Dominion Plans Hydroelectric For James River Park

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Scott

With mountaintop removal and new nuclear and coal burning plants under a lot of environmental scrutiny, Dominion Power has decided to turn to a more ‘renewable’ resource’, namely, the James River.

Today the company leadership said that the State Corporation Commission has given its permission for an emergency contingency plan to dam the river just above the falls and install hydro-electric turbines near Dominion’s corporate headquarters and trading floor on Tredegar Street. While Dominion has hydroelectric plants in other parts of the country, this James River plan is expected to create huge controversy.

This development comes at a crucial time for Dominion Power. It has already asked the SCC for a residential rate increase. At the same time, it is trying to retool with smart grid technology.

Locally, the City of Richmond’s James River Park manager exploded upon hearing the news about the proposed dam. No comment, just exploded. Local environmental activists tried to explain what this meant for the James River eco-system, but most, like the park manager, were just stunned speechless.

When a Dominion Power official was asked about a possible conflict with the City’s new James RIver Park Easement, he reportedly echoed former President G.W. Bush, by muttering through his clenched teeth that “its just a goddamned piece of paper”. He then recovered his composure to say,

“People need to understand, more and more energy is being used by Virginians and we need to find new ways to meet that need”.

Gravitron Mysteriously Appears In Holly Street Playground

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Scott

Early this morning Cherry and Holly street residents awoke to a clanking and odd spinning sound. A Gravitron carnival ride had somehow been installed in Holly Street Playground. While some citizens were delighted with new entertainment, others were horrified that the park had once again been made unfriendly for toddlers. Rumors quickly flew about where the machine had come from. Some said it was a centerpiece for upcoming Slaughterama festivities, while others said it was procured by Councilperson Marty Jewell’s office as part of a new economic stimulus/tourism/youth package. Others were convinced some weird mix-up had been made with Holly Street Playground in Richmond, British Columbia. Parks and Rec personnel did not know anything about it, but immediately began cost analyzing disposable biodegradable vomit bags. Some brave Open High teenagers and homeless people started the ride up in order to enjoy weightlessness. Laurel Street resident Tommy Birchett quickly discovered and climbed into the ride’s DJ booth so he could play some music for a growing crowd.

I Am The Sun King

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Scott

And I can do anything…

Before you question how much these solar panels cost (a lot, but I am hoping to get tax rebate), or how long it will take to recoup that cost (less long, given recent news), I would like to pose some questions of my own:

-When will Open High, with its beautiful large windows and great roof go solar?
-Will Dominion Power finally put solar panels on its Enron-style trading floor (the building was designed with sloping roof for panels) on the riverfront?
-Will we eventually see third-party solar financing in Virginia?

Certainly not everyone has the roof exposure or resources to harness the world’s greatest power source, but everyone can make efforts to conserve more energy, and as King, I am ready to ask for more effort from my subjects. This past year I have ordered more food self-sustainability and clotheslines. I will not allow Oregon Hill to fall behind Ireland, Israel, Germany, Spain, Hawaii, and other places in terms of energy efficiency and independence.

TD Reports That School Board Rep Carr To Run For Hall’s Delegate Seat

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Scott

From the Times Dispatch:

A member of Richmond School Board is the first to declare for the House of Delegates seat of retiring Democrat Franklin P. Hall.

Betsy Carr, a school trustee since 2006, is outreach director of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a parish located just outside Capitol Square.

Hall announced Friday that he is quitting the House after 34 years to become one of three commissioners who oversee the state’s liquor monopoly.

The 69th House District has a black majority and is anchored in South Richmond.

Note: Oregon Hill is in the 71st District, represented by Jennifer McClellan.

Support Trees For Monroe Park

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Scott

Did you know that during its period of “historic significance” in 1904, Monroe Park boasted 362 trees of 26 species? Today, the Park has only 155 trees of 23 species- less than half of what they had back then. The Monroe Park Masterplan calls for replanting treestock to replace many trees both on the sidewalk perimeter (which will become brick sidewalk) as well as the Park’s interior. Trees benefit us all by shading us from the heat, filtering pollutants from the air and decreasing stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater. It has been said that “the best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago”. While documents are being prepared for the infrastructure needs of the Park, the replanting of new trees in construction safe areas should begin NOW. The cost TO THE CITY is relatively low and the sooner we plant, the sooner we can enjoy the benefits. We need to get the message out that TREE REPLANTING AND MAINTENANCE is of major importance to the lovers of Monroe Park. SO I ASK THIS FAVOR! Please take a minute now and email your SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS ON REPLANTING and MAINTAINING TREES in MONROE PARK to:

information@monroepark.com

and CC it to:

Rachel.Flynn@richmondgov.com

We have another month to plant this season and we can get a lot done next season but these people need to know how important an issue this is to you. It will take many years to recover the historic canopy IF WE START NOW. so thanks for showing your TREE love. Please pass it on and thanks again.

Todd Woodson.

Lost Dog “Jake”

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Scott

From Craigslist:

LOST chocolate lab named Jake. He went missing between 7 and 11 pm Sunday night. He has a gold name tag and newport news city tags on an orange collar. Please please please call 201 259 9934 immediately if found. We are so worried!

100 block of S. Cherry

Dominion Power Seeks To Increase Rates

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Scott

Nope, it’s not just water.

From the Times Dispatch:

With tens of millions of dollars likely at stake, the rate case has large implications for the company’s financial well-being, Virginia’s energy security and customers’ pocketbooks.

Rate cases establish the regulated utility’s allowable profit and are different from the annual adjustments for fuel costs, such as the 18 percent increase last summer.

The electric utility company will seek a “modest” rate increase, according to Thomas F. Farrell II, Dominion Resource Inc.’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Perhaps we will see more people partake in EarthHour next year.

Keep in mind, Oregon Hill desires better service already. Right now we have problems with under voltage on our lines. We better get what we pay for in the future.

One former Oregon Hill resident, Chris Maxwell, has made energy a recent topic on his WRIR radio show, Homespun C-Span.

Hot Tamales at WBCH!

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Scott

Learn how to make this famous Latin dish and learn some Spanish at the same time with Honduran native at the William Byrd Community House
Elicet Vonderlippe
Choose from any of these Saturdays
March 28, April 25, or May 23
Classes cost $10 which includes your tamales lunch.
Limited spaces available per class so
RSVP now by emailing librarian@wbch.org or calling (804) 643-2717.
Classes are taught in Spanish but non-Spanish speakers are very welcome!

Ukrops Monument 10K and Oregon Hill… and Traffic Again

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Scott

eager runners

The Ukrops Monument 10K was this morning. Its a fantastic, family-friendly, fitness event for the whole region. I know some Oregon Hill residents took part and I implore them to send some photos so I can post them here.

And I am really sorry to bring up a sore subject with such a great, happy event. But I need to…

Continue reading →

And Here We Go…Proposed City Budget Has Higher Water fees

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Scott

The Times Dispatch reports

In addition, residents would pay more for gas, water and waste-water disposal. Property owners would pay a new annual storm-water fee to fund utility projects.

No surprise here, we tried to warn our fellow citizens. I guess we can join SaveRichmond.com in saying, we told you so.

And we continue to ask: What will be VCU’s rate?

As usual, white elephant schemes distract from this and other important issues.