James River Park History

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I have uncovered some of the what-ifs, but thanks to Phil Riggan for this “History of Splashy Plans for James River Parks” on Richmond.com.

Excerpt:

According to the RTD archives, there were proposals to have “water-related leisure development” on Belle Isle — Richmond’s downtown gem on the James — including an visitor’s center, ice skating rink, waterfront auditorium and a conference center. People could have gotten to the island by way of a monorail that would have connected to downtown Richmond.
The $6 million in riverfront plans at that time did not cover for the proposed monorail and other buildings on Belle Isle, which would have been paid for through private funding. Monorail screams “Disney,” right? We would have been robbed of the pleasure of walking across the Belle Isle pedestrian bridge under the Robert E. Lee Bridge, which opened in 1992. The view of the city skyline from there alone is worth any price and we’re much better off.

Something to think about as more of the area gets paved over.

Panoramic View of Canal

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A neighbor, impressed by the 1960’s photographs found at the Library of Virginia, took the liberty of stitching 5 of the photos together to make one panoramic view. This shows the canal (with water!) and the full length of the Tredegar wall, a portion of which was demolished by NewMarket a year ago, and another portion on city property that was illegally demolished recently.

William Byrd Community House Announces New Executive Director

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From WBCH press release:

Richmond, December 12, 2012 – The board of directors of the William Byrd Community House, the near century-old community organization that provides a range of services to some of Richmond’s most vulnerable families, has named Shelia Givens as its new executive director, effective immediately.
Ms. Givens has served William Byrd Community House as its director of operations for the past four years. She succeeds Robert Bolling, who served as executive director for five years.
“We had the right person ready to step into the role,” said José “Pepe” Porrata, president of the board. “She understands our programs and the people they serve, and has earned the respect and affection of the staff and the many friends and partners of the William Byrd Community House. We are confident that, through her leadership and the dedication she brings to her expanded role, our next century will be as bright and productive as our previous.”
Prior to William Byrd Community House, Ms. Givens held positions at Wachovia Securities, LG&E Power and the Virginia Department of Health.
“William Byrd Community House holds a special place in this community, as it does in my heart, and I am thrilled and proud to serve as its new executive director,” Ms. Givens said. “Our work is critical on so many fronts – as a resource for families striving to gain self-sufficiency, as a safe and nurturing place for children, as a safety net for those unable to meet their basic needs. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, our focus will be on continuing to meet the needs of Richmond’s most vulnerable families.”
# # #

Oregon Hill East of Belvidere

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Some local historians argue that is what is now known as Oregon Hill was actually called Belvidere Hill, and Oregon Hill was the part of the neighborhood that used to exist east of Belvidere. Of course, if you want to go further back, what is now known as Oregon Hill was outside of the old City limits and known as part of the Sydney township.

John Murden, who does the Church Hill People’s News site, has been digging around at the Library of Virginia and found the following photos and information:

From the Richmond Esthetic Survey & Historic Building Survey:

In 1964, the Historic Richmond Foundation (HRF) and the William Byrd Branch of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) undertook an inventory of historic buildings in Richmond. The Richmond City Planning Commission assisted the APVA and HRF in underwriting the cost of the survey. Workers carried out the study in the spring of 1965 under the direction of Paul S. Delaney and Carlo Pelliccia of the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture.
The project confined the inventory to the central part of Richmond, from Boulevard east to Chimborazo Park, and from the James River north to Shockoe Cemetery. The area’s concentration of historic architecture, in addition to the amount of change and demolition going on at the time, prompted this focus.

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Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force to hold meeting

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From City press release:

New parking pass requirements for the parking lot on the side of the building: All residents are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force will hold a meeting. The purpose of the Task Force is to make recommendations to Richmond City Council with regard to enhancing mass transit in the Metro-Richmond area and the efficiency and effectiveness of the GRTC Transit System. The meeting is free and open to the public and all residents are invited and encouraged to attend.

