The Spigot Is Turning…

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I am very glad to hear from Richmond Water Utility officials that, according to initial estimates, VCU will pay for 2,356 ERUs resulting in an annual stormwater utility charge of approximately $106,000. I am told this involves 185 parcels. This is a lot better than nothing, which is what I was initially lead to believe and I do appreciate their willingness to answer questions. Now, how does this compare to average annual residential charge of $45? And what is VCU doing to actually solve its stormwater runoff issues? More scrutiny is not a bad thing.

In the meantime, a few more notes:

The stormwater utility issue is refocusing attention to the water rates issue. Silver, as usual, is doing a lion’s share.

Its great to see more neighbors using rainwater barrels, some of them bought at the Byrd Market. It’s also good to see the City getting with the program…

I would love to see Richmond establish a ‘Green Alley’ program like Chicago’s (not to be confused with Oregon Hill’s Green Alley)

Now, what about micro-hydroelectric and grey water systems?

Two Tuesday Meetings

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This Tuesday evening there are two meetings of note (actually, I am sure there are more than that, but two are what my brain is currently handling).

One is a national health care policy symposium held on the VCU academic campus. Unlike some earlier meetings on health care, this one will actually include more view points than just ‘the public option’ one that the Obama administration is pushing. Its being held by a group called United Virginia.
Please click here for more information.

The second one is for the City’s Fifth ‘Central’ District, hosted by City Councilperson Marty Jewell. It is from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Southside Comunity Services Center (4100 Hull Street). On the agenda are presentation on the new stormwater utility, crime report, traffic calming issues, and more.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Blogger Tour

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This morning I joined some other community bloggers on a tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. I have mentioned before the Grace Arents- Ginter connection. Anyway, as the pictures below attest, it was pretty fun. Please keep the Lewis Ginter in mind for future excursions- they have an urban farming forum coming up on August 4th. Thanks to Jonah for the tour!

This first picture is of Jonah leading tour. It is in front of a “demonstration garden” for a much larger planting that is designed to produce 10,000 pounds of veggies for the Richmond Food Bank. (It’s easy to volunteer to help with this effort!)
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Food blogger ('Carmalized Opinions')/activist Jason Guard and his kid Jasper in the butterfly exhibit.

Food blogger ('Carmalized Opinions')/activist Jason Guard and his kid Jasper in the butterfly exhibit.


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I didn't think this kid was going to eat the butterfly, but better safe than sorry.

Silver on Water Rates: 1st District Gets Special Treatment?

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Oregon Hill resident Silver Persinger continues to cover AND challenge City Council. This time he takes on a topic dear to other Oregon Hill residents- water rates!

I spoke in opposition to ordinances 2009-113 and 2009-114 which exempt 836 residential water customers [ most who live in the “affluent first district,” Mr. Tyler’s district ] from higher water rates for having water meters larger than 5/8 inch.

DPU conducted a survey of over 200 of the 836 households and found that they all had appropriate sized meters for the type and number of water fixtures used by the customer. 93% of the 836 households [ 777 ] would have had to pay less than $20 a month additionally on their monthly water bill.