture Richmond’s ongoing amphitheater work on the City-owned property leased by Venture Richmond (the area above the canal)? While it appears that no permit was requested or issued for the City parcel, a City employee indicated that the City parcel work was included in the permit that was issued. But is this correct procedure?

city property W0000051010 at Tredegar Green

In October 2012, the century-old Tredegar wall was illegally demolished on this same City property leased by Venture Richmond. Last week, silt fencing to stop erosion was not installed on the Venture Richmond property until after the public complained. As a result, dirt and debris was pushed into the wetlands.

Venture Richmond repeatedly promised a thorough Section 106 historic review of the impact that the amphitheater would have on the historic James River and Kanawha Canal, but the day after receiving final City Planning Commission approval, Venture Richmond broke this promise and withdrew from the Section 106 review.

Let’s hope that the public remembers Venture Richmond’s broken promises when the Shockoe stadium again rears its ugly head!

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

This Wednesday is a red Wednesday, which means trash and recycling pickup. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night. They do not belong on the sidewalk after tomorrow night.

In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

Also, please do not forget about Project Clean Move. The next project day is Saturday, August 2. Please contact neighbor Jimmy Blackford at prairiegates at hotmail.com in order to volunteer for the Oregon Hill team.

On August 1 – 2 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., a Goodwill truck will be stationed on the corner of Morris Street and Grove Avenue.

For large items that are not suitable for donation, call 311 and request a bulk pickup.