Free street parking is available nearby and in the lot on the west side of the building. Passes are now required for lot parking: Those wishing to park in lot are requested to please contact Ms. Marianne Pitts, at 804.646.5935 (tel); or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com (email), two to three days before the event to arrange for a pass.

WHEN Thursday, December 13. 2012
4:00-6:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Department of Economic Development
Richmond Main Street Train Station – 3rd Floor Conference Room
1500 East Main Street; Richmond, Virginia 23219
(PARKING: Free street parking is available nearby and in the lot on the west side of the building. Passes are now required for lot parking: Those wishing to park in lot are requested to please contact Ms. Marianne Pitts, at 804.646.5935 (tel); or marianne.pitts@richmondgov.com (email), two to three days before the event to arrange for a pass. The lot is accessible by using the Franklin Street Entrance and using the lot below the Interstate. When facing the Train Station from the Franklin Street Entrance, make a right and park towards the Clock Tower end. When facing the building from the parking lot, the entrance door to the Richmond Department of Economic Development is located on the right of the building.)

WHO Members of the Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force

CONTACT For more information, please contact Marianne Pitts, at 804.646.5935;
or marianne.pitts at richmondgov.com.

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Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

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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.

Holiday Recycling

It’s the holiday season. The time when we create more throw away material than at any other time of the year. But just because we create it all doesn’t mean we have to throw it all away. With your local curbside or drop off program and other recycling resources, you can make the holiday season the season of recycling. You can recycle gift boxes, Christmas trees, wrapping paper, cards, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers, and more!

http://www.holidayrecycling.com/

Renegade Market will be 59 degrees and Welcoming!

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From email announcement:

Should be a nice day…
Hope you’re planning to come on by. 3pm to 6pm.

Wanna Stock up on Stocking Stuffers?
December 18 is the Renegade Market’s Holiday Market!
Be here, get hot drinks,
find warm gifts and good peeps.
May winter shine upon ya.

Thanks to Everyone!
who attended this year’s Spaghetti Dinner at Perly’s and to the WBCH associate board and staff who made it happen. special thanks to Perly’s for being THE joint for THIS happening annually for the last 6 years.

ByrdHouseMarket.blogspot.com
Visit our blog for more info on the market, WBCH programs, Eat Good to Grow Great recipes and so much more.

Bees Up Your Alley?
See the Beehive Grant Fund information (Click to open PDF)! You could get money (or reimbursement for funds spent) to start a beehive in your backyard, neighborhood, school, community garden, park… check it out. Remarkable!

_____________________

Ana Edwards, Manager
Byrd House Market & Library Programs
Grace Arents Library & Education Center
William Byrd Community House
www.wbch.org / 804.643.2717 ext.306

Pancake Exam BREAKfast Monday Morning

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From the flyer:

 

Need a break from studying for exams?
Join us for the
Pancake Exam
BREAKfast
Who: College Students living in the Oregon Hill Neighborhood
What: FREE Pancakes with toppings
Where: Pine Street Baptist Church (400 S. Pine Street) Come to side door on Albemarle St.
When: December 10th • 9:00-11:00 PM
Why: Because Pine Street Church cares about our neighborhood students!
www.pinestbaptist.com

Mamma Zu Grub

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Food blogger “grub like a girl” recently posted a review of Oregon Hill’s Mamma Zu restaurant.

Excerpts:

Forget “have it your way” hospitality, Mamma Zu has customers playing their way; of course, this can make pretentious diners feel powerless, making for one interesting customer service experience. For me, I prefer the raw un-fluffy service and ambiance centered around good food, not fancy font menus or hand stitched table linens. If you’re open to mediocre service, no ass-kissing, and food that’ll make you melt with delight, this is your place.
…
Mamma Zu isn’t one of Richmond’s top restaurant for nothing, this place is an experience and the food is exceptional. For me, it solidifies the ongoing admiration I have for local eateries and the servers, cooks, and team that delivers authentic deserving food.