Filmed in Oregon Hill by Wes Parker.
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Monroe Park Conservancy In The Red
While citizens have been warning about mismanagement for years, the accounting on Monroe Park is becoming more stark.
Yesterday the Richmond Free Press published an article on the situation, “IRS filing shows Monroe Park Conservancy running deficit”.
The report for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2019, shows the conservancy received $238,264 in revenue primarily from grants, but expenses ran $503,000, leaving the group swimming in red ink.
The group, established in 2014 to be self-supporting and awarded a 30-year lease to manage the city’s oldest park, also reported a significant drop in its total assets, leaving it with virtually no cash or monetary backup to support its work, according to the report.
Readers are left to wonder about the latest 12-month period. The article does not mention that the Sierra Club, the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, and many citizens have already called for the ouster of Alice McGuire Massie, the president and executive director of the Monroe Park Conservancy and the termination of the private Conservancy’s lease on the public park. The article also fails to mention that 2nd District Councilperson and mayoral candidate Kim Gray sits on the Conservancy’s board.
Mayoral candidate Justin Griffin has said that “An audit of the Monroe Park situation is one of the first things I will do. This project is a prime example of the mismanagement and waste we have here in Richmond.”
OHNA President Responds To July 3 Gunfire Incident
From Todd Woodson, President of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (Editor’s note: address and some names redacted for security reasons):
Dear Friends
I know there is a lot of very serious concern regarding this situation. Here is official response so far:
The owner of record for (redacted street number) Albemarle St is (redacted) of Arlington,Va. He bought the property in 2018. (redacted) is the property manager. Apparently a new tenant, after having the party Friday with gunfire breaking out, had another party Saturday night.
I spoke to property manager yesterday and at that time, she was taking no responsibility even though she has been renting this house by the room, which constitutes an illegal boarding house. I filed a 311 complaint yesterday with zoning enforcement and left a message with the Zoning director today. Our neighbors in Randolph have gone through this and all the associated problems and got it shut down. Property manager’s ad proved she was renting by the room.
Although we are all extremely disappointed with the initial police response at the crime scene, I have spoken with 4th precinct Captain Minton and the issue is now being investigated by the RPD Major Crimes Detail. At such a point as we can draw conclusions, we will meet with police and find out how to get better police response in the future.
Our councilperson has spoken with Ms as well.
We are blessed that no one was hurt. I ask that you be vigilant on this house and other problem party houses. Please call 911 if you suspect a problem party, especially after the 11pm noise ordinance.
This situation really underscores the need for Oregon Hill to be designated as Medium Density- residential, which coincides with our predominant R7 zoning. The Richmond 300 plan lists us as Mixed Use which would allow buildings over 4 stories on each corner. Imagine developers demolishing houses and putting up an 805 Cary style apartment complex on each block. It is a disaster and Councilperson Lynch must be prepared to stand up for us and vote against it if not modified.
Stay Well!
Todd.
Gunfire In Neighborhood Last Night
Neighbors were awoken about 2:15 am Friday night/Saturday morning by at least 16 shots, some of them in rapid succession. Although accounts are not quite clear, it sounds like they may have stemmed from an argument/altercation around Laurel and Albemarle. Witnesses saw guns fire from speeding cars that went down Laurel and up Pine.
This morning, some neighbors found fresh bullet holes in their walls and plan to inspect their roofs. Others are gathering security camera footage and figuring out car makes/models to give to police.
Have You Seen This Bike?
One of our 300 block Laurel Street neighbors had this bicycle stolen recently and she misses it greatly.
“a bit of good news”
From Cherry Street neighbor and Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association President Todd Woodson:
Dear Friends
Heres a bit of good news i’d like to share. OHNA is a successful applicant for the Love Your Block mini grant program for $259.50. The premise of our application was to buy seeds for plants that are beneficial to pollinators, butterflies and birds. With seeds purchased with the grants, we would also like to make a special presentation to neighbors and others on proper planting and maintenance techniques, all aimed at beautifying Oregon Hill and helping our important pollinators.
As this will buy a substantial amount of quality diverse seed, I would like to cordially invite our friends at Open High and St Andrews School to participate. I know you have the resources you need to educate students on this but id love to offer you seeds and any other assistance you may need. If there is surplus seeds, we can branch out to other neighborhoods.
I’d also like to include in the information sessions details and alternatives to commercial herbicides.
Have a great day!
Todd.
Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow
This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup. Please go over what can be recycled. 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, there is still a lot of failure. None of the 50 companies evaluated by shareholder advocacy group As You Sow earned higher than a B- on recycling, reusability or compostability goals, while long term concerns are mounting with heightened attention around “forever chemicals” at landfills and other facilities.
“L’O Unplugged”
Neighborhood restaurant L’Opossum at China and Pine streets, is starting a new program in response to the pandemic. The French & Southern-infused (James Beard-nominated!) spot rolled out their to-go menu, “L’O Unplugged”, which offers take-and-bake versions of the restaurant’s most popular dishes (and some new ones), available for carryout Thursday through Saturday. All orders must be placed 24 hours prior to pick-up. They are not accepting gift cards for online orders but look forward to honoring them once their dining room reopens.
Vehicle Break-In And Gunfire This Morning On Holly Street
A Holly Street neighbor reported that around 6:30 this morning, 4 Black males were spotted breaking into a vehicle on the 800 block of Holly street. When confronted, they fired a gun while running off/ driving off. Police responded. If anyone has any information, please contact police.
In-Person Graduation Recognition For Open High This Morning
Starts at 10 am and the weather has been planned beautifully…
From the Facebook event page:
Our in-person, socially-distanced ceremony to recognize the Class of 2020! Wear your cap, gown, and facial mask. No more than 3 people per car, and no more than 1 car per graduate. Receive your diploma and have your picture taken! Meet in the OHS Parking Lot according to schedule emailed earlier. Decorate cars for a parade down S. Laurel to Overlook. Exit on S. Pine St.
From OregonHill.net to all Open High grads, CONGRATULATIONS!!